The 10 Best Water Parks in Florida

Although summer is a favorable season to enjoy the water parks, in South Florida, they are a great attraction because they are open practically all year round. Water slides and waterfalls are the most fun attractions for all ages. Here are the five best water parks in Miami-Dade County.

Best Water Parks in Florida

• VENETIAN POOL;
• GRAPELAND WATER PARK;
• SPLASH’N PLAY;
• BUCKY DENT AQUATIC;
• TOWN OF SURFSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER;
• ADVENTURE ISLAND;
• BLIZZARD BEACH;
• TYPHOON LAGOON;
• RAPIDS WATER PARK;
• AQUATICA.

Note: Admission prices may vary based on factors such as age, residency, and time of year. The prices listed in this table are as of 2023 and are subject to change.

VENETIAN POOL, THE ONLY POOL LISTED AS HISTORIC

It is the only water park listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Venetian Pool, a pool created from coral rock in 1924 that was once a quarry, is a true oasis of Mediterranean-inspired architecture that is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists and South Florida residents. In fact, it is one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Coral Gables. The pool contains 820,000 gallons of fresh spring water from a subway aquifer. It also features two historic observation towers overlooking the beautiful city of Coral Gables; two waterfalls that provide a scenic backdrop and grottoes to explore.

In addition, it has a Mediterranean architectural structure with porticoes, arches, bridges, and palm trees. It is surrounded by trees and forms a small village that transports you directly to the Mediterranean. It has always been a meeting point for the residents of the city. The history of this place is reflected in a photographic exhibition at the same entrance. During the week it opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. and on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on national holidays. It’s such a popular pool that it’s best to arrive early because it closes once it reaches capacity, especially on weekends.

GRAPELAND WATER PARK NEAR MIAMI AIRPORT

This water park belonging to the Miami-Dade Public Parks Department is located next to the Miami International Airport and has four separate attractions including a lazy river, a swimming pool, the Pirates Plunge area for the big kids, and the Shipwreck area for the little ones. The latter two play areas have slides, water cannons, and fountains to play in. Life jackets are free and available throughout the park.

It is ideal because there are many sun loungers under large umbrellas and you can move them under the palm trees. There are tables and an area reserved for parties. If you decide not to bring food from home, there are many places to choose from and a main area where you can find chicken, pizzas, hot dogs, small sandwiches, ice cream, and soft drinks, among others. Around the pools, there are food carts. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 2 to 13, free for children 1-year-old and under.

SPLASH’N PLAY AT PINECREST GARDENS

This water park, free with admission to Pinecrest Gardens, is ideal for children up to 5 years of age, although it can be enjoyed by children up to 12 years of age. The Splash’ N Play area offers a safe space for the little ones because it is surrounded by lush foliage, which allows the child to always be in control. There are waterfalls in the shape of mushrooms and flowers that spurt water. There are also fun jumping fountains. This area is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pinecrest Gardens offers many other spaces to spend the day such as the various fish ponds and areas to play chess and checkers, with 25-inch-high pieces in the garden. You can see swans moving around the lake and meet the farm animals in the petting zoo. It’s also a great place to enjoy a picnic before heading out to explore the property, a very interesting place with its own unique history.

BUCKY DENT AQUATIC AT HIALEAH GARDENS

This aquatic center, located in Bucky Dent Park, is a 25-acre facility containing a recreation center building and a lighted softball complex with 4 fields. The Bucky Dent Aquatic Center has 3 swimming pools, a soccer field, a playground, a combination youth center and fitness center with an arts and crafts room, and a multi-purpose recreation room. There is an activity pool with a slide and two more twin slides. There is another shallow pool at the entrance. This water park is only open on weekends.

