Warning: Reading this article just might have you packing a swimsuit for a trip to the best water parks in Pennsylvania! No matter the season, there’s always fun to be had in PA, so if a few days of splashing, swimming, and water sliding is what you’re after, we’re here to help.
It might be hard to choose just one of these family-friendly water parks for your upcoming summer escapade. A spacious van is a great way to ensure you visit as many as possible while comfortably transporting your water park essentials and, of course, your entire family.
Below is a list of our favorite water parks in the state to put on your trip itinerary. Remember, no matter where you are in PA, you can rent a van in Pennsylvania and hit the road!
1. Kalahari Resort
For anyone on the hunt for hotels with indoor water parks, Kalahari Resort is a top option. There is a bit of everything here — rides, slides, bowling alleys, spas, and shopping — satisfying both adults and kids. The views of the Pocono Mountains make it an even more enticing destination.
Choose from two giant African-themed water parks, one inside and one outside, and spend a day zipping down the Anaconda slide or floating on the lazy river, safari-style. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dine at one of the four onsite signature restaurants or opt for something more casual, like a family-friendly buffet or room service to your clean and comfortable family suite.
Location: Tobyhanna, PA
Cost: Day passes cost $199.99 per person
2. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Did you know one of the best water parks in Pennsylvania is in the middle of a campground? Yogi Bear’s Water Zone features kiddie slides, a fort, a water cannon, and splash pads, all set within 63 acres of wooded forest.
When you’re ready to dry off, head out for a scavenger hunt, a hike, or try your hand at gem mining. From dusk till dawn, the park is overflowing with outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family.
Location: Quarryville, PA
Cost: Day passes cost $44 per person over the age of four
3. Idlewild & SoakZone
Named the “Best Children’s Park in the World” by Amusement Today Magazine, Idlewild & SoakZone offers a delightful day of fun for visitors of all ages. And with 145 years of experience, it’s no surprise that the SoakZone is full of unique activities.
Woosh down serpentine slides, explore a pirate ship, and twist down a pipeline plunge. There are so many opportunities to splash the day away that it might be hard to tear your kids, or yourself, from the pools. Luckily, the fun isn’t over when you exit the water — go for a ride on a wooden roller coaster or dive into the magical Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make Believe.
Location: Ligonier, PA
Cost: Season passes start at $89.99 per person
4. Camelbeach Outdoor Water Park
A road trip to the coolest places in the East wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the largest water park in PA. Camelbeach Outdoor Water Park isn’t just the largest outdoor water park in the state — it’s one of the biggest in the nation!
Want to learn to surf? Zip down an eight-track waterslide? Eat pizza while lounging in a shady cabana with a good book? Indulge in all of these activities and more in fabulous vistas with the Pocono Mountains surrounding you.
Location: Tannersville, PA
Cost: Day passes start at $69 per person
5. Split Rock Resort Indoor Water Park
Another must-see aquatic destination in the Poconos is Split Rock Resort. What’s great about this place isn’t just the 53,000 square feet of water attractions that include dumping buckets and Leapin’ Lily Pads — according to TripAdvisor, it’s confirmed to be one of the best indoor water parks in PA!
Any season is the perfect season to visit this liquid wonderland, so if you’re looking for a vacation that combines slopes and slides, you’ve found it. In fact, if you’re on the hunt for other fun things to do in the winter, check out our great list of warm winter vacation destinations and turn your vacation into a road trip!
Location: Lake Harmony, PA
Cost: Free with room rental, starting at $148 per night
6. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
The time is now to visit Great Wolf Lodge, one of the best family-friendly hotels with an indoor water park in PA. With the completion of a massive, multi-million dollar renovation project comes sparkling new slides, a four-story water-logged treehouse, and a river canyon run.
When the thrill of the water park becomes a bit too much, relax in one of two hot tubs available for adults and families or play a round of basketball in the outdoor pool. Make a trip of it with an overnight stay in a Mountain Lodge suite or a brand-new Woodland Villa.
