Top Family Waterparks in Southern CA
With the summer heat at record highs, what better way to relax and cool off than a trip to some of the best family waterparks in Southern California? From Six Flags’ high-stakes, fast-sliding adventure to a relaxing dip in the kiddie pool, these waterparks are perfect for family fun in the sun. Without further ado, let’s look at the best waterparks around.
Buccaneer Bay
Ahoy, mateys! Ready to experience the family-friendly pirate adventure that makes Buccaneer Bay a hidden gem? Explore everything this waterpark offers, including a skull-shaped rock and marooned ship. Of course, there are plenty of water features to explore, from a six-lane racing pad to two splash pads and zero-depth beach entries. Child-friendly waterpark features include a pirate-theme play structure and several waterslides. To find out more or purchase tickets, check out their website.
Buccaneer Cove
A second pirate-themed waterpark? Don’t mind if we do. Buccaneer Cove has less theming but no less fun than Buccaneer Bay and offers plenty of fun in the sun for kids of all ages. Parents not looking to spend their afternoon soaked through can hang out in relaxing lounge chairs while kids over 36” tall take on the waterslides and splash pads throughout the area.
Cabanas are available for reservation for those looking for a private spot to enjoy the waterpark. Of course, if you forget anything before launching into the park, the nearby supply store has everything you could need for a fun, exciting day at Buccaneer Cove. To find out more, check out their website.
DryTown Water Park
We’re always fans of a good oxymoron. Despite its dry name, DryTown Water Park offers a splashing good time. The park’s theme is a mining village, but the dusty aesthetic gives way to plenty of waterpark fun. Little kids can explore the mining town-themed play area, while older kids can race on water tubes or take on the slides. With six acres worth of fun, you will surely find a cool way to beat the summer heat at DryTown Water Park. Check out their website today