Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
When planning your next vacation make sure to leave time to spend a day or two at one of America's water parks. Many communities across the country have water parks of some sort, whether it is a large theme park or a simple community park with a few slides and lazy river. Water parks are available in every climate, from freezing to hot, and can offer year-round activities for any vacation.
One of the highlights of visiting SeaWorld in Orlando is being able to be the dolphins, seals and stingrays. If you are considering skipping feeding the dolphins because of the cost, don't, it is worth the experience of seeing the dolphins up close. As of April 2011, the cost to feed the dolphins at SeaWorld in Orlando was between $5 and $7, depending on how many fish you purchase. Remember when feeding the dolphins to remain calm, have fun and take lots of pictures.
When visiting SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, plan to take your time and enjoy everything the theme park has to offer. Map out your vacation plans before leaving to include any special tours, favorite attractions and shows that you and your family will want to do. SeaWorld is not a big theme park and can be done in a single day; however, you can spend more time at each animal interaction section by planning out your visit.
Omaha, Nebraska and the surrounding area boast three hotels with indoor water slides. The parks differ in terms of size, location and target audience. Two of the parks are located in Omaha, while the third hotel is located in the nearby town of Fremont. Some of the hotels feature full-blown water parks while others offer indoor pools with slides.
The resort of Arenal d'en Castell is located on the northern coast of the Balearic island of Menorca, or Minorca, in the Mediterranean sea, approximately 12 miles from the capital Mahon and the international airport of Menorca. The bay at Arenal d'en Castell boasts white sandy beaches and clear blue water. The family-orientated resort has a number of bars, restaurants and shops within walking distance of the main hotels.
The state of Nebraska contains multiple water parks: family attractions packed with pools, slides and other water-based features. Nebraska's water parks vary in terms of scale and, while some are dedicated to water activities, others offer further attractions such as games arcades. These water parks are open to the general public, although in some cases the water park is actually part of a hotel resort complex.
You will see towering live oak trees and Spanish moss when you travel through Ashintilly. The small town lies along the Atlantic seaboard, easily accessible to Interstate 95. It is a place for kayaking, riverboat rides, fishing and relaxing in the sun. When you are planning a trip and need a place to stay, you will see plenty of bed and breakfast lodging and budget-friendly hotel accommodations near Ashintilly.
Clyattville is a small town located six and a half miles south of Valdosta, Georgia and is near the border with Florida. While there are no hotels in Clyattville proper, there are several nearby in Lake Park and Valdosta. There are numerous things to do and see in this part of Georgia, and Clyattville is near many of them. Stop at Barb's Cafe after a day of shopping or outdoor activities, or pick up fresh produce from the Produce Corner on the way to the hotel.
Mahon, the largest city on the Spanish island of Menorca, offers cultural, historical and natural attractions to visitors. Called Mao by the locals, the city is home to historical Georgian architecture, the former mansion of Admiral Lord Nelson and a Gothic cathedral from 1287. Long an important port city, Mahon is set on a cliff above a harbor, which provides scenic ocean views. Visitors also come to Mahon for shopping and dining.
Though Omaha is landlocked in the middle of America, residents and visitors' splash and swim year-round at local water parks. Each provide different attractions and features, but guests of all ages and abilities are welcome. Water slides, lazy rivers and wave pools provide hours of fun while lifeguards keep everyone safe.
Winter in Virginia can be brutal, when snow, sleet, ice and cold temperatures make residents and visitors wish for warm water and tropical temperatures. However, Virginia boasts two resorts offering the comfort and fun of a day at the beach in any weather. In addition, summertime is even more fun at one of Virginia's premier outdoor water parks.
Michigan has 10 water parks, including some that are a combination water park/hotel so kids and families can enjoy water activities all year. Even with so many water parks, there are currently more in the works, covering every corner of Michigan. There are several hotels with indoor water parks near Jefferson, all within driving distance.
