MomSkoop
Summer heat calls for splashing fun, and Philadelphia families have amazing options right in their backyard. From thrilling water slides to lazy rivers perfect for toddlers, the region offers incredible aquatic adventures for every age. Whether you want indoor year-round fun or outdoor seasonal excitement, these water parks deliver unforgettable family memories without traveling far from home.
1. Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark – Tannersville, PA
Adventure awaits at this mountain-top water wonderland just 90 minutes from Philadelphia. Camelbeach sits beautifully in the Pocono Mountains, offering 37 water attractions spread across scenic terrain.
Families love the variety here, from heart-pounding slides like the Torpedo to gentle kiddie pools. The FlowRider surfing simulator creates waves of excitement for older kids and teens.
Pack a picnic or grab food from multiple dining spots throughout the park. Season passes offer great value for families planning multiple summer visits.
2. Hersheypark’s Boardwalk – Hershey, PA
Sweet treats and water beats combine perfectly at this chocolate-themed aquatic paradise. Located within the famous Hersheypark, the Boardwalk features 16 water attractions with that signature Hershey charm.
Kids go crazy for the interactive water playground while parents relax in comfortable seating areas. The lazy river winds peacefully through the entire water park section.
Best part? Your Hersheypark admission includes both the amusement park and water attractions. Plan a full day to experience roller coasters, water slides, and plenty of chocolate-themed fun all in one place.
3. Great Wolf Lodge – Pocono Mountains, PA
Year-round water fun awaits at this massive indoor resort destination. Great Wolf Lodge combines comfortable hotel rooms with an enormous 78,000-square-foot water park exclusively for guests.
Every family member finds their perfect activity, from toddler splash areas to multi-level tree house adventures. The resort atmosphere means you never have to leave for meals or entertainment.
Book early for better rates, especially during peak seasons and holidays. The all-inclusive feel makes budgeting easier since the water park access comes with your room reservation automatically.
4. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Pocono Mountains, PA
African safari meets Pennsylvania mountains at America’s largest indoor water park. Kalahari spans an incredible 220,000 square feet of aquatic adventures with authentic African theming throughout.
Thrill-seekers love the massive water coasters while younger kids enjoy gentler safari-themed play areas. Multiple restaurants and shops create a complete resort experience.
Consider staying overnight to fully enjoy all amenities, including the arcade and spa services. Day passes are available but sell out quickly during busy periods, so advance booking is essential for guaranteed entry.
5. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort – Erie, PA
Tropical paradise exists year-round in northwestern Pennsylvania at this impressive indoor facility. Splash Lagoon maintains a constant 84-degree temperature, making winter visits just as enjoyable as summer ones.
Four massive water slides dominate the landscape while a huge activity pool keeps everyone entertained for hours. The lazy river provides peaceful floating time between more active adventures.
Erie location means a longer drive from Philadelphia, but many families make it a weekend getaway. Hotel packages include water park admission and often provide significant savings over separate bookings.
6. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom – Allentown, PA
Two parks in one create double the family fun at this popular Allentown destination. Wildwater Kingdom sits adjacent to Dorney Park, offering 22 water attractions alongside classic amusement park rides.
Water slides range from mild to wild, ensuring appropriate thrills for every family member. The wave pool generates perfect artificial waves every few minutes.
Season passes provide excellent value since they include both parks plus free parking. Located just an hour from Philadelphia, this makes an easy day trip without overnight accommodation needs.
7. Split Rock Resort Water Park – Lake Harmony, PA
Mountain lake beauty surrounds this charming resort water park in the heart of the Poconos. Split Rock offers both indoor and outdoor aquatic fun with stunning natural scenery as your backdrop.
Families appreciate the more intimate scale compared to mega-resorts, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for quality time together. Multiple pools cater to different age groups and activity levels.
Resort guests enjoy exclusive access, but day passes become available when capacity allows. The lakefront location provides additional activities like boating and fishing for extended family vacations.
8. Mountain Creek Waterpark – Vernon, NJ
Just across the state line, this action-packed water park delivers serious thrills in a beautiful mountain setting. Mountain Creek features some of the most exciting water slides in the entire region.
Adrenaline junkies love the extreme slides while families enjoy the large activity pools and lazy river. Multiple dining options keep everyone fueled for full-day adventures.
Parking fills up quickly on hot summer days, so arrive early for the best spots. Group discounts are available for larger families or those planning visits with friends and extended family members.
9. Sesame Place – Langhorne, PA
Beloved Sesame Street characters bring magic to this unique theme park with fantastic water attractions. Sesame Place combines the nostalgia of childhood favorites with modern water park excitement.
Young children absolutely love meeting Big Bird and Elmo while enjoying age-appropriate water play areas. Character meet-and-greets happen throughout the day at various locations.
Located very close to Philadelphia, this makes an perfect day trip for families with preschool and elementary-age children. Season passes include special character events and early park access during busy summer months.
10. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park – Destin, FL
While requiring a longer journey, this Florida destination creates unforgettable family vacation memories. Big Kahuna’s combines water park thrills with additional adventure activities like mini golf and go-karts.
Multiple water slides and a lazy river provide classic aquatic fun while unique attractions set this park apart from others. The Florida location means year-round operation and guaranteed sunshine.
Plan this as part of a longer Florida vacation to justify the travel distance from Philadelphia. Package deals with nearby hotels often include park admission and create better overall vacation value.
11. Blue Mountain Resort Water Park – Palmerton, PA
Ski slopes transform into summer water fun at this unique mountain resort location. Blue Mountain offers outdoor water attractions with spectacular Lehigh Valley views surrounding the entire facility.
Families enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful mountain air while kids splash in various pools and water features. The scenic location makes this feel more like a mountain retreat.
Consider combining water park visits with other resort activities like scenic chairlift rides and hiking trails. The mountain setting provides cooler temperatures even on the hottest summer days throughout the region.
12. Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark – Tannersville, PA
Brand new excitement awaits at this state-of-the-art indoor facility in the Pocono Mountains. Aquatopia features cutting-edge water attractions with modern design and the latest safety technology.
Multiple themed areas cater to different ages and thrill levels, from toddler splash zones to extreme water slides. Climate-controlled environment ensures perfect conditions regardless of outside weather.
Being the newest facility in the area means less crowding and pristine conditions throughout. Advanced reservation systems help manage capacity and ensure better experiences for all visiting families during peak seasons.