If the idea of a tropical vacay without getting on a plane sounds like a dream, then we have good news—taking a trip to one of the indoor waterparks in NJ or the tri-state area, is that dream come true (at least for a day)? With slides, wave pools, unique themes, and an always balmy 80-something degree, an indoor waterpark is a quick escape, especially when the weather is icky. Plus, toddlers to teens (and even adults) will have a ball in dedicated play areas, rolling wave pools, lazy rivers, and on water slides, big and small. Read on for the best waterparks in NJ to take your family indoors, and if water isn’t your family’s thing, there are plenty of other indoor activities around the state to choose from. (featured photo credit: The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark)
Here are the best indoor waterparks in NJ and surrounding areas for families
American Dream boasts a huge indoor waterpark in NJ with slides, a lazy river, and a huge wave pool. Photo Credit: American Dream
American Dream DreamWorks Water Park
Boasting the largest indoor waterpark in North America, DreamWorks Water Park is the island-themed escape you’re looking for, especially when it’s drizzling, damp, or snowing, thanks to the always perfect 81-degree temps. Head to the slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools—and when your kids have splashed enough, you can hit the restaurants, mini-golf courses, aquarium, and an indoor skiing slope to round out the vacay feel. Staying a while? The DreamWorks Waterpark also offers poolside cabanas, as well as Sky Box Suites, where you can not only view the pool but also see Manhattan right from the clear glass-paneled guard railings.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Aquatopia at Camelback Mountain
It’s always sunny at this indoor waterpark, with a vast texlon roof that lets the sunlight in and the temps reach 84 degrees, rain or shine. Families spend post-ski sessions here splashing on the 13 water slides, playing indoor games, and hanging out in the interactive toddler areas. Opt to book a cabana that can be used for a quick nap or book their new VIP seating area, with private access to the wave pool.
193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372
Big Kahuna’s
Need to get on island time, pronto? This indoor waterpark in NJ is a bright spot that brings the vacay vibes to any dull day. Dive into their underwater fantasyland with the winding Tiki Tides lazy river, Flow Rider Body Surf Simulator, and the Jungle Hangout, a playland for the kiddos. There is also an Aqua Arena water basketball court, cabana rentals, and an arcade.
535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Great Wolf Lodge
Plan to spend the night at this Western-themed indoor waterpark nestled in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, where the splash-filled adventures are open morning through night. For littles, there’s the Cub Paw Pool with rain umbrellas and tot-sized slides. Bigger kids and adults can get their thrills out on a raft water slide at River Canyon Run or down four stories on an inner tube in the action-packed Alberta Falls. When it’s time to dry off, play a rousing game of bowling, compete in a few rounds in the arcade, or embark on a magical quest with a magic wand around the resort. And if you’re a fan of Great Wolf, check out the newest and largest addition to the family with one-of-a-kind slides and attractions at the Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, MD.
1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA 18355
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is an excellent place for the whole family. Photo taken at The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark.
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Within the Catskill Mountains, you’ll find a tropical indoor oasis with palm-fringed walkways, jungle vegetation, and endless opportunities for water-themed fun. Float down the lazy river, test out rides and slides, or walk on the Later Gator Crossing rope bridge. Count on spending a night or two here in lux suite-only rooms and explore all their on-site activities like family yoga, snowshoeing, movie nights, and trivia contests.
555 Resorts World Drive, Monticello, NY 12701
H20ooohh! at Split Rock Resort
With over 50,000 square feet of water attractions, Split Rock’s hotel has a thrilling indoor waterpark for the whole crew. Get ready for three four-story slides, a wave pool, Leapin’ Lilypads, and everyone’s favorite, the dumping bucket. Though the waterpark is part of the Split Rock Resort, you don’t have to be a guest—they offer daily park play sessions with online reservations.
428 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony, PA 18624
Kalahari Resorts
Head to PA for this colossal waterpark filled with over 220,000 square feet of fun—twist down the Barreling Baboon slide, race your kids down the slide with the Cheetah Race, or test your balance on the Flowrider and practice your bodyboarding and surfing skills. Plan a stay in one of their family-friendly suites, where you can feast on gourmet fare and sip artisan cocktails, and after, spend the night playing in the giant arcade, figuring out an escape room, or playing putt-putt under black lights.
250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349
Island Waterpark at Showboat
The newest indoor waterpark in NJ, Showboat makes a splash with oceanside views and an unmatched experience anywhere. Take twists and turns on the Sonic Serpent, hang ten on the Wild Wave Flowrider, or chill in the Island Drift Lazy River. Littles will love the Kids Cove, where they can splash and slide, and bigger kids will want to take a spin on Slide Island. They also boast the first-ever zero gravity coaster and zipline within the waterpark. Afterward, stroll on the indoor Island Waterpark Boardwalk, where you can find family games and yummy shore food and specialties.
801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
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