If you’re looking for water parks near Philadelphia, you’ll find several exciting options. Splashplex in Mount Laurel offers seasonal outdoor fun, while Big Kahuna’s in Berlin Township combines indoor and outdoor attractions. For year-round indoor experiences, consider Kalahari in the Poconos or Splash Lagoon in Erie. Dorney Park in Allentown also has a water park with rides and slides. Keep exploring for more details about these splash-tastic destinations!
Key Takeaways
- Multiple water parks are within a short drive, including Splashplex in Mount Laurel, Big Kahuna’s, and Dorney Park in Allentown.
- Indoor waterparks like Kalahari in Pocono Mountains and Big Kahuna’s offer year-round fun close to Philadelphia.
- Seasonal outdoor parks such as Splashplex and Big Kahuna’s operate mainly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Resorts like Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge provide water park access with accommodations and family amenities nearby.
- Parks feature attractions like water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and accessible features for diverse visitors.
Splashplex Waterpark in Mount Laurel
Located in Mount Laurel, Splashplex Waterpark is a popular summer destination within The Funplex family entertainment center. Spread across 25 acres, it offers both indoor and outdoor attractions, with the waterpark operating mainly from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You’ll find exciting water slides like the WhipSplash, which features big drops and two-rider raft rides, and the Manta Racer, a 50-foot-tall multi-lane slide perfect for racing friends. The park caters to all ages with lazy rivers, splash zones, and family-friendly play areas. For convenience, rental cabanas and poolside seating are available. Hours typically run from 10 AM to 7 PM during the season, with amenities like dining options, retail shops, and nearby hotels enhancing your visit.
Kalahari Resort in Pocono Mountains
At Kalahari Resort in Pocono Mountains, you’ll find an indoor waterpark that spans up to 250,000 square feet, packed with exciting attractions for all ages. From thrilling water coasters and raft slides to kid-friendly play areas, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the resort offers amenities like comfortable cabanas, diverse dining options, and plenty of entertainment to enhance your stay. With the rise of automation in business, the resort’s operations are increasingly efficient, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Indoor Waterpark Attractions
Inside the Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains, you’ll find one of the largest indoor waterparks in the United States, spanning over 220,000 square feet. It features high-thrill slides like the Screaming Hyena, a trapdoor free fall, the Anaconda water coaster, Wild Wildebeest, TornadoWave, and Cheetah Racers mat slide. For family fun, there are tube slides, a dedicated kids’ area with smaller slides, bouncers, and mini-basketball. Recent expansions added eight new thrilling slides and a wave pool. The park also boasts unique features like the FlowRider surf simulator, lazy river, Lost Lagoon water basketball, and zero-depth entry play areas for children. Indoor and outdoor spas connect for year-round relaxation, and swim-up bars offer adult fun, all within a climate maintained at 84°F.
Resort Amenities and Activities
Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains offers a wide range of amenities and activities that enhance your stay beyond the waterpark. You’ll find diverse dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, with poolside and cabana service ensuring you never have to leave the fun to eat. Relax and rejuvenate at the on-site spa and wellness center, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, massages, and treatments designed for all ages. For adventure, explore Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures, escape rooms, or challenge yourself in the arcade with VR and prize games. Enjoy themed pools, outdoor sun decks, or catch immersive 3-D movies in the motion theater. Plus, browse retail outlets for souvenirs, making your visit memorable inside and out. Resort amenities combine both entertainment and relaxation, and the resort also emphasizes the importance of whole-house water filtration systems to ensure guests have access to clean, fresh water during their stay.
Big Kahuna’s Water Park in Berlin Township
Wondering where you can enjoy water fun year-round near Philadelphia? Big Kahuna’s Water Park in Berlin Township is just about 25 minutes east of the city. Previously Sahara Sam’s Oasis, it now offers both indoor and outdoor water attractions. The indoor section covers over 70,000 square feet under a retractable roof, maintaining a warm 85°F temperature, perfect for winter visits. In summer, you can enjoy outdoor features like a wave pool, lazy river, and Shipwrecked Tiki Bar. Young kids have their own splash zone, Little Kahuna Lagoon, while families can relax in large pools like Hibiscus Bay. The park also offers arcade games, party rooms, and VIP cabanas. With nearby family attractions and easy highway access, Big Kahuna’s makes for a convenient, year-round water adventure close to Philadelphia. Its design incorporates Victorian-inspired elements, adding a charming, vintage feel to your visit.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom offers more than 100 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters for thrill-seekers and a water park with slides and lazy rivers for family fun. The park operates seasonally from April through early November, making it a great warm-weather destination. Located in Allentown, it’s easily accessible from the Philadelphia area, perfect for a full-day adventure. It is one of the most visited amusement parks in the U.S.. For those interested in electric bikes, the park also features bike-friendly pathways and rental options for visitors looking to explore the surrounding area on two wheels.
Attractions and Rides
Attractions and rides at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom offer thrill-seekers and families a diverse array of experiences. For adrenaline junkies, the park features impressive roller coasters like Iron Menace, debuting in 2024 with a 95-degree beyond-vertical drop, and Talon, an inverted coaster with four inversions. Steel Force stands out as one of the longest in the world, with a 205-foot drop and over 5,600 feet of track. Hydra’s floorless design and Thunderhawk’s historic wooden structure add unique thrills. For families and kids, Planet Snoopy offers over a dozen Peanuts-themed rides, while Woodstock Express and Flying Ace provide gentle experiences. The park also boasts classic rides like The Whip and antique carousel, ensuring fun for all ages. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is located in Dorneyville, Pennsylvania, near Allentown, and has been operating since the 1880s, making it one of the oldest amusement parks in the country.
