Horse racing, the great outdoors, and the “My Old Kentucky Home” historic state park — Kentucky is known for many things. Did you know that the state is also home to some of the best waterparks in the country? You can find plenty of water-based fun with your friends and family in the Bluegrass State!
There are over 20 waterparks in Kentucky; that’s a long list of options! If you’re ready to take that vacation, you don’t have the time to go through them one by one — so we’ve gone ahead and done the task for you.
Here are the best waterparks in Kentucky:
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
Louisville has rides, attractions, and a water park — all located in the Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay! For some splash-tastic fun, Hurricane Bay is where you should be. Start with their cabana rentals to ensure a relaxing day with a new level of luxury. Whenever you’re ready, it’s time to hit the slides!
Get your heart ready. Hurricane Bay has six insane slides:
- Mt. Slide Hai
- Wikiwiki Wai
- Plummet Summit
- Tornado
- Wave Runner
- Deep Water Dive
The first four slides guarantee moderate thrill, while the other two are for the daredevils and adrenaline junkies! Hurricane Bay can get you dropping fast and furious — and that’s just the slides! You must also try the Big Surf wave pool and feel another type of rush.
Don’t worry; the kiddos can also have fun in their area at the Buccaneer Beach. There’s the Splash Zone, the Castaway Creek, and the Adventure River. They have their own swirly slide, too! The Mega Wedgie is all theirs to enjoy. Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay just never fall short on family fun!
Address: Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209 | Website: https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/
Kentucky Splash Waterpark
Heading over to Williamsburg, Kentucky Splash Waterpark is just what you need to escape the heat. It also has a campground with several area attractions, like Kentucky Falls Miniature Golf! Set your eyes on the slides — Triple Slide Complex and Double Slide Complex — for your dose of rush and thrill.
The Triple Slide Complex is 40 feet tall, consisting of two tube slides and one body slide: Aqua Whiz, Blue Twister, and Crazy Cruz. Take your pick! The craze does not end there. The Double Slide Complex is a 30-feet tall complex with two twisted body slides! The Aquatwist has all the twists and turns you crave, and it’s a rush. In 10 seconds or less, you’re already at the bottom, wanting to go back up again!
Like most waterparks worldwide, the Kentucky Splash Waterpark also has an area for kids or adults who want something more relaxed. You have Tadpole Island for kid’s activities and the Wipe Out Wave Pool and Lazy Castaway River for more moderate fun.
Address: 1050 KY-92, Williamsburg, KY 40769, United States | Phone: +1 606-549-6065 | Website: https://www.williamsburgky.com/departments/kentucky_splash_waterpark/index.php
SomerSplash Waterpark
Are you staying over at Somerset for your vacation? Make SomerSplash Waterpark the highlight of your stay! Four slides, a lazy river, a wave, and a wading pool — sounds like a blast!
SomerSplash has fun for all ages, with food and drinks to grab after you try everything. Their Kiddie Play has over 30 interactive features, including a bucket full of water that drops unexpectedly.
There are 40 and 50-foot slides to conquer for the bold and the daring. The Tube Slide is perfect for those who want to share the thrill with a friend. Both of you have to hold on to that tube! Meanwhile, the Speed Slide is a straight drop of water that you can never get enough of. Keep those arms crossed!
If you want some more twisting and turning, you can grab a friend and your tube. Go in circles together in the Bowl Slide, and you’ll crash into the pool laughing and screaming. Time flies at the SomerSplash Waterpark because you’ll have never-ending fun!
Address: 1030 HWY 2227, Somerset, KY 42503 | Phone: 606-679-7946 | Website: https://somersplash.com/
Splash Lagoon
It’s impossible not to have Beech Bend Park in your itinerary when you’re in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Why? Because they have one of the best waterparks in town! Splash Lagoon is included with park admission. You and your family or friends can lounge in the cabanas and canopies. You have to because the Splash Lagoon waterpark is big!
Let the toddlers and kids hang out at Tiki Island or Lotta Wotta Island. Both are interactive splash pools with various features, spraying fountains, and kid-friendly slides. You can also just float with them in the Lazy River — whatever floats your boat.
The waterpark’s Ragin’ Rapids Water Slides sends you through a riveting journey. You have to climb a 45-foot tower before you zoom through the three slides that are 400 feet long. We promise it’s worth the climb! If that’s not enough, Splash Lagoon Water Park has the largest water park expansion in park history. You can now scream and shout with the Cyclone Saucers!
Spend all your energy in the Tidal Wave, Riptide, and Polynesian Plunge. Slide, swirl, and splash into a raging good time at Splash Lagoon!
Address: 798 Beech Bend Park Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 | Phone: (270) 781-7634 | Website: https://beechbend.com/amusement-park/rides-attractions/splash-lagoon-water-park/
Venture River Waterpark
Catch a wave at Venture River Waterpark when you’re in Eddyville, Kentucky. It is Western Kentucky’s “Only Waterpark!” It is the best in the city — not because it’s the only one, but because of the attractions you won’t find anywhere else!
Venture River has the supersized slide house, Frog Island, and the Soak City Kiddie Pool for the youngsters. They can also rave about the
Twin Twisters Tube Slide all day! As for the young (at heart) adventurers, you’ll have a hard time choosing which one to try first:
- Triple Mania Speed Slides
- The Cliffhanger
- Fumbi
- The Waloopas
- Matanascar
This year, the waterpark introduced two new attractions: TurBoa and Amanzi Falls. Would you rather snake your way or plunge straight down? You can always run to the Old Man River whenever you feel like you can take no more! Whether you pick extreme or mild rides, Venture River promises a wild and wet (but safe!) time for everyone.
Address: Venture River Water Park, 280 Funway Dr., Eddyville, Kentucky 42038 | Phone: 270-388-7999 | Website: https://ventureriver.com/
Take the Plunge in Kentucky’s Extreme Waterparks!
Perhaps you’re still having a hard time choosing the best waterpark in Kentucky. We can’t blame you! The waterparks here are world-class. If you’re really in a rush for that water fun, you can see which waterpark is the closest to you. If you want an experience that you will never forget, any of these Kentucky waterparks can give you that.
Whether you choose Kentucky Splash or SomerSplash Waterpark, you’re in for a good time. The Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, Splash Lagoon, and Venture River Water Park are also excellent choices. Always remember to put safety first, no matter which waterpark you go to.
Which Kentucky waterpark will you have the time of your life at with your family and friends? All waterparks in Kentucky are definitely worth the visit!
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!