36 Family Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

Wave pools, splash pads, waterslides, and waterfalls—these resorts have them all!
Just casually mention “water park” and your otherwise glacially paced kids are dressed in their swimsuits, primped, and ready to race out the door. So why not channel their enthusiasm into a family vacation destination? From giant slides with trap doors to steamy outdoor hot springs, there’s something for every water lover at one of these amazing family resorts with water parks in the U.S. and beyond. Fair warning: you may not be able to get the kids to leave.
West Coast Family Resorts with Epic Water Parks




Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch | Scottsdale, AZ



Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch | Scottsdale, AZ


Guests can enjoy the many recreational amenities this desert oasis has to offer including a 2.5-acre water extravaganza complete with 10 pools including a sand beach, 30-foot 3-story high-speed waterslide, poolside cabanas, and H2Oasis. If that is not enough, guests can play a game of water volleyball or basketball or relax in the Grecian-style water temple—a jetted tub that accommodates 25 people—surrounded by four plunge pools.  Online : hyatt.com






Terranea Resort | Rancho Palos Verde, CA



Terranea Resort


There's so much to love about this gorgeous property on the Palos Verdes Penninsula and one of our favorite amenities is the heated pool. And not just a smidge over the outside air temperature. Legit, heated to 80-degree pools (and handy glass-wall windbreakers). But that’s not all. There is a 140-foot waterslide at the pool and a splash pad for little ones. And hot tubs. And cabanas you can rent! And lawn games like ping pong, Connect Four, and foosball! The list goes on and on.  Online : terranea.com Related: Terranea Resort — LA’s Best-Kept (Luxurious) Secret


Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa | Rancho Mirage, CA












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This Palm Springs resort is known for its world-class spa, but with 240 acres to wander, you’ll soon find the grounds feature a whole lot more. There are three pools including Splashtopia—a two-acre water playground that includes a lazy river, two giant water slides, a cliff-side Jacuzzi, a sandy beach, and a splash pad full of fountains and sprinklers. The resort also features a 27-hole golf course and five different restaurants so you really don’t need to leave. Online: omnihotels.com






Hyatt Regency Newport Beach | Newport Beach, CA



Hyatt Newport Beach


With three pools, two spas, a splash pad, a waterslide, shuffleboard, ping-pong, and a giant chess board, you won’t want to leave the pool area once you check in. Guess what? You don’t really have to: there’s a poolside restaurant, too. The pool stays open until 10 p.m. which means you’ve got plenty of time to stay soaked. And did we mention this place offers day passes ? So, if you happen to be just passing through... Online: newportbeach.regency.hyatt


Hyatt Regency Indian Wells | Indian Wells, CA












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In Indian Wells, the highly anticipated waterpark opening at the   Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, now offers guests a 450-ft. lazy river, dueling waterslides, and seven expansive new swimming pools. The four-star resort, set against the backdrop of palm trees and scenic mountain views, now features outdoor fun, under 300 days of sunshine for all the family at the waterpark including HyTides Plunge Waterpark, Desert Twist Lazy River, and a family splash area with interactive water features and a smaller slide for young children.  Online : hyatt.com Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Palm Springs with Kids


Arizona Grand Resort & Spa | Phoenix, AZ












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Your kids will probably spend most of the day trying to duck, dodge and ride the waves at the Oasis Water Park’s wave pool, but we think the eight-story-tall tower water slides are more your speed. Or would lounging side by side down the rolling Zuni River be your trip? Either way, families will find plenty of ways to get and stay wet in the sunshine at the Arizona Grand. Even the tots can get in on the action with their very own splash pad, Wild Cat Springs. Add in a poolside cabana, so the kids stay shaded, and everyone knows where to meet for lunch, and you’ve got an easy summer vaycay planned.   Online: arizonagrandresort.com/#oasis-water-park


Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | Phoenix, AZ












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Take refuge from the desert heat at the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. The hotel offers seven sparkling pools, including a reimagined Paradise Pool with the new 65-foot triple “The Twist” water slide and fun children’s splash pad, as well as 15 luxury, air-conditioned private cabanas. The resort offers daily family yoga, lawn games, live music, and more.  Online : arizonabiltmore.com






Suncadia Resort | Cle Elum, WA



Allison Sutcliffe


The secret is out for Pacific Northwest families' favorite resort: Suncadia. Their indoor pool boasts two, two-story-high water slides so rain or shine, the fun is on! The outdoor pool’s backdrop is hard to beat: mountain views and poolside activities including arts and crafts and snacks from the resort’s own food truck. For water play of a different kind, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to try out on the on-site alpine lake. It’s perfect for kids and newbies thanks to the calm waters. You’ll also find adventure packages, outdoor hikes, evening s’mores, and much more. Click here to read our family guide to all they offer. Online : suncadiaresort.com






Glenwood Hot Springs Resort | Glenwood, CO



Glenwood Resort


For something a little different, check into the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Located between Aspen and Vail, Colorado, people have been flocking to this hot spot since 1888 to soak in the fifteen mineral springs and take in the view of the surrounding mountains. Home to the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool, you’ll find the pool open year-round and into the night so you can soak under the stars. There’s also a kiddie pool and two waterslides, a poolside grill, a renowned spa, and comfy rooms, although day passes are an option if you just want to head into the pool. Online: hotspringspool.com






Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa | Maui, HI



Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa


Guests staying at Hyatt Regency Maui can embrace the stunning location and enjoy the resort’s six free-form pool areas with waterfalls, all surrounded by lush tropical plants at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The resort’s water oasis includes a 150' lava tube waterslide, a whirlpool, a rope bridge, and an interactive children’s pool.  Online : hyatt.com






The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa | Koloa, HI



Erin Lem


It’s not surprising that this resort in Kauai made the list: lush gardens and hidden grottos are abundant in this 50-acre beachfront property. There’s a 150-ft water slide, a salt-water lagoon (that is shark and riptide free), and a lazy river that you will probably never want to leave. If you ever do manage to get the fam out of the water, there’s no shortage of activities including hula lessons, lei making, twilight ocean-view yoga, a kid’s club, a massive spa, and more.  Online: kauai.grand.hyatt.com


Midwest Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features




Kalahari Resorts | Multiple U.S. Locations



Kalahari Resorts & Conventions


Whether you live in the Midwest or traveling there is on your summer adventure list, staying at a Kalahari Resort (in the Wisconsin Dells; Sandusky, Ohio, or Pocono Mountains) makes it worth the trip! Each resort is African Safari themed, and in addition to eye-popping water features like Crocodile Cove’s water walk or the trap door that leads riders down the Extreme Rush water slide, there’s too much additional fun to be had. We’re talking escape rooms, virtual reality experiences, and traditional kid-tastic sports like bowling and mini golf. So whether your crew wants to don their swim gear and find adventure poolside or towel off and thunder through the resort, they’ll stay busy all week long. Online : kalahariresorts.com






Wilderness Resort | Wisconsin Dells, WI



Wilderness Resort


With four indoor and just as many outdoor water parks, you need a whole week to pack it all in at the Wilderness Resort. The only question is where to start? If adventure is what the kids are looking for, try Klondike Kavern where thrill slides like the Hurricane and Mine Shaft Drop will get their adrenaline pumping. For baby beach bums and their parents, the country’s largest indoor wave pool, Wild WaterDome is the place to plant your beach towel. And everyone in the fam will find ways to get wet at Cubby’s Cove and the Wild West water parks that combine sports, rides and typical splash pad fun for the whole fam. Don't forget the tube slides, body slides and banana slides at Lake Wilderness and the five story Lunar Loop at Lost World , which are both outdoors. Swim, splash, repeat is the way vacation rolls here! Psst … Don’t forget to check out some of the area’s other cool attractions, like unbelievable water slides . Online: wildernessresort.com


Southern Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features




Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville, TN



Gaylord Opryland Resort


An exciting water experience awaits at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Music City. SoundWaves offers four acres of combined indoor and outdoor attractions and activities, so you can go from inside to outside and back again all day long. In addition to 11 water slides for all ages, indoor surfing, and an activity pool with rock climbing and basketball, there are rapid and lazy rivers depending on your mood. There's live music from country, pop, and classic rock artists too. Every. Single. Day. Online: marriott.com Related: An Insider’s Guide to Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & SoundWaves






Hilton Anatole | Dallas. TX



Hilton


After spending a day exploring Dallas Museum of Art or the Perot Museum of Nature & Science, head back to Hilton Anatole , an expansive urban resort located in the vibrant Design District. Hilton Anatole features the JadeWaters resort pool complex with two 180-foot water slides, a lazy river, a 23-seat swim-up bar, private cabanas, a kids' splash zone, and family-friendly activities. Online : hilton.com






Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort | New Braunfels, TX



Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts


Situated in the heart of Texas, Schlitterbahn’s New Braunfels location (the original!) sits on the banks of the Comal River, and now has over 51 attractions on 70 acres that include the original section’s famous black tubes (powered by the Comal’s current), as well as the Boogie Bahn and Sky Coaster, thrill rides guests can find in the Blastenhoff and Surfenburg sections. But you don’t have to be a daredevil to have fun here. The pace is just right for pint-sized pool goers too when you hit Kinderhaven , with its soft play structures and gentle waves or Han’s Hideout that turn your neighborhood spray park into a five-story funhouse experience.  Online:   schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels Related: Water Park Thrills Meet Nostalgic Fun in Texas Hill Country






JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX



JW Marriott


If everything’s bigger in Texas, this resort is no exception, and we promise you won’t mind that one bit. Not only will you find a 36-hole golf course and an adults-only infinity pool, but you can also go wild with the kiddos at the on-site nine-acre water park that includes an 1100-foot long lazy river, water slides, a 650-foot rapid river ride, a children’s pool with toddler-sized slides, fountains, and splashy fun, a beach-entry swimming pool which includes a sandy spot to build sandcastles and play. When you’re tired out from playing all day, fill up on some Texas BBQ and make s’mores at the fire pit before passing out in your deluxe room and then waking up to do it all over again. Online: marriott.com