TOWN OF SURFSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER, ON THE BEACH

The recreational pool at this Parks and Recreation Department facility has lanes and slides. It is also a children’s activity pool and has a Jacuzzi. The center has two multi-purpose rooms to accommodate different programs for all ages. This facility is equipped with locker rooms, family restrooms, and a first aid station. There is a green space, perfect for parties, birthdays, and community events. It has a bar and grill. It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ADVENTURE ISLAND

Adventure Island is a thrilling water park located in Tampa, Florida. The park has been entertaining visitors since 1980 and is owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Adventure Island features a variety of water rides and attractions for visitors of all ages, including the popular Colossal Curl, a high-speed slide that sends riders on a 70-foot journey through a twisting tunnel before dropping them into a giant funnel. For those who want to relax, the park also has a half-mile-long lazy river and a wave pool that produces four-foot waves.

One of the unique features of Adventure Island is its island-themed setting. The park is designed to look like a lush tropical oasis, complete with palm trees, waterfalls, and sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy their time in the sun while surrounded by exotic flora and fauna, making it a perfect destination for those who want to escape the city and enjoy a relaxing day in the water. With a range of rides and attractions to suit all levels of thrill-seekers, Adventure Island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled day in the water in Florida.

BLIZZARD BEACH

Blizzard Beach is a unique and exciting water park located in Orlando, Florida. The park is owned by Walt Disney World and is designed to look like a ski resort that has been melted by the Florida sun. The park’s centerpiece is Mount Gushmore, a towering mountain that features a range of thrilling water slides and attractions. The park’s signature ride is Summit Plummet, a 120-foot-tall water slide that sends riders down a near-vertical drop at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

In addition to its adrenaline-pumping water slides, Blizzard Beach also has a range of attractions for visitors of all ages. The park’s wave pool, Melt-Away Bay, is one of the largest wave pools in the world, and the park’s lazy river, Cross Country Creek, winds through the park’s snowy landscape and provides a relaxing way to take in the park’s sights and sounds. With its unique theme and range of attractions, Blizzard Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled day in the water in Florida.

TYPHOON LAGOON

Typhoon Lagoon is a popular water park located in Orlando, Florida. The park is owned by Walt Disney World and is designed to look like a tropical paradise that has been hit by a massive typhoon. The park’s centerpiece is the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, which produces six-foot waves that are perfect for surfers and bodyboarders alike. The park also features a range of water slides and attractions, including the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster and the Mayday Falls slide.

One of the unique features of Typhoon Lagoon is its focus on marine life experiences. The park’s Shark Reef attraction allows visitors to swim with real sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish in a safe and controlled environment. The park also has a range of areas for younger visitors, including Ketchakiddee Creek, a play area with water slides and fountains that is perfect for young children. With its range of attractions and focus on marine life experiences, Typhoon Lagoon is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled day in the water in Florida.

RAPIDS WATER PARK

Rapids Water Park is a thrilling water park located in Riviera Beach, Florida. The park features a range of water slides and attractions, including the Brain Drain, a high-speed slide that sends riders through a dark tunnel and into a giant funnel before dropping them into a splash pool below. The park also has a wave pool, lazy river, and a range of water play areas for younger visitors, making it a perfect destination for families.

One of the unique features of Rapids Water Park is its focus on thrill rides. The park’s rides and attractions cater to visitors who are looking for a rush of adrenaline and include the Big Thunder and Riptide Raftin’ rides. In addition to its water attractions, the park also features a range of food and beverage options, as well as cabanas and picnic areas that are perfect for visitors who want to take a break from the sun. With its range of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions, Rapids Water Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled day in the water in Florida.

AQUATICA

Aquatica is a popular water park located in Orlando, Florida. The park is owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and features a range of water slides and attractions that are designed to immerse visitors in a world of marine life experiences. The park’s signature ride is the Dolphin Plunge, a high-speed slide that takes riders through a clear tube that runs through a pool of Commerson’s dolphins. The park also has a range of other water slides and attractions, including the Ihu’s Breakaway Falls slide and the Roa’s Rapids wave pool.

One of the unique features of Aquatica is its focus on environmental sustainability. The park uses eco-friendly practices, including a water filtration system that recycles water throughout the park, and has partnered with the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund to support marine conservation efforts around the world. With its range of thrilling rides and attractions and focus on sustainability and marine life experiences, Aquatica is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled and environmentally responsible day in the water in Florida.

Water Parks in Florida FAQ

Last Updated on April 6, 2023 by Viktoria