Seasonal Operating Months
The operating schedule at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom varies throughout the year, allowing guests to enjoy different attractions depending on the season. The park opens for the 2025 season on Friday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m., with Wildwater Kingdom opening the same day, though water rides may have staggered openings due to weather. Early season visits might see limited water attractions, and full operation begins around Memorial Day. The popular summer season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with daily access to all rides, including Wildwater Kingdom. After Labor Day, Wildwater Kingdom usually closes, while Dorney Park stays open on select fall weekends for events like Halloween Haunt and Tricks and Treats. Weather can impact water ride openings, so check real-time updates before your trip.
Accessibility and Location
Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Wildwater Kingdom is easily accessible from Philadelphia, just about 45 miles north via major highways like I-78 and Route 22. The park offers accessible parking spaces near the entrance and smooth, wheelchair-friendly routes throughout the park, ensuring easy navigation for guests with mobility devices. Water wheelchairs are available inside the waterpark, and pool lifts at Runaway River and Wildwater River help guests enter and exit the water comfortably. The attraction program provides boarding passes for guests with disabilities to reduce wait times. Additionally, the park features accessible lockers, restrooms, and drinking fountains, along with designated meeting points for safety. Its proximity to Philadelphia makes it an ideal day trip destination for visitors seeking convenient, inclusive fun. The park’s commitment to accessibility reflects a broader effort to accommodate diverse needs and promote inclusive recreation.
Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos
Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is a premier family resort just a short drive from Philadelphia, offering a massive indoor water park with a woodsy theme that reflects the natural surroundings. Recently expanded with a $125 million renovation, it now features 50% more water attractions and new slides added in 2023. You’ll find a variety of rides, including the thrilling Hydro Plunge water coaster, Alberta Falls tube slides, and the relaxing Crooked Creek lazy river. For kids, there’s Totem Towers and Whooping Hollow toddler slides, plus Fort Mackenzie with interactive features. Your stay includes unlimited access to the water park, with additional options for dining and other activities like MagiQuest. This resort consistently ranks as a top family destination, offering fun year-round in a cozy, engaging environment.
Splash Lagoon in Erie
Splash Lagoon in Erie offers an exciting indoor water park experience year-round, perfect for families seeking fun regardless of the weather. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, about 6.5 hours northwest of Philadelphia, it’s easily accessible via I-79 and I-90. The climate-controlled facility stays at 84°F, so you can enjoy water adventures any day. Spread across 80,000 sq ft, it features nine water slides, including tube, body, and two extreme rides. The massive 200,000-gallon Wild Waters Wave Pool is one of the largest indoor wave pools in the eastern US. You’ll find a five-story Tiki Treehouse with 12 levels of activities, plus a lazy river, kids’ shallow pool, splash pad, and hot tubs. The park has undergone multiple updates and rebrandings of attractions over the years. Additionally, the park offers family-friendly amenities such as cabanas and snack bars to enhance your visit. Nearby hotels make planning your trip even easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Water Parks Suitable for Infants and Toddlers?
Water parks are generally suitable for infants and toddlers, especially in designated areas like splash gardens and shallow pools. You’ll find zero-depth entry pools and gentle slides designed for young children’s safety and enjoyment. Just remember to supervise closely, as parental oversight is essential. Many parks offer amenities like changing tables and shaded spots, making it easier for you to care for your little ones while they play safely in a fun, interactive environment.
Do Water Parks Offer Accessible Amenities for Guests With Disabilities?
You’ll find that many water parks offer accessible amenities designed for guests with disabilities, but it’s not always seamless. Some parks provide wheelchair-accessible parking, lifts, and sensory-friendly rides, yet issues like broken lifts or limited facilities can cause delays. To guarantee a smooth experience, it’s wise to check ahead, register upon arrival, and communicate your needs. With some planning, you can enjoy the water park’s fun without unnecessary stress.
What Are the Best Times to Visit to Avoid Crowds?
To avoid crowds, visit water parks on weekday mornings, especially Monday or Tuesday, right after they open. Early hours offer shorter lines and less busy attractions, giving you more ride time and a relaxed experience. Avoid weekends and midday hours, as these are typically the busiest times. If you can go during early June or late August, you’ll find fewer visitors, making your day even more enjoyable.
Are Outside Food and Drinks Allowed Inside the Water Parks?
Outside food and drinks aren’t generally allowed inside water parks, but some parks, like Sesame Place, permit bottled water or refillable bottles. DreamWorks Water Park and Geyser Falls ban outside food, beverages, and coolers, while Philadelphia parks restrict food on the pool deck. Exceptions usually include medical needs or infant food. To avoid issues, check each park’s policy beforehand and plan to buy food inside or outside the park if permitted.
Do Water Parks Provide Life Jackets or Safety Gear for Children?
You’ll be relieved to know that water parks almost always provide life jackets for children because safety is a top priority. Parks like Kalahari and Great Wolf Resorts offer free, USCG-approved life jackets, ensuring every kid stays afloat like a buoyant superhero. They also encourage or require their use, especially for non-swimmers or smaller children. With plenty of safety gear and attentive staff, you can relax knowing your little ones are well protected.
Conclusion
No matter which water park you choose near Philadelphia, you’re in for a splash-tacular adventure. Each spot offers a unique escape, like a treasure chest bursting with fun and excitement. So, grab your swimsuit and sunscreen—these parks are calling your name! Whether you’re seeking thrilling slides or lazy rivers, you’re sure to find your perfect splash zone. Get ready to make waves and create memories that’ll ripple through your mind long after the water’s gone.
