The 6 Largest Indoor Water Parks in the U.S. in 2024

Written by Niccoy Walker
Updated: January 7, 2024
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Overview of the 6 Largest Indoor Water Parks in the U.S.

While swimming outside can be a blast during the summer, you’re at the mercy of factors like weather and rip currents. Indoor water parks allow you and your family to enjoy warm, sunny, and safe conditions year-round. You don’t have to worry about getting sunburned or avoiding jellyfish stings. And if you live in an area that stays relatively cool throughout the year, you can enjoy splashing and swimming whenever the mood strikes. Check out the six largest indoor water parks in the U.S., including where they’re located, how big they are, and what they offer.

1. Dreamworks Water Park – New Jersey

Dreamworks Water Park

Dreamworks Water Park is the largest indoor water park in the U.S.

©CC BY 2.0 – License

Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Dreamworks Water Park is the largest indoor water park, covering 8.5 acres or 375,260 square feet. This enormous park is inside the American Dream Shopping and Entertainment Complex at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Along with character-themed fun featuring Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, Dreamworks Water Park has record-breaking water slides, a continuous tropical climate around 81 degrees, and luxury cabanas. It’s also home to the world’s biggest indoor wave pool. The park is open all year, and admission starts at $49 per person.   

2. Kalahari Resorts – Texas and Other Locations

Kalahari Resort

Kalahari Resorts operate in several states around the country.

©CC BY 2.0 – License

The Kalahari Resorts are privately owned water-themed destinations for the whole family. Currently, there are four locations: Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The Round Rock, Texas, water park is the largest, covering 223,000 square feet. And the Pennsylvania location is the second-largest location, with 220,000 square feet. The Wisconsin Dells water park is the smallest but still a significant size, covering 125,000 square feet.

The Kalahari Resort in Texas features an African-themed park with huge slides, bouncers, a wave simulator, a swim-up bar, lagoons, a wave pool, a lazy river, and funnel rides. The resort also has lodging, an adventure park, spa services, bowling, escape rooms, and world-class dining. Waterpark tickets vary in price but start at around $80 per person.

3. Aquatopia – Pennsylvania

yellow pool floats in a fleshing blue swimming pool.

Aquatopia features a transparent roof for indoor tanning.


Image: August_0802, Shutterstock

©StacieStauffSmith Photos/Shutterstock.com

Aquatopia is located inside the Camelback Resort in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the scenic Pocono Mountains. This epic water park has been voted as one of the best in America many times. And the resort also features one of the largest outdoor water parks during the summer, as well. So, there is no shortage of water fun at this Pennsylvania location.

You will find many different water slides and rides for children of all ages, along with adults. The indoor park is 125,000 square feet and features a transparent roof so you can work on your tan even indoors. You will also find a wave pool, a lazy river, play structures, simulated surfing, a swim-up bar, a roller coaster, and much more. And if you stay at the resort, you can enjoy all of the luxury hotel amenities. Tickets to the water park start at $79.00, and you can book a cabana for $590.

4. Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark – Alabama

happy an 8 year old boy is riding in the water Park on inflatable circles on water slides with splash

Tropic Falls is one of the largest indoor water parks in the U.S.

©Gerain0812/Shutterstock.com

This award-winning theme park and water park is a must-visit attraction in Foley, Alabama. This Gulf Coast amusement park features a year-round indoor tropical paradise within a 100,000-square-foot enclosure. It’s one of the largest in its region and the only water park in the United States with a retractable roof. Inside the Tropic Falls Indoor waterpark, you will find a 75-foot-tall water slide, a lazy river, and a water play structure. And outside, you can check out the wave pool, roller coasters, and surf simulator. If that’s not enough, there is also a separate regular theme park with amusement park rides for people of all ages. This park provides non-stop fun for the whole family, with prices starting at $63 per person.

5. Great Wolf Lodge – Georgia

Great Wolf Lodge is one of the top seven largest resorts in Wisconsin.

Great Wolf Lodge is home to one of the largest indoor water parks in the U.S.

©DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0 – License

Located just past the Alabama/Georgia line, Great Wolf Lodge is home to one of the largest indoor water parks in the U.S. The resort is over 500,00 square feet, with the indoor waterpark being 93,000 square feet. The park keeps its water 84 degrees year round, which is always a welcoming temperature. There is something here for guests of all ages, including a zero depth pool for toddlers with age-appropriate slides and water toys. Fort Mackenzie features a fun, interactive water fort for kids of all ages, complete with a tipping bucket. Other water features include a lazy river, family raft ride, and massive wave pool. The resort includes many other fun attractions and restaurants. A full day pass costs around $40, while a half day runs around $32 per person. Staying the night at the resort includes passes to the water park.

6. Avalanche Bay – Michigan

little kids swimming  in pool  underwater.

Avalanche Bay is 88,000 feet of family waterpark fun.


Image: YanLev Alexey, Shutterstock

©YanLev Alexey/Shutterstock.com

Avalanche Bay is a large water park in Boyne Falls, Michigan. It’s 88,000 square feet of adventurous water fun. Visitors can go on rides, fly down water slides, play in several activity pools, participate in simulated surfing, or soak in the hot tubs. The park is inside a resort, which features lodging, dining, shopping, a spa, an arcade, and more. Day pass rates to the water park start at $36 per person. 

Summary of the Largest Indoor Water Parks in the U.S.

RankLargest Indoor Water Parks in the U.S.LocationSize (Square Feet)
1Dreamworks Water ParkNew Jersey375,260
2Kalahari ResortsTexas and Others125,000 to 223,000
3AquatopiaPennsylvania125,000
4Tropic Falls Indoor WaterparkAlabama100,000
5Great Wolf LodgeGeorgia93,000
6Avalanche BayMichigan88,000

The photo featured at the top of this post is © MAD.vertise/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Niccoy is a professional writer for A-Z Animals, and her primary focus is on birds, travel, and interesting facts of all kinds. Niccoy has been writing and researching about travel, nature, wildlife, and business for several years and holds a business degree from Metropolitan State University in Denver. A resident of Florida, Niccoy enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time at the beach.

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