There’s something about waterparks that just seems to scream summertime fun. And fortunately for people in Indiana, there are plenty of them scattered around the state!
Waterparks in Indiana are the perfect way to beat the heat and have a blast with family and friends. From massive wave pools to thrilling slides, there’s something for everyone at these aquatic playgrounds. Since Indiana is home to some of the best waterparks in the country, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day floating down a lazy river or an adrenaline-pumping experience careening down a waterslide, read this guide to waterparks in Indiana before your next visit!
Best Waterparks in Indiana
Are you ready to make a splash? Then check out our list of the best waterparks in Indiana. You’ll be sure to have a blast at any of these amazing places.
Atlantis Water Park, Clarksville
Clarksville’s Atlantis Water Park is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. The park features a wave pool, four slides, and a splash area for the little ones. The park tends to get quite busy on weekends, so we recommend visiting during the weekdays.
The four slides, known as Mount Olympus, are the main attraction at Atlantis Water Park. Once you are at the top, you can either take a slide down two tube slides or the open-air slides. Just remember though that the height requirement is 48” so smaller children won’t be able to go on these slides.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, you can lounge on one of the many sun decks or swim in the wave pool. There’s also a snack bar if you get hungry. Just keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty, so you’ll need to supervise your children at all times.
Big Splash Adventure, French Lick
Just a 5-minute walk away from the Indiana Railway Museum is the Big Splash Adventure Water Park, which is perfect for families with young children. This 40,000 square-foot waterpark has a retractable roof, so you can enjoy it in the sun or the shade.
From slides to a lazy river, there’s something for everyone at this waterpark. Little kids will love the Splish Splash pool with swings and the Shipwreck Slide. Meanwhile, teenagers and adults can choose from slides like Silverbeard’s Revenge or the Pirate’s Plunder.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even try Scallywag Scuttle, a slide with lots of twists and turns that will surely get your heart racing.
Day pass tickets must be purchased in advance, so be sure to do that before you go. Big Splash Adventure also has rooms and suites for groups considering an overnight stay.
Deep River Waterpark, Crown Point
An outdoor waterpark in Northwest Indiana, Deep River Waterpark is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sun and the water. This is the second-largest publicly-owned waterpark in the US that features a wave pool, lazy river, and slides.
One of the most popular attractions is The Dragon, a free-fall body slide that will take your breath away. With speeds up to 35 miles per hour, this will be a thrilling experience. If you’re not feeling so adventurous, you can float down the lazy river or take a dip in the wave pool.
There are also plenty of places to eat at Deep River Waterpark, so you won’t go hungry.
If you want to stay overnight, there are hotels and campgrounds close by. Some of these offer discounts and promos for Deep River Waterpark, so be sure to check them out beforehand.
Kennedy Water Park, South Bend
This small waterpark is geared towards children, particularly five-year-olds and younger. The Kennedy Water Park features a zero-entry pool and one slide.
Surrounding the waterpark is a playground, a walking path, and plenty of benches for parents to take a break. This is the perfect place to take your young children if they’re not ready for bigger waterparks yet. However, this is not the waterpark for those seeking to have an adventurous time since there’s only one slide and the pool is quite small.
Concession stands are available in the area if you get hungry, and there are also picnic tables where you can enjoy your food. Visitors are permitted to bring outside food.
Reservations can either be made in advance or upon arrival. We recommend making a reservation to ensure that you get a spot.
Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center, Kokomo
Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center is a municipally-owned waterpark that has been serving residents and visitors for several years.
This outdoor waterpark has all the amenities and attractions you would expect in a waterpark, from a lazy river to a water slide and splash pad for kids. There is also a competition-sized pool within the facility for people who want to do some laps and a bit of exercise.
It is also very affordable — a day pass costs only $5 for adults and $4 for children. Senior citizens also get a discount. If you want to keep going back, season passes are available at $60 for adults and $50 for children.
Outside food and beverages are prohibited inside the waterpark, but there are concession stands available if you get hungry.
Splash House, Marion
Boasting the “highest surf-able wave in Indiana,” Splash House is an outdoor waterpark that is ideal for those who love the beach but don’t want to travel too far.
This waterpark has a wide range of attractions, from a lazy river to slides and even a whirlpool. The main attraction is the brand-new wave pool that allows visitors to surf all day long. If you want to take a break from the water, there are cabana rentals available.
There are three water slides in Splash House with one that flushes down riders in a spiral. The other two have more twists and turns, great for those who are seeking an adrenaline rush.
The Children’s play area is also a great place for the little ones to have some fun. Sprayers, dumping buckets, and slides are available in this area.
Splash Park is just one hour away from Indianapolis — ideal for a day trip if you’re looking for some fun in the sun.
Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari are two great parks in one — a theme park and a waterpark.
The family-friendly theme park has a wide range of attractions, from roller coasters and a carousel to TIME Magazine’s pick for the #1 wooden roller coaster in the country.
However, if your goal is to soak up the sun and have a fun time in the water, then Splashin’ Safari is the place for you.
This outdoor waterpark has everything you could want, including the world’s first launched watercoaster, the Cheetah Chase. The Cheetah Chase has two ProSlide RocketBLAST®-powered racing slides that’ll allow you to race your friends and family.
If that’s not enough to get your adrenaline pumping, then perhaps the Mammoth Water Coaster, a seven-story high water slide, will do the trick.
