If there’s one thing my kids love, it is playing in the water. They can swim for hours and never get bored. Luckily, the fun doesn’t have to stop in the winter! We love to try out indoor waterparks that are within a reasonable driving distance, so here is a list of the closest ones for you to enjoy, too!
New York
Cascades Indoor Waterpark | Cortland, NY
Cascades Indoor Waterpark is a smaller park including 4 large slides, big and little kids play areas, wave pool, and water basketball. This area is a part of the larger Greek Peak Mountain Resort that focuses on snowsports in the winter and fun, outdoor activities in the summertime.
Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark | Queensbury, NY
White Water Bay at the Greate Escape Lodge is part of the Six Flags family and just across the street from the Six Flags Great Escape amusement park. The waterpark features a climbing structure, lazy river, a few thrill rides, and a kiddie area. While it may be on the smaller side, there is plenty to do in the area to make a great family getaway.
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Monticello, NY
The Kartrite is New York’s biggest indoor waterpark, featuring an adventure river, thrill rides, FlowRider, and sunning yourself under their transparent arched roof. While at the resort, you can also participate in additional family-friendly activities such as bowling, rock climbing, a ropes course, laser tag, VR, and hiking.
Palm Island Indoor Waterpark | Batavia, NY
For a quick and local getaway with younger kids, Palm Island is a great option. It has 2 large waterslides, a splash area with climbing structure, a family-friendly hot tub, and a pool with a basketball hoop. They also have an arcade with a redemption center.
Perinton Aquatic Center | Fairport, NY
If you’re looking for something local to do with your family, the Perinton Aquatic Center is a great option. The center has a splash area, toddler slide, lazy river, large waterslide, zero depth entry pool, and lap pool. Make sure to check the pool’s hours and pricing for residents/non-residents.
Splash Indoor Waterpark Resort | Oswego, NY
The Splash Indoor Waterpark is another close-by option for a fun day trip or overnight. The waterpark has 2 larger slides, a splash pad/toddler area, an activity pool, a hot tub, and an arcade! They also offer refreshments on-site. The space is open and organized in a way that it is great for families with smaller and elementary-aged children to explore.
Pennsylvania
Auquatopia Indoor Waterpark | Tannersville, PA
Camelback Resort is known for providing excellent snowsports during the wintertime in the Pocono Mountains. If you’re looking to have an indoor/outdoor vacation, they provide a fun indoor waterpark right in their resort. Their website says they are voted among the best waterparks in the U.S., offering 45 water slides of all sizes.
Great Wolf Lodge | Scotrun, PA
The Great Wolf Lodge works to create a family experience in and outside of their waterpark. All waterpark activities, yoga, and arts and crafts are included with your basic stay, but you can upgrade to other passes to experiences such as minigolf, MagiQuest, and the ropes course.
Kalahari Resort | Pocono Manor, PA
Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains is a great place to bring the family, including those with teens. There are thrilling slides, toddler areas, swim-up bars, a wave pool, a VR waterslide, and more. If you need a break from swimming, there are other activities like laser tag, mini bowling, outdoor summer activities, escape rooms, and mini golf. They also have an impressive offering of restaurants ranging from high-end steakhouses to quick food and ice-cream shops.
Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark Resort | Erie, PA
Splash Lagoon is a great and affordable option for families with children of all ages. They offer a variety of water activities, including a wave pool, obstacle courses, a kid’s hot tub, FlowRider, and 9 major waterslides. The major perk to this waterpark is that three different hotels are attached, allowing families to choose the pricepoint of their stay.
New Jersey
DreamWorks Waterpark | East Rutherford, NJ
While the DreamWorks Waterpark is a drive, we had to include it. It boasts the world’s largest selection of water rides, all themed in family favorites such as Kungfu Panda, Shrek, Gabby’d Dollhouse, Dora the Explorer, and Madagascar. Not only can you have an awesome time at the waterpark, but it is a part of the American Dream entertainment complex, creating a fun-filled vacation for days.
Canada
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark | Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is just across the border in Niagara Falls, Canada. Before you book this, be sure to have the correct documentation to travel to Canada. This waterpark boasts 3 acres of play area just minutes from the Falls. It has 16 waterslides, a wave pool, and hot springs. There are three hotels attached to the park, giving your family the choice of accommodations that work best for you.
Great Wolf Lodge | Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
This Great Wolf Lodge is just across the border in Niagara Falls, Canada. Before you book this, be sure to have the correct documentation to travel to Canada. The Great Wolf Lodge works to create a family experience in and outside of their waterpark. All waterpark activities, yoga, and arts and crafts are included with your basic stay, but you can upgrade to other passes to experiences such as minigolf, MagiQuest, and the ropes course.
