A Splash And Slide Guide To The Best Water Parks In Florida

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When it comes to a water park adventure, Florida has a lot to offer. There are so many parks to choose from in the Sunshine State with unique attractions like wild slides, lazy rivers, and so much more.

In this article, we’ll go through some of the best water parks in Florida, from local places with smaller slides and rides to big names like Disney and SeaWorld. No matter your budget or taste, there’s sure to be a water park in Florida for you!

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

1145 E Buena Vista Drive, Orlando

Disney is known for its theme parks, so it stands to reason that its water parks are also as well-designed and extravagant. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon does not disappoint – it features several water slides, a rollercoaster, and more. You can even surf in the lagoon’s massive wave pool, which is the biggest in North America!

Typhoon Lagoon was one of the most-visited water parks in the US last year. It’s a popular destination in Orlando, so be sure to plan your visit according to the website’s safety protocols.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is open every day from 10 AM – 7 PM.

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Volcano Bay

6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando

There is something for everyone at Universal Studios’ Volcano Bay water park – even the kids! They’ll enjoy the water cannons and smaller slides. You can even rent life vests for the little ones to keep them safe.

If you are more of an adventure junkie, ride on the coaster through Mt. Krakatau (the giant volcano that dominates the scenery) or go on one of over a dozen water slides. Alternatively, you can simply sit back and relax on Waturi beach. Universal’s Volcano Bay is the kind of water park you can spend the whole day splashing around.

If you are part of a big group, make sure to book your own cabana for an unforgettable experience. There are also a ton of food options, like the pizza at Whakawaiwai Eats and the rainbow ice cream at Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona.

Universal’s Volcano Bay is open every day from 10 AM – 7 PM.

Aquatica

5800 Water Play Way, Orlando

Aquatica has just opened a new kind of water slide where you can slide through underwater habitats and see dolphins, sharks, and all sorts of marine life. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you shouldn’t miss! Aquatica is also home to Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, the longest free-fall slide of its kind in Orlando.

If you’re looking for good eats, don’t worry there are many choices for grub! You can grab a panini at Kura’s Beachside Panini or pizza from Walkabout Pizza.

Park hours are subject to change. Check the website for updated hours.

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Discovery Cove

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando

Unlike the other water parks on this list, Discovery cove doesn’t have any rides or slides. It’s more of a wildlife park than a water slide park.

If you are a nature lover though, Discovery Cove is the place for you. This is not your regular water park – the sister park of SeaWorld, it offers up-close animal encounters that you can’t get anywhere else. You can swim with dolphins, snorkel with real tropical fish and rays on a man-made reef, or watch otters in the freshwater oasis.

Discovery Cove limits the number of visitors that come to the park, so it’s a good idea to reserve ahead of time. Check the website for the schedules for the animal encounters.

Discovery Cove is open every day from 9 AM – 5 PM.

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

12201 Hutchison Boulevard, Panama City Beach

Shipwreck Island Waterpark is an excellent regional water park with slides, rapids, zip lines, and a kiddie area. There are a variety of slides, ranging from free-fall speed slides to twisted slides. The scenic and relaxing lazy river is also a major highlight.

Shipwreck Island Waterpark is open on weekends from 10:30 AM – 5 PM.

Venetian Pool

2701 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables

The Venetian Pool was built around a rock quarry and opened in 1923. Designed in the Mediterranean style, the park is spring-fed and refilled daily.

If slides and rides are too much for you, then the Venetian Pool might be the place for you! While there are no thrilling roller coasters or twisted water slides, you can explore its picturesque waterfalls and grottoes.

The Venetian Pool is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 11 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM – 4:30 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM – 4:30 PM. It’s closed on Mondays.

Rapids Water Park

6566 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach

Do you love the rush of waterslides? Boasting over 40 different waterslides, Rapids Water Park is a regional waterpark that will cater to every slide-lover. From the adrenaline-pumping seven-story speed slides to the smaller slides for children and toddlers, there’s something for everyone here.

Check out Big Thunder, a raft ride that will take you over 20 miles per hour through a funnel. Or, race your friends through the Rapids Racer, where you ride head first down a six-lane speed slide to see who can go the fastest!

Rapids Water Park is open from 10 AM – 7 PM every day.

Big Kahuna’s

1007 US-98, Destin

Big Kahuna’s Destin is the biggest water park on the Emerald Coast. Have fun in the wave pool when you’re feeling adventurous or drift down the lazy river when you want to relax and cool off. If you are feeling extra daring, there is a special racing slide that will have you careening down the length of a football field at crazy speeds.

If you have had too much pool time, you also have the option of kicking back and playing mini golf!

Hours change week to week so check out the website for more information.

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Splash Harbour

399 2nd St, Indian Rocks Beach

Splash Harbour is perfect for groups with kids of all ages. There are two big slides and a lazy river, as well as several pools. Little kids can play in the splash zone and explore Iguana falls.

You have lots of food options, such as a snack bar, restaurant, and even a cocktail bar. Have a rum cocktail and sun yourself on the extra large sundeck!

Hours are subject to change. Check the website for updated information.

Sun Splash Family Water Park

400 W Lake Kennedy Drive, Cape Coral

Sun Splash Family Water Park is an affordable way to spend the day in the pool. It features slides, a lazy river, and even a play place for younger visitors. Access exciting slides and fun attractions – all for the low price of $25.

Hours are subject to change. Before you visit, be sure to check the website for updated information.

Buccaneer Bay

6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill

Buccaneer Bay is a local water park in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Visitors can slide into spring-fed crystal clear water, or relax on the natural river that flows through the property. If you have little kids, there is a smaller wading pool for them to enjoy.

When you need refreshments, check out one of Buccaneer Bay’s concession stands or the seasonal restaurant.

This park is open from 9 AM – 5 PM every day. Take note that some attractions are closed on weekdays.

Adventure Island

10001 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then Adventure Island might be more your style. With the Solar Vortex, America’s first-ever dual tailspin water slide, this park is obviously designed for adventurous slide-lovers.

If you are not a fan of slides, paddle around in the wave pool or go on the Rambling Bayou, a half-mile lazy river trip that will take you through waterfalls and lush tropical forest scapes.

Park hours are subject to change. Check the website for more details.

Final Thoughts

Looking to cool off this summer? No matter how you plan to spend your vacation, make sure to carve out a day for splashing around in the water! Florida’s water parks are the perfect place to be – here, you can surf, paddle rapids, go on slides, or just kick back on the lazy river and let your worries float away.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

View All Post By Rachel Covello