In summer, the southern states of the US often experience intense heat. Naturally, there is no better way to beat the heat than a visit to a water park in the South; however, not all are made equal. From the best water parks in Florida to the top water parks in North Carolina, it’s time to look for that swimsuit, pack some sunscreen and get ready for an epic water park experience.
These are some of the most epic of all the best southern water parks in the US to visit in summer as the weather gets warmer.
10 Shipwreck Island Water Park
Swimming pool close-up
Located in Panama City Beach, Shipwreck Island Water Park is a family-friendly water park. With 3 million gallons of water over 15 acres, the water park features tons of aquatic adventures for the entire family.
Take a dip in the huge wave pool or try one of the family slides like White Knuckle River, the Pirate’s Race, or Zoom Flume.
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Location
: Panama City Beach, Florida
Shipwreck Island Water Park Park Prices
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Guests 50 inches and above
: $49.99 USD per person -
Guests between 35 and 50 inches:
$39.99 USD per person. -
Guests UNDER 35 inches:
FREE -
Senior Citizens:
$36.99 USD per person
9 Universal’s Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay at Universal Studios, Orlando Florida
There are a ton of US water parks based in resorts, and Volcano Bay is definitely one of them that’s on a whole other level. Located in Universal Orlando Resort, Volcano Bay leans heavily into the philosophy of ” Water is life. Life is joy”.
Dare to be bold and try the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides or take a calm ride down the Kopiko Wai Winding River; there are endless rides to choose from for every water park lover.
8 Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston
People in pool Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, Texas
The US has many great indoor water parks, but sometimes, water park lovers want the best of both worlds. Located in Galveston, Schlitterbahn Galveston is one of the best US water parks for adventure seekers that want an indoor and outdoor experience.
From intense slides like the Rohr! to the Screaming Serpents body slide, the park is a dream for visitors that love rides with a little bit more speed.
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Location
: Galveston, Texas
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston Park Prices
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Partial Park Ticket
: from $44.99 USD -
Daily Admission Ticket
: from $55.99 USD -
Slide ‘N’ Fresh
: from $49.99 USD - Plus applicable taxes and fees
7 Wet ‘N’ Wild Emerald Pointe
Located in Greensboro, Wet ‘N’ Wild Emerald Pointe is one of the largest water parks in North Carolina. With over 40 attractions, this water park really takes this up a notch.
Experience a high thrill on the Bobs Away Ride, or try something a little more mellow with a Lazy River float. Whatever the intensity, Wet ‘N’ Wild has something in store for water lovers keen on adventure.
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Location
: Greensboro, North Carolina
Wet ‘N’ Wild Emerald Pointe Park Prices
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Single-Day Admission
: $39.99 USD -
Any Day Admission
: $54.99 USD per ticket
6 Dollywood Splash Country Waterpark
The entrance to Dollywood amusement park in the Smoky Mountains, the famous park owned by Dolly Parton
Situated in the Smokey Mountains, Dollywood’s Splash Country is one of the top water parks in the South and a wonderful water park for families looking to cool down this summer. “Voted a Top 10 Outdoor Waterpark by USA Today Readers“, the water park features a wide range of attractions.
From the exhilarating Fire Tower Falls to the interactive Bear Mountain Fire Tower®, there are gallons of fun to be experienced at this epic water park.
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Location
: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood Splash Country Waterpark Park Prices
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1-Day Water Park Tickets Regular Adult Price
: $54.95 USD -
2-Day Water Park Tickets Regular Adult Price
: $74.95 USD -
3-Day Water Park Tickets Regular Adult Price
: $84.95 USD -
Child and senior pricing
: available - Prices do not include tax.
Fun Fact: Dollywood’s Splash Country and Dollywood amusement park are co-owned by country music icon Dolly Parton.
5 Island H2O Water Park
Aerial view of Island H2O Water Park in Kissimmee, Florida, United States
Located in Kissimmee, Island H2O Water Park is ranked number four according to USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards 2023 – and with rides to fit all thrill levels, it’s no wonder this is considered one of the best water parks in the South.
From the 587ft Profile Plunge to the Level Up play area, there’s something for everyone at Island H2O Water Park.
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Location
: Kissimmee, Florida
Island H2O Water Park Prices
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Any Day Ticket
: $59.99 + tax per person. -
Any Day Ticks for Child/Senior
: $49.99
4 Carowinds Carolina Harbor Waterpark
Aerial view of Carowinds in September 2017
Located in Charlotte, Carowinds at Carolina Harbor Waterpark is considered one of North Carolina’s best water parks. With 26 acres of slides and attractions, this water park offers some epic experiences for water babies.
From the thrilling Storm Surge ride to the family-friendly Seaside Splashworks, this North Carolina water park is definitely one to visit in summer.
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Location
: Charlotte, North Carolina
Carowinds Carolina Harbor Waterpark Prices
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Limited Time Offer Early Days Deal
: from $39.99 USD (offer ends 6/14/23) -
Daily Ticket
: from $49.99 USD plus applicable taxes -
Two-Day Ticket
: $79.99 USD plus applicable taxes
3 Water Country USA
Kid holding his breath in a pool
Located in Williamsburg, Water Country USA is the largest water park in Virginia. Home to thrilling water slides, a Lil Surfers Splash Pad, water rafts, and a new Riptide Race (Virginia’s First Dueling Pipeline Slide), this is one of the best water parks in the southern US that will delight both kids and adults.
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Location:
Williamsburg, Virginia
Water Country USA Park Prices
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Date-Specific Ticket
: prices start at $49.99 USD each -
One-Day Ticket
: $65.99 USD each
2 Aquatica Orlando
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Roa’s Rapids lazy river at Aquatica water park in Orlando, Florida, USA
Located in Orlando, Aquatica is the number 1 outdoor water park according to USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards 2023. From the well-known Dolphin Plunge to the new Turi’s Kid Cove attraction, there are so many reasons Aquatica is considered Florida’s best water park.
1 Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Located in the middle of Texas, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is among the top water parks in the Southern US; it has “the largest and most eclectic collection of water rides in the world”. With 51 rivers, chutes, slides, and rides, water park enthusiasts looking for a way to kick-start summer should add the Schlitterbahn Waterpark to the roster.
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Location
: New Braunfels, Texas
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels Park Prices
-
Daily Admission Ticket
: from $47.99 USD -
Slide ‘N’ Fresh
: from $52.99 USD offer ends 6/30/2023 - Plus applicable taxes and fees
