California is known as the sunny state, but it also gets pretty hot during the summer months – which means it’s time to pack up and head out to some of these awesome waterparks that are guaranteed to make your summer epic! If you want to cool off and have a blast doing it, there are plenty of options from San Diego all the way up north to Tahoe. Check out this list of 7 waterparks in California that will make your summer epic!
Balboa Park (San Diego):
Balboa Park is a Central Park-like oasis near the middle of San Diego. The park has plenty of attractions, including the famous San Diego Zoo, but one of its newest additions is the Balboa Fun Zone. This waterpark includes two giant water slides, a splash zone, and a lagoon with geysers and sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles. Visitors can also rent a boat or go boogie boarding on their own private beach. There’s even an open-air restaurant overlooking the lagoon for parents to keep an eye on their kids playing in the waves below.
Great Wolf Lodge (Fresno):
In order to find the best waterpark in California, you have to take into consideration a number of factors. For instance, the pool size is a huge factor for those who like to do a lot of laps or people with small children. The slides are another key component as they can range from gentle tube rides that are perfect for toddlers to thrilling twists and turns that will send adrenaline junkies soaring high into the sky. It’s also important to consider how many kids you’ll be bringing with you because not all parks are created equal when it comes to this category.
Splash Kingdom (Santa Clarita):
The Splash Kingdom is a waterpark that has been delighting families for over 25 years. It’s one of the largest waterparks in Southern California and features 36 water slides, a wave pool, and three interactive play areas. The park also offers free life jackets to children under 13 who don’t know how to swim. The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 am to 5 pm and offers multi-day passes for discounted rates on admission.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Volcano Bay:
One of the newest water parks to hit the west coast is Universal Studios Hollywood’s Volcano Bay. The park features a six-story high volcano, and three themed attractions: Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which offers high-speed twists and turns through liquid-filled tubes; Ohno’s Rapid Raft Ride, which takes guests on a twisting ride through rapids; and Waturi Beach Wave Pool. Guests can also relax by the poolside with their favorite drink or explore Shark Reef–a 3.5 million gallon tank with more than 1,000 sea creatures–before heading back to the shipwreck-themed lazy river for a relaxing float.
Sesame Place (Langhorne, PA):
Sesame Place is the perfect place to cool off and have some summer fun. Whether you’re a parent who loves the Sesame Street characters or a kid looking for a waterpark adventure, this destination has something for everyone.
The weather in Pennsylvania is hot, too, so it’s nice to get out of the sun and into one of their indoor attractions like The Count’s Splash Castle or Elmo’s World. You can enjoy both of these attractions by paying for one admission ticket which is only $41 per person (adult) and $31 per person (child). Plus, kids under 3 are free!
Disney Land’s Typhoon Lagoon:
The ride of the day is always a tough decision with so many great choices, but the best choice will always be the one that’s the most fun. If you’re looking for something that will keep you cool and wet all day long, head over to Disney Land’s Typhoon Lagoon. This waterpark has everything from wave pools to tube rides and even surfing lessons!
Paramount Lagoon (Los Angeles):
California is home to some of the nation’s sunniest cities, which makes finding somewhere to cool off a pretty important task. While the beach is always fun, sometimes it’s nice to mix in a little adventure and get wet and wild at a water park. Paramount Lagoon is located just south of LAX, making it easy for travelers who are looking for a day of fun before their flights take off. With three attractions including two wave pools, this waterpark has something for all ages. If you’re feeling brave, try jumping on one of the four steel slides that reach heights up to thirty feet high! The park also features an arcade with games and prizes that will keep kids entertained while they wait their turn on the rides.