12 Epic Water Parks Near Philadelphia Perfect for Family Fun (Indoors and Out)
Summer heat in Philadelphia calls for some serious splashing fun! Whether you’re looking to beat the scorching temperatures or enjoy water adventures year-round, the Philly area has amazing options for families. From massive indoor resorts that offer tropical escapes during winter months to sprawling outdoor parks with heart-racing slides, these water parks provide the perfect getaway without traveling too far from home.
1. Great Wolf Lodge – Pocono Mountains, PA
Howling good times await at this wilderness-themed indoor water park! Kids squeal with delight racing down the Alberta Falls tube slide while parents float along the relaxing lazy river. The massive 84-degree water playground stays open year-round, making it perfect for winter escapes when outdoor swimming is impossible.
Fort Mackenzie, a four-story interactive treehouse, drenches unsuspecting visitors with its massive tipping bucket. After swimming, families can extend the fun with MagiQuest adventures, bowling, or arcade games without ever leaving the resort.
2. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom – Allentown, PA
Two parks for the price of one makes this Allentown destination a family favorite! Morning roller coasters at Dorney Park transition to afternoon splash sessions at Wildwater Kingdom—the perfect combination for thrill-seeking families. The massive wave pool mimics ocean swells while smaller children play safely in designated kiddie areas.
Snake Pit, featuring six different water slides, delivers varying levels of adrenaline rushes. When you need a break from swimming, relax in a rental cabana while enjoying snacks from nearby food stands. The park’s proximity to Philadelphia makes it ideal for day trips.
3. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Pocono Mountains, PA
America’s largest indoor waterpark delivers African-themed splashing adventures across 220,000 square feet of aquatic fun! The FlowRider surfing simulator lets kids and adults hang ten without ocean waves. Anaconda, the thrilling water coaster, sends riders racing through tunnels and unexpected drops at breathtaking speeds.
Younger children love the interactive play areas with gentle slides and shallow splash zones. Parents appreciate the attentive lifeguards stationed throughout the facility. When fingers get pruney, families can explore the resort’s arcade, mini-golf, or escape rooms before returning to their on-site accommodations.
4. Hersheypark’s Boardwalk – Hershey, PA
Where chocolate meets water slides! This sweet addition to Hersheypark transforms summer visits into refreshing adventures with 16 water attractions. The Shore wave pool creates perfect conditions for bodyboarding while Waverider’s surfing simulator challenges balance skills.
East Coast Waterworks, a massive water play structure, features over 600 water toys and seven slides. The clever integration with the main theme park means families can alternate between dry rides and water attractions throughout the day.
After swimming, dry off while enjoying Hershey’s famous chocolate treats from nearby stands—a unique perk no other water park can offer!
5. Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark – Tannersville, PA
Mountain views and water slides create a uniquely refreshing combination at Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor water park! The scenic Pocono setting adds natural beauty to this 37-ride aquatic playground. Pharaoh’s Phortress, a massive Egyptian-themed play structure, keeps younger visitors entertained for hours with its 1,000-gallon dumping bucket.
Adrenaline junkies head straight for the Vortex and Spin Cycle slides that deliver high-speed thrills. Between slides, families can relax at Blue Nile Adventure River, a not-so-lazy river with unexpected water features.
The mountain location provides natural shade and cooler temperatures than city water parks—a welcome relief during heatwaves.
6. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort – Erie, PA
Tropical paradise exists in Erie, Pennsylvania! This Polynesian-themed indoor water wonderland maintains a balmy 84 degrees year-round, making winter blues disappear with its vibrant atmosphere. The Aqua Tumbler, a massive spinning water ride, creates unforgettable screams of delight from brave riders.
The multi-level Tree Tops Ropes Course adds unique dry entertainment between swimming sessions. Families appreciate the different pool depths catering to various swimming abilities.
Connected hotels mean you can walk straight from your room to the water in your swimsuit—no matter how much snow is falling outside! The tiki-themed restaurants and on-site bowling alley complete the perfect weekend getaway package.
