Outdoorwater parks in Orlando boast towering water slides, safe play areas, and plenty of ways to beat the scorching Florida sun. Orlando water parks pack full-size fun, often at a fraction of the price of the majortheme parks.In addition to slides and swings,many Orlando water parksofferextraordinary experiences, such as dolphin encounters and enchanting mermaid shows!
From wonderfully constructedwater parks to a natural, spring-fed water park, here's a look at some of the best water parks in Orlando. If the anticipated crowds at these water parks deter you, considervisiting anOrlandonatural spring,nearby Florida beach, or a funinflatable water parknear Orlando!
Speed down the slides at Aquatica, Sea World's Water Park.
Outdoor Water Parks in Orlando
1.Aquatica — SeaWorld Orlando
Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, boasts multiple rides, animal encounters, and sandy beaches.Tassie's Underwater Twist immersive water slide transports guests to Australia’s Shark Bay (complete withmusical score). The popular Riptide Race water slidefeatures dueling rafts that race through tunnels and loops. In the Reef Plunge water slide, guests are immersed in an underwater world alongside playful black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, and cold-water fish. Other attractions includewave pools, raft slides,water playground, lazy river, andTuri's Kids Cove. Open all year.
2.Buccaneer Bay— Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill
Located at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, this spring-fed water park is ideal for those wanting to enjoy family fun while exploringFlorida. Buccaneer Bay features a white sand beach,clear spring waters, twowater slides, a natural lazy river, andCaribbean Cove water play area for youngchildren. See the iconic Weeki Wachee mermaids perform their famous underwater show. The water park isopen weekends, andopens daily duringsummer. The beach and swim areas are open year-round.
3.Daytona Lagoon— Daytona Beach
Located within walking distance of Daytona Beach, this hidden gem featuresa water park andFun Park entertainment center. Daytona Lagoonboasts eight fun attractions, including slides, mat racers, a lazy river, wave pool, and a water playground; Fun Park offers bumper cars, go-karts, mini golf, and more. Daytona Lagoon’s water park is openon select days March-September; Fun Park is open year-round.
4.Discovery Cove —SeaWorld Orlando
For a unique Orlando water park experience, consider reservations to SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove. Your family is sure to maketerrific memories at Discovery Cove! Get nose-to-nose with dolphins at the signature dolphin experience, snorkel in the Grand Reef with thousands of tropical fish and stingrays, swim next to otters and marmosets in a freshwater rainforest oasis, and explore a giant aviary. Discovery Cove is open year-round.
5. Island H2O Water Park —Kissimmee
Island H2Ohas a fun and interactive "social media" theme. Guests receive smart bands and can sync them with the Island H2O app to capture photos and videos on the rides, play games to earn points and badges, and streamsongs. Smart bands also sync up with family and friends, so it's easy to find each other in the park.Attractions at Island H2O range from mild thrill levels to max thrill levels, featuring body and tube slides, giant raft rides, kids splash zone, lazy river, and wave pool. Island H2O is open seasonally,March through November, and hosts fun events such as an annualDuck Race, dive-in movie nights, and more.
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6.LEGOLANDFlorida Water Park — Winter Haven
This LEGO-themed water parkwas designed with little builders in mind. Experience build-a-raft lazy river, a wave pool with floating bricks, and Creative Cove build-a-boat area. Older kids and teensenjoywater slides and a double-seated tubing ride;little onesplay at Joker Soaker interactive water playground or Duplo Splash Safari play area. This water park is open year-round andlocated inside LEGOLAND -- itrequires an add-on to the LEGOLAND theme park ticket.
Cruise down the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon. Photo courtesy of WDW
7.Typhoon Lagoon – Walt Disney World
With over 10 fun rides and attractions, this Walt Disney World water park makes for a full day of family fun. Braveswells in the massive wave pool, enjoy a twin raft ride withtwists and turns, or plummet down a five-story body slide in the dark. Splash around Ketchakiddee Creek, with mini water slides and interactive elements designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Guests canenjoy nighttime glow partiesatTyphoon Lagoon's H2O Glow After Hours!
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8.Volcano Bay —Universal Orlando
Volcano Bayis located at Universal Orlando Resort and features 20 rides and attractions. Upon entry, notice thegiant volcano with several water rides inside. Thrill-seekers enjoybody slides, raft rides, and even the Aqua Coaster. Swim at the two themed leisure poolsor chillat afaux coastline. For youngguests, there is Tot Tiki Reef (complete with a tot-sized volcano) as well as a whimsical water playground known as Runamukka Reef.
One of the best features at Volcano Bay is the technology:Rather than wait in longlines, riders can "tap in" to a virtual queue with a wristband (TapuTapu), and the wristbandnotifiesthem when it's time to return. Volcano Bay is open all year, however ittypically closes on days when temperaturesbelow 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
9.Blizzard Beach— Walt Disney World
Note: Blizzard Beach is currently unavailable. However, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is open(see above).
One of two Disney water parks, Blizzard Beach has a unique theme as a failed ski resort turned water park. The rides follow this theme, such as a chairlift trip up Mount Gushmore to the park’s main attraction – Summit Plummet – one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides around. Guests can also race toboggans down an eight-lane water slide, plunge down three tube rides, and encounter fun obstacles at Ski Patrol Training Camp.
Tips for Visiting Orlando Water Parks
- Afternoon storms are common during summer, and some rides may be suspended temporarily in the case of inclement weather.
- Arrive early toavoid the biggest crowds (andafternoon storms).
- A waterproof phone case comes in handy to capture memories without worrying about your phone getting wet.
- Bring sunscreenandreapply it throughout the day.
- Wear water shoes or flip-flops asthe walkways can get hot in the Florida sun.
Unless noted, photos by the author