Location: Scotrun, PA
Cost: Day passes cost $40 per person
7. Waldameer Park & Water World
For over 125 years, families have flocked to Waldameer Park to immerse in a watery paradise of body slides, wading pools, and hot tubs. Enjoy classic attractions like lazy rivers and new ones, like the Rocket Blast slide which combines a water slide with the uphill elements of a roller coaster.
Consider purchasing a day pass that grants entry to the amusement park, featuring a famous wooden roller coaster and a giant Ferris Wheel amongst the other dozens of rides at your fingertips.
Location: Erie, PA
Cost: Combo day passes from $48 per person
9. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark
Racing slides, plunge tunnels, and a huge spray ground are just a few of the many attractions at Hershey’s Boardwalk, an 11-acre outdoor water park adjacent to the famous Garden of Chocolate Eden. Explore the multitude of high-octane activities as a family before going for a relaxing swim in the 378,000-gallon wave pool.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a Nathan’s hot dog or cool down with Rita’s water ice. Day passes gain you entry to the park as a whole, so you can dry off with a spin on a rollercoaster.
Location: Hershey, PA
Cost: Season passes from $158 per person
10. Delgrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash Water Park
Take a whirlwind trip to Italy without crossing the pond. At Laguna Splash Water Park, delight in plenty of slides and a wave pool while gazing at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, tipping wine barrels, and floating down the Lazy Lazio River.
The park hosts many special events during the summer, including a free concert series, so make sure to pack a picnic blanket to lounge and watch the show. A ticket grants access to both the water park and 30+ amusement park rides for a full day of family fun.
Location: Tipton, PA
Cost: Combo day passes from $25 per person
11. Sesame Place®
For the young and the young at heart, a nostalgic adventure to Sesame Place® is sure to hit the spot. Parents can woosh down a slip-and-slide while children explore the exciting splash castle. The park also offers a range of amusement park rides, including roller coasters, carousels, and other family-friendly attractions.
The biggest draw? Hanging out with the beloved Sesame Street characters. Meet, hug, and take photographs with Elmo and Big Bird. Don’t miss the park’s live shows and parades that occur throughout the day.
Location: Langhorne, PA
Cost: Day passes from $46.99 per person
12. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park
Have you been to Polynesia? No? Well, we’ve got you covered. The tropical atmosphere at Splash Lagoon’s grand water park will whisk you directly to the South Pacific without the long plane ride.
With temps set at a toasty 84°F, you’ll have a blast dashing down nine water slides, relaxing in one of two hot tubs, and diving into a 200,000-gallon wave pool before learning to surf on the FlowRider.
Looking for other fun things to do in the winter? We’ve got a great list of warm winter vacation destinations you’ll want to check out!
Location: Erie, PA
Cost: Day passes from $46.99 per person
What is Pennsylvania’s largest water park?
Camelbeach Water Park is Pennsylvania’s largest water park. Located in the Pocono Mountains, it’s conveniently located just four miles from Great Wolf Lodge, nine and a half miles from Kalahari Resort, and 22.3 miles from Split Rock Resort, so you can easily travel between the three parks with a Greenvans passenger van rental.
Which is better, Splash Lagoon or Great Wolf Lodge?
Splash Lagoon is better than Great Wolf Lodge in terms of pricing, while Great Wolf Lodge is better in terms of size and amenities. According to reviews, Great Wolf Lodge tends to be less crowded and more convenient with onsite cabin accommodations, offering a wider range of activities both wet and dry. Splash Lagoon is more of a dedicated water park experience and may be the better choice if a simple day on the slides is what you’re after.
Spacious vans to fit the whole fam!
Pennsylvania is full of fun water parks, with some boasting impressive views of the mountains and others transporting you to the Italian countryside. Whether you’re escaping winter weather or if you’re celebrating the sun, indoor and outdoor options abound.
Whatever you choose, you need transportation that is reliable, convenient, and spacious. That’s why renting a van with Greenvans is the best way to go. A van gives you the freedom to check out several destinations, with plenty of room for your belongings, your family, and even your friends!
Figuring out which size van is right for you can be tricky, so contact us to decide which of our modern vans is best for your water park adventure.
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