7. Sesame Place – Langhorne, PA
Elmo and friends make swimming extra special at this character-filled water park just minutes from Philadelphia! The Count’s Splash Castle captivates little ones with water-shooting gadgets, climbing nets, and slides designed specifically for younger children. Character meet-and-greets between water activities create magical memories for PBS-loving families.
Sky Splash, a family raft ride, accommodates parents and children together—perfect for first-time slide experiences. The park’s combination of dry rides, water attractions, and shows provides excellent value.
The relatively compact size means parents can keep track of children more easily than at sprawling water parks. Special events like Halloween and Christmas celebrations extend the fun beyond summer months.
8. Blue Mountain Resort Water Park – Palmerton, PA
Mountain adventure meets aquatic excitement at this scenic Palmerton destination! The Summit Splash water park area provides refreshing relief after hiking or mountain biking Blue Mountain’s beautiful trails. The Summit Plummet slide delivers a 350-foot descent that follows the natural mountainside contour—a uniquely thrilling experience.
Younger visitors splash happily in the zero-entry pool while teens test their balance on the challenging floating obstacles. The mountain elevation offers cooler temperatures and spectacular valley views not found at typical water parks.
Year-round activities make this resort worth visiting in any season—summer swimming transitions to fall foliage viewing and winter skiing.
9. Mountain Creek Waterpark – Vernon, NJ
Just across the Jersey border awaits 22 acres of water-soaked excitement! The High Anxiety funnel slide creates stomach-dropping thrills as riders swirl around the massive funnel before splashing into the pool below. Colorado River, America’s longest action river, propels tubers through rapids and waves—far more exciting than traditional lazy rivers.
The High Tide Wave Pool generates four-foot waves that mimic ocean conditions. Crocodile Cove offers a separate area where smaller children can enjoy miniature versions of the big attractions.
The mountain setting provides natural beauty and slightly cooler temperatures than city water parks. Nearby hiking trails offer additional outdoor activities when you need a break from swimming.
10. Split Rock Resort Water Park – Lake Harmony, PA
H2Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark inside Split Rock Resort offers year-round splashing regardless of Pocono Mountain weather conditions. The three-story-high Hurricane Cove Tube Slide sends riders careening through darkness before unexpected drops and turns. Families love the massive Komodo Dragon play structure with its interactive water features and surprise dumping bucket.
The Jungle Falls body slides provide varying intensity levels suitable for different age groups. After swimming, families can enjoy the resort’s bowling alley, movie theater, or arcade.
The indoor facility’s consistent 84-degree temperature creates a perfect tropical escape during Pennsylvania’s notoriously unpredictable weather patterns. On-site accommodations make this an easy weekend getaway from Philadelphia.
11. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park – Destin, FL
Worth the road trip for serious water enthusiasts! This tropical paradise delivers Florida sunshine and over 40 water attractions just a day’s drive from Philadelphia. The Honolulu Half Pipe sends brave riders up a nearly vertical wall before racing back down—creating weightless moments that thrill-seekers crave.
Kowabunga Racer lets family members compete side-by-side down parallel slides. Between water adventures, visitors can test their courage on the Sky Coaster or challenge friends at mini-golf.
The genuine Florida atmosphere creates a true vacation feeling that local water parks can’t match. Combining this water park visit with beach time makes for an unforgettable extended summer getaway for Philadelphia families willing to travel.
12. Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark – Tannersville, PA
Camelback Resort’s spectacular indoor water wonderland offers 125,000 square feet of aquatic adventures regardless of outdoor conditions! The transparent roof allows natural sunlight while maintaining perfect 84-degree temperatures. The Storm Chaser funnel slide creates screams of delight as riders swirl around the massive funnel before dropping into the pool below.
The Lost River takes tube riders through an abandoned Himalayan research facility theme with surprising effects and animatronics. Penguin Play Bay provides scaled-down attractions for the youngest visitors.
After swimming, families can explore the resort’s arcade, rock climbing wall, or ropes course. The mountain location offers beautiful scenery and additional outdoor activities during warmer months.