There are also other waterslides and attractions available, such as the Wave Pool, and Safari Sam’s Splashland. If you are not in the mood for any of those, you can always stroll around the park and take in the scenery.
Splash Island, Plainfield
An indoor and outdoor waterpark, Splash Island is located in the heart of Plainfield and is open year-round.
Its tropical-themed setting will make you feel as if you’re on a beach vacation, even if you’re just a few hours away from home.
There are plenty of attractions available, including the Leisure River, a 900-foot-long lazy river-style pool that gently flows along a 12-foot wide path.
Two churning vortexes are also available if you want to add a bit of excitement to your experience. For those who are looking for more action, there are three slides that range from mild to wild.
The Guppy Tank, a kiddie pool area, is also available for the little ones. In this shallow water playground, they can enjoy spraying fountains, slides, and a dumping bucket.
Thunder Island, Westfield
Sitting on 16 acres of land, Thunder Island was opened in 1975 and was a popular destination for nearby residents. However, the waterpark is now abandoned, with grass and weeds growing in most areas.
The main attractions were the waterslides, which are taken over by nature, and swimming in weeds and overgrowth. The once-pristine pools are green and graffiti covers what nature hasn’t overtaken of the park.
Mini-golf and Go-Kart attractions once surrounded the waterpark, but they have already been removed. Despite its abandoned state, Thunder Island is still a popular spot for photographers and urban explorers.
Tropicanoe Cove, Lafayette
While Tropicanoe Cove is a bit small compared to other waterparks, it’s still worth a visit. The Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department manages this outdoor park, and locals love it.
Tropicanoe Cove has a 300-foot-long twisty tube slide and two thrilling plunge slides. Guests can also unwind in the lazy river for much-needed relaxation.
Aqua-Tots, a kiddie pool area with a spray ground and two slides, is also available for the little ones.
If you’re looking for some food, then you can head on over to the Cove Cafe where you can order snacks, pizzas, and salads.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Fremont
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is like a mini-vacation destination, offering much more than just a waterpark. In addition to the water slides and pools, there is also a campground where you can stay overnight, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
The Aqua Parks, an inflatable water obstacle course, is one of the main attractions. It has slides, swings, and jumping pillows that you can enjoy. Three giant waterslides are also available for a more thrilling experience.
For a soothing adventure, you can canoe and paddle boat on the lake. If you want to explore the area, then you can go to the nearby national and state parks to hike and bike.
Tips for Visiting Waterparks in Indiana
Indiana has a wide variety of waterparks, each offering unique attractions and amenities. So before you visit, it’s key to do your research and figure out which one is right for you.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip:
- Check the Weather Forecast in Advance: We don’t want to rain on your parade, but it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading to a waterpark. After all, there’s nothing worse than swimming in a pool that’s too cold or riding a slide that’s too hot. The sun or rain can also affect waterpark hours, so it’s always best to be prepared. Before you pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly. This will help you make the most of your time at the waterpark.
- Wear Water-Resistant Sunscreen: The sun can be intense, even when it’s behind clouds. It’s essential to wear sunscreen, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. But since waterparks are all about water, make sure to use a waterproof sunscreen. Otherwise, you’ll end up with streaks of white sunscreen all over your body — not a good look. Be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially if swimming or sweating excessively. And don’t forget to wear SPF lip balm to protect your lips. Having a sunburn can ruin your fun, so make sure to take the necessary precautions.
- Bring Your Own Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re spending a whole day at a waterpark. Unfortunately, bottled water can be pretty expensive inside waterparks. So our advice is to bring your own refillable water bottle. This will save you a lot of money in the long run, and you’ll be doing your part to reduce plastic waste. Waterparks usually have water fountains where you can fill up your bottle, so you won’t have to worry about being thirsty.
- Wear Water Shoes: You might think that flip-flops are the best footwear for a waterpark. But trust us, they’re not. Flip-flops can be slippery, and they’re not very comfortable to walk in. On the other hand, water shoes are designed to be worn in water and provide more traction and support. If you don’t want to end up with sore feet or a twisted ankle, we recommend wearing these instead.
- Dress Appropriately: Waterparks typically have a dress code that they expect visitors to follow. So before you put on your swimsuit, be sure to check the waterpark’s website or give them a call to find out what is and isn’t allowed. For example, some waterparks require only proper swimwear, while others are more lenient and allow regular clothes. They usually have locker rooms to change into your swimsuit, so you don’t have to worry about getting changed in public. Be sure to research these details in advance so you can dress appropriately and avoid any problems.
- Arrive Ahead of Time: If you want to avoid long lines and crowded pools, it’s best to arrive at the waterpark early. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the attractions without having to wait in line for hours. Keep in mind that waterparks can get busy during the summer months, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible. You can even buy tickets in advance online to save time. Just be sure to print them out or have them ready on your mobile device.
Start Planning Your Indiana Waterpark Visit Today!
Indiana has several waterparks, each with its own set of activities and services. From splash pads and lazy rivers to thrilling slides and wave pools, there is something for everyone at these family-friendly destinations. With Indiana’s hot summers, waterparks are the perfect way to beat the heat and have some fun.
Many of the state’s waterparks offer discounts for groups, making them a great option for birthday parties or other celebrations. And for those looking for a more relaxed experience, many waterparks also feature extensive sunbathing areas and restaurants.
Be sure to also check out our list of the best indoor water parks where you can enjoy amazing water slides and pools year round!
Looking to explore Indiana? Here are some other great things to do in the state:
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