Minnesota may not be "top of mind" for sunny aqua-focused entertainment but it has ways of making you forget its sometimes chilly weather. A multitude of indoor water park hotels are near the city of St. Cloud, where it's always summer. These facilities, within about an hour's drive of St. Cloud, provide a welcome reprieve for overnight guests.
Disney World, in Orlando, Florida, attracts visitors from all over the world. It is also close to a number of other attractions including Universal Studios and Sea World. The weather in this part of the country is usually warm and a number of resorts feature onsite water parks.
Waterparks can be a terrific way for kids and adults alike to get some exercise and blow off some steam from a long week at work or school. In past years, if you were not lucky enough to live where the weather is warm year round, waterparks were an option only from late May to early September. In recent years however, indoor waterparks have swept the nation, allowing for swimming and fun even when there is a chill in the air. Iowa is home to several indoor waterparks.
Located in the tropical Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean, Saipan is replete with sandy beaches, coral reefs and rugged cliffs. Visitors to Saipan can visit the limestone Mount Tapochau, the Laderan Banadero cliffs and the Saipan Botanical Garden or lounge on Obyan or Micro Beach. Hotels in Saipan offer standard to luxury accommodations with on-site amenities that include water parks, fitness centers and spas.
As part of a trip away from home, families often enjoy water parks and other water recreation. In fact, the hotel pool often seems to be children's favorite part of a vacation. There are several hotels across the country that have indoor water parks and water slides as part of their amenities. These properties cater to families and groups and offer several exciting amenities in addition to the water activities.
The Pacific Northwest is comprised of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The region has deserts, mountain meadows, ocean beaches, metropolitan areas and diverse environments. Washington and Idaho have hotels with indoor water parks and other recreational activities on-site for the entire family to enjoy. After a fun day of water adventures, you can walk the short distance to your room and relax.
Hotel water parks in the United States offer acres of indoor water activities from adventurous water slides and wave pools to lazy rivers and interactive children's play centers. Some water parks are open most days of the year, while others are limited to weekend hours. Hotels offer accommodations that range from standard rooms to executive and family suites and include a range of amenities, such as on-site dining venues, fitness facilities and arcades.
Staying cool is essential when visiting Arizona in the summer months. One way to evade the scorching desert sun is to visit a water park, and the state has several. In addition to public water parks, travelers can enjoy the use of a private water park at select hotels. Hotels with water parks in Arizona have features appropriate for all ages and are free for guests to use.
Branson, Missouri, a popular travel and entertainment destination, has over 70 hotels. In the midst of the live entertainment shows, the variety of dining experiences, and the outdoor attractions, Branson has three hotels with indoor water parks. Families and groups can enjoy a vacation within a vacation while staying at one of these year-round facilities. Every type of accommodation from hotel rooms to log-cabin lodging, and even time-share facilities is offered at these three resort complexes.
Cana'n Bosch Beach consists of a small protected sandy inlet on the western coast of Menorca, six miles south of the city Ciutadella in Spain. It's famous for a gentle slope into the crystal clear sea. A large inland marina, a water park, plentiful boutique specialty shops and gourmet Mediterranean restaurants cater to those who visit Cana'n Bosch.
If your family loves water parks and you are searching for a hotel package deal in the Pittsburgh area there is only one resort in Pittsburgh that has its own water park. However there are several hotels that offer packages for staying in their hotel and park tickets to the area's two other water parks. Some hotels will even throw in a free breakfast.
Orlando, Florida conjures up visions of Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. As you would expect, hundreds of hotels have sprung up around these mega tourist draws. A few properties have taken things a step further by creating their own water parks. You can have a wonderfully wet time without even leaving the hotel grounds.
Virginia is home to over 30 state parks, more than 10 outdoor water parks and two water park hotels with a third one expected to be finished in 2012. The indoor water park hotels have an advantage over the outdoor water parks because they can stay open year round in any type of weather conditions. Not only is Virginia for lovers, but the state is for those that want adventures and fun.
