Aside from poolside chilling, trashy novels and far too much sangria, there is one other ingredient that really makes a holiday complete – the waterpark. From fast and furious flumes to slides with serious splash, we’ve gathered together the world’s best waterparks, ready and waiting for you to grab a towel and dive straight in!
1. Aquaventure Waterpark
Dubai, UAE
The centrepiece of Atlantis The Palm resort, Aquaventure is less a waterpark, more its own world of aquatic antics and splashing good fun. With over five themed waterslides, river rides, a private beach and even a shark safari, there’s enough here to keep kids and big kids having a whale of a time for hours.
Erin from Travel with Bender family travel blog says:
“This 42-acre water park is home to some of the best waterslides on the planet, including one that drops you 9 stories and then travels right through a shark tank!”
2. Siam Park
Adeje, Spain
One for the thrillseekers, Siam Park prides itself on setting pulses racing and hearts a-flutter. If The Dragon and Mekong Rapids aren’t enough for a wet and wild ride, the infamous Tower of Power is a plummeting drop of 28 metres for real adventurous spirits. Adrenaline seeking not your thing? The park’s Mai Thai River, Siam Beach and Floating Market are great for soaking up the sun and chilled vibes instead.
3. Wet ‘n’ Wild
With an extensive selection of rides, pools, slides and attractions tailored to all ages and thrill-levels, you’ll need more than a day week to soak up all that Wet ‘n’ Wild has to offer. Kids will have to be bribed away from the Keiki Love ‘sprayground’, Surf Sliders and Kapolei Kooler, whilst adrenaline junkies can be found circling the incredible Tornado drop, or hurtling down the Shaka Slide at breakneck speed.
Mary from Bohemian Travelers family travel blog says:
“The park […] is loaded with fun slides, cabanas to rent and relax in, kiddie pools, a wave pool, and so much more. We went with a bunch of kids varying in ages from 4-18 and everyone had a great time.”
4. Beach Park
Aquiraz, Brazil
A real crowd-pleaser, this innovative waterpark offers rides and attractions for all ages and tastes. Little ones are well catered for with multiple pools and slides, Aqua Circus, Treasure Island and Enchanted River. Those looking to make a bit more of a splash can leap into numerous themed flumes, with the aptly named Insane waterslide stretching a shiver-inducing 43 metres towards the sky.
5. Waterbom Bali
Bali, Indonesia
With a world-class selection of slides, flumes and pools sprinkled throughout lush, tropical gardens, Waterbom Bali is a true aqua paradise. An environmentally conscious design and ingenious attractions such as the balloon firing Water Blaster, Waterbom really does know its audience. The park’s pride and joy however, is its state-of-the-art, double wave machine – surf’s up!
6. Wild Wadi Waterpark
Dubai, UAE
Part of Jumeirah Beach complex, Wild Wadi has really made a name for itself as one of the best waterparks the UAE has to offer. Amongst the incredible flumes and waterslides, the park boasts the rough and ready Wipeout Riptide ride, Trantrum Alley and Flood River, as well as the more calming Dhow Lagoon. Towering over the park is the jewel in its crown – the winding expanse of Burj Surj, a wild, winding waterslide and whirlpool.
7. Tropical Islands
Krausnick, Germany
Officially the world’s largest indoor waterpark, this incredible construction is a splash-seeker’s dream come true. Stretching across an area the size of eight football fields, this incredible dome of water-themed fun includes a spa and sauna, artificial beach, and enough slides, pools and flumes to keep you busy for the full 24 hours a day it is open!
8. Etnaland
Sicily, Italy
Inspired by the magnificent Mount Etna, which is also its namesake, this action packed waterpark is the biggest in South Italy. Slides are present and correct in the form of the Big Toboggan and Rio Anaconda, whilst those looking for a more chilled experience can float away on the Lazy River, or enjoy some aqua-therapy in the bubbling Hydro Pool.
9. Splashin’ Safari
Lafayette Indiana USA
Part of Santa Claus’s Holiday World park, Splashin’ Safari offers endless family fun with its collection of slides, wave pools and water rides. Those looking to jump in feet-first should head straight to the park’s Mammoth Water Coaster, a seven storey enclosed flume which snakes its way across three acres of the park!
Keen to dive in closer to home? Check out our list of the UK’s best waterparks!