Lakeway Resort & Spa | Austin, TX












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This family-friendly and picturesque summer oasis is the only property nestled on the banks of Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country. The kids-only pool , home to the Adventure Water Slide and splash pad, is the perfect spot for kids to cool off and splash around with friends prior to grabbing a poolside bite from the  Sunset Pool Grill & Bar  kids’ menu. The entire family can also enjoy the Courtyard Family Pool, complete with a volleyball court ideal for some healthy sibling competition. Online : lakewayresortandspa.com






Grande Cayman Resort | Myrtle Beach, SC



Grande Cayman Resort


F ormerly named Long Bay Resort, the oceanfront  Grande Cayman Resort  located on the north end of Myrtle Beach was totally renovated in 2020. Because of its location, it has a much less crowded and wider beach than most hotels on the Grand Strand, yet still just a short drive away from the iconic attractions. With over 10 pools, an arcade, and 4 on-site restaurants and bars (including a tiki hut), there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy at the Grande Cayman Resort. Accommodations offered include 1-3 bedroom condos. Squeals of laughter can be heard from the Silly Sub Water Park , as buckets randomly splash water onto tiny heads, a serpent hisses an endless spray to the enchantment of the young ones, and they can twist and turn down the three-story water slide. Climbing in and out of the submarine will provide hours of amusement for the children, as parents can choose to bask in the sun or recline from the shade while watching kids play. Online : grandecaymanresort.com






Orlando World Center Marriott




Voted one of the "World's Coolest Hotel Pools" by Forbes, you may have a hard time peeling yourself away from it long enough to enjoy the 575-foot lazy river, private cabanas and daybeds, and all the other poolside fun the Orlando World Center Marriott has to offer.  The kid-friendly resort features a dedicated Kids' Splash Zone with fun aquatic pieces and a slide sized just for them. If there are any thrill seekers in your family (adults and kids who are at least 48” tall barefoot), you can enjoy 6 unique waterslides that range from "that was fun!" to "OH MY!"  But the water features aren't the only thing that makes the World Center Marriott great for families. The first floor of the hotel houses an arcade, a Starbucks, a cafe-style restaurant, and plenty of shopping to keep everyone happy. The second-floor lobby has several amazing restaurants to choose from, including a breakfast spot where adults can enjoy an incredible buffet and kids can enjoy all the donuts they can eat presented on the coolest "donut tree" you've ever seen.  Online: Orlando World Center Marriott


TradeWinds Island Resorts | St. Pete, FL












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You want something beachy, but they never want to get out of the pool. TradeWinds Island Resorts, located on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico side, is calling your name. The property is actually 25 acres, with two resorts connected by the fine white sand of St. Pete Beach. Not only do you get pools with sweet features like Dive-In Movie Nights and a smaller pool just for smaller kids, but you’ll also have a chance to take on the High Tide Slide: a three-story inflatable waterslide. There’s an entire floating water park, too, with floating trampolines and climbing structures, a jungle gym, splash mats, runways, balance beams, and even floating cabanas for the parents to chill while the kids are all thrill. And if you happen to tire of this, you’ll find paddle boarding, diving, kayaking, pirate play, and more. Online: tradewindsresort.com


Northeast Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features




The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Monticello, New York



The Kartrite Resort


An easy drive from several major cities in the Northeast and minutes from the ski slopes, this indoor water park offers non-stop fun come rain, shine, or snow. The water park is covered by a transparent roof for year-round tanning, and the temperature stays at a balmy 84 degrees, so it feels more like the Caribbean than the Catskills. After you've zoomed down the Krakken or Nor'Easter, sit back, relax, and enjoy a ride along the lazy river. There's also a FlowRider surf simulator, toddler-friendly pools, several hot tubs, and a spa. If your crew has got any energy left, there are plenty of other exciting entertainment options at the Kartrite Resort including an arcade, bowling alley, and ropes course. Online: thekartrite.com






Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark | Tannersville, PA



Camelback Resort


There’s a reason why Camelback Resort made our list of best water parks in America —it’s built for families who love to play! Because its two water parks, plus a whole lot more, will guarantee your kids go to bed worn out each and every day you stay. With 52 water slides, 12 pools, and two flow riders, they can enjoy water play all day long indoors (or out when the sun is shining). Then if they need a break from the water, simply book time on the zip lines, aerial obstacle course, or pottery painting studio. If that's not exciting enough, head to the Arcadia Arcade, which has an escape room and 7D sensory immersive ride. And did we mention this resort offers year-round indoor/outdoor activity? So if you want to add skiing, snowboarding, and tubing to your water-drenched adventures, think winter vaycay spot. Online : camelbackresort.com






Great Wolf Lodge | Multiple U.S. Locations



Great Wolf Lodge


From wild rides like the Howlin’ Tornado and the epic Coyote Cannon water slide to toddler splash zones and lazy rivers, the Great Wolf Lodge offers something for everyone at their indoor water park. With over a dozen locations throughout the country including Boston, Atlanta, Kansas City, Wisconsin Dells, Colorado Springs, and Anaheim, the chances are there’s one driving distance from you. The resorts offer themed rooms like Wolf Dens and Kid’s Cabin Suites featuring