Savannah, Georgia, is one of the oldest and most popular cities in the southern United States. Founded in 1733, the city has historic buildings and unique architecture that attract people from around the world. In 1966, the federal government designated downtown Savannah a National Historic District, ensuring that the city center would be preserved for future generations. The city also has modern attractions, including public gardens and cultural festivals. Sailing and boating are popular recreation activities in Savannah, which hosted the sailing competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Visitors will find hotels and a water park in or near Savannah.
Only 58 miles south-west of Detroit lies the historic town of Dundee. At first glance, Dundee might not seem like the kind of place for a family vacation or getaway but, look closer, and you might just be surprised. With a selection of water park hotels, in and around the town, the area offers something for adults and children alike.
Georgia is a great vacation destination with many family-friendly activities. One family favorite is getting wet and wild at the water park. These parks are a great reprieve from the summer heat and make memories that will last a lifetime. Your Georgia getaway is sure to be fun and relaxing for your entire party at these great locations.
As far as vacation convenience goes, nothing is more convenient than staying at a hotel with its very own water park. Kids and parents alike can enjoy this; when the kids get restless, send them to the water park; when mom and dad need a rest, send the kids to the water park. For those visiting the Second City, the Chicagoland area is home to two hotels with water parks. Additionally, both water parks allow outside visitors who are not staying at the connected hotel, making staying at a nearby hotel a viable option.
Branson, Mo. is known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World. One of the country's most popular family vacation destination, according to the Explore Branson web site, the city has more than 50 theaters, 12 championship golf courses, an award-winning theme park, as well as plenty of attractions and museums. In the Historic Downtown district, vactionors will find plenty of shopping and dining options, and a plethora of hotels, motels, and resorts. Several accommodations boast water parks.
Central Florida is an ideal place for families to go on vacation. Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World are only three of the many attractions that draw people to the area each year. The city of Tampa is within a two-hour drive of all these attractions. When staying in the area, visitors can make their trip even more enjoyable by staying at hotels that have waterparks on the premises.
Bordering a large portion of Lake Superior, Minnesota hosts a wide variety of outdoor watersports, from laidback options, like boating and fishing, to more extreme alternatives, like wakeboarding and windsurfing. However, there are also a surprising number of opportunities for indoor water activity in Minnesota. The many indoor waterpark hotels throughout the state provide lodging and year-round wet-and-wild fun.
Hurghada is a seaside resort in Egypt with many tourist developments along over 12 miles of coast. The Sindbad Group owns several hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, beaches and even submarines in the resort town. Hurghada's clear waters make it a perfect place for aquatic sports such as snorkeling and diving to see the colorful coral reefs or just relax in its sandy beaches.
Palm Coast, Florida is full of lush forests, full gardens and an abundance of natural beauty. Known as a golfer's paradise, the non-golfers traveling in your group will not be disappointed -- especially if there is a water park enthusiast among your companions -- as Palm Coast and the surrounding area offers a variety of resorts with wondrous and wild water parks to keep them entertained.
Niagara Falls is an exciting vacation spot for families and couples. Niagara Falls features several hotels with indoor water parks including the Americana Conference Resort and Spa, the Falls Avenue Hotel and Entertainment Complex, and the Great Wolf Lodge. These hotels offer gigantic indoor water parks with wave pools, numerous slides and kiddie pools for children. These hotels also offer special getaway packages and discounts for members of specific organizations.
If being completely surrounded by water is not wet enough for you, there are a number of Maui hotels with more than just your average hotel pool. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a variety of water park fun from slides and waterfalls to water playgrounds and beach-style pools. If you're visiting Hawaii's second largest island, seek out a Maui hotel with its own water park.
Sharonville, Ohio, is a suburban community just northeast of Cincinnati. Because it is near a busy city, there are many hotels nearby. Many of these same hotels have indoor water parks, although outdoor parks are available to the public as well. Each water park offers a different experience to its guests.
Travel to the Southeast part of the United States involves beaches, amusement parks and various other sites and attractions. There are outdoor water parks throughout the Southeast and there are also indoor water parks that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Hotels that have water parks are a lodging option for people who want to have such an attraction right where they are staying.
Known for its pristine beaches, gorgeous waters and unlimited sun splashes, the coastal town of Clearwater, Florida, is a year-round tourist destination. The area is also known for its family-oriented entertainment, such as theme parks and family resorts. For those looking to beat the heat in a water park but maintain the convenience of luxury accommodations, there are numerous hotels in the Clearwater area with water parks.
The Mall of America, the largest mall in the county, has more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, a 14-screen movie theater, nightclubs, the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and Underwater Adventures Aquarium. The Mall is in Bloomingdale, Minnesota, just 10 to 15 minutes from the Twin Cities. Minneapolis and Saint Paul attractions include the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Guthrie Theater and the Minnesota Zoo. The Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnesota Children's Museum are must-sees for any family travelers.
Orlando, Florida, has three major theme parks: Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. Although all three parks have water rides, you might want the full-on entertainment of a water park at your hotel.
Houghton Lake in northern Michigan contains the state's largest inland lake and is known for its Historic Village, a 19th-century pioneer village that includes a school, general store and blacksmith shop. Other attractions in the area include Merritt Speedway, with its dirt-track racing, and North Higgins Lake State Park for recreational facilities. You can access the town year-round and visit the ski and golf resort just 30 miles away.
The third largest city in the United States, Chicago is filled with historical and recreational sites. Located along the southwestern edge of Lake Michigan, "The Windy City" is home to hundreds of theaters and museums, more than 7,300 restaurants, 552 parks, various professional sports teams and is the former home of U.S. President Barack Obama. And, if you're looking to get wet and wild, there are a number of water parks in the "Chicagoland" metropolitan area---some with onsite hotels.
While visiting Niagara Falls, many families will want to experience Fallsview Indoor Waterpark. Located in Ontario's Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, North America's largest hotel and indoor waterpark complex, Fallsview covers more than three acres and has 16 water slides, an indoor wave pool, year-round outdoor sun deck and activity pool, and the Beach House aqua play area. Four hotels are located in the entertainment complex that you should be sure to check out for vacation packages.
Dundee Michigan's water park, called Splash Universe, is located on Whitetail Drive next door to Cabella's. The Splash Universe Indoor Water Park features an indoor/outdoor pool with water-slide, the Floating Lily Pad Walk, a slow-moving indoor river grotto, a kiddie Pool, a kid's water jungle gym, an adult-only hot tub, an arcade with more than 60 games, and a souvenir shop. There are several hotels near Splash Universe, including one right in the park.
Water parks have grown in popularity since they were first developed during the 1940s. They all feature slides, some gentle with zigzagging turns and some that are high-speed runs. Many offer large pools with waves and sandy beaches. Lazy rivers and splash grounds are popular attractions.
Nestled along South Carolina's northern coast, Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations for family vacations. Families can shop for souvenirs at numerous beach stores and boardwalks, explore coastal vegetation at state parks, view all sorts of live entertainment or just enjoy a sun-filled day at the beach. Several Myrtle Beach hotels cater to families by providing interactive water parks and slides.
Sometimes the best way to beat the winter blues often is by stepping out of the cold and into the sub-tropical confines of an indoor water park where the weather is always perfect and the fun never seems to stop. Visitors have the choice of a few different hotels that contain water parks. Room rates often include admission to the water park making it a two-for-one.
Water parks and Florida go hand-in-hand, and central Florida has many locations where visitors can enjoy a nearby water park. Some hotels feature a water park as part of their central theme, while others are conveniently located for nearby water parks and other amusement facilities. Whatever your interests may be, or what your trip budget is like, you can find an appropriate hotel with ready access to local water parks.
There is an abundance of attractions---both indoor and outdoor---throughout Minnesota. Minnesota offers downhill skiing, snowmobiling, canoeing, hiking, golfing and strolling through historic parks for outdoor lovers. Indoors, however, casino action seems to be the current craze in Minnesota. There are casino getaways in Minnesota available for the indoor enthusiast as well as the outdoor enthusiast.
Calgary, a major metropolitan city in Alberta, Canada, has plenty to see and do with a modern downtown and the Canadian Rockies just an hour away. Adults looking to entertain the kids while staying in Calgary can choose one of the many hotels that offer indoor water parks.
Lake Geneva is located in the southernmost portion of Wisconsin and is a resort city located on Geneva Lake that is a body of freshwater. At one point in time, Lake Geneva was home to a Playboy Club that closed in 1981. Today, Lake Geneva is a retreat for tourists who are looking for small town appeal. There are several hotels and a water park to accommodate travelers in town for business or pleasure.
Omaha, Nebraska, features a variety of options for family vacations. From the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and serving as host city for the College World Series to miles of hiking trails and the Old Market, Omaha has something for every member of the family. The Omaha area is also home to several hotels that feature appealing amenities for families with children, including hotels with water parks.
Rapid City, South Dakota is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and is a vacation destination for many family vacations. Rapid City has many hotels that are connected to an indoor water park and creates unlimited fun for the entire family. These three hotels have plenty to offer to help make a vacation memorable.
Hotel indoor water parks can be great for family travel any time of year. In winter, when kids are feeling cooped up, they can run and swim, all in a temperature-controlled environment. When the weather heats up, they offer a respite from the heat (and sun). There is no danger of second-hand smoke; these water parks are completely smoke-free. Hotel indoor water parks are also great for the bargain traveler; water park admission is included with the room rate, and often offers a much better deal than a hotel plus a separate water park.
Billings, Montana, is home to the Reef Indoor Water Park. Slightly larger than a football field, it is the largest indoor water park in Montana. There is another water park in Billings as well, Big Splash, but it is an outdoor park. If you are traveling with kids, you will not want to miss a trip to the water park. Staying at a hotel in close proximity to the water park will simplify your trip, especially if you don't have a car.
Whether you're staying in Ontario, Canada, for business or pleasure, there are several hotels that offer indoor, on-site water parks right outside your hotel room door. To enjoy these water amenities, try Niagara's Americana Conference Resort and Spa, Kingston's Ambassador Conference Resort or Chatham's Wheels Inn for an experience you will not soon forget.
Pigeon Forge, Tenn., is located in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg and contains a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages. Visit Dolly Parton's family-friendly theme park Dollywood, or tour a host of local shops featuring arts and crafts from native people. Enjoy hiking, nature trails, and musical shows. During warm weather months, you can also partake in a variety of water adventures and then rest at night in beautiful hotel accommodations.
Pigeon Forge is located in Sevier County, Tenn., several miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is considered a great family vacation destination because it has so much to do. It's home to the famous Dollywood theme park, along with several museums, outlet malls, horseback riding farms, and dinner theaters. If you're planning to visit the Pigeon Forge area and want a hotel that offers its own activities and attractions, such as a waterpark, there are several from which to chose.
SeaWorld in Orlando is a popular theme park that combines rides like roller-coasters with animal shows and opportunities to view sea life in elaborate habitats. It's a large park that easily takes a day or more to explore fully if you want to ride every ride and see every show and exhibit. If you plan your visit to SeaWorld carefully, you will maximize your experience.
Best Western is known for providing good rooms at low rates and their Sterling Heights, Michigan location offers something completely different: a water park. This hotel is also known as the Best Western Water Park.
Atlantis Hotel and Water Park, commonly known as the Atlantis Bahamas Resort but officially named Atlantis Paradise Island, is a hugely popular vacation destination for both couples and families, just outside of Nassau, Bahamas. Nicknamed "the Las Vegas of the Caribbean," this hot spot boasts the world's largest marine habitat, the largest casino in the Caribbean, and the underwater ruins of the legendary Atlantis, transformed into an aquatic wonderland of lagoons, waterfalls and a $20 million marina. Atlantis Paradise Island strives to provide visitors with an experience that combines relaxation, adventure and luxury.
If your children love the Sesame Street characters, a trip to Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, may be a good idea. Located outside of Philadelphia, Sesame Place is a theme park that's all about Sesame Street and its characters. Here's how to plan a trip to Sesame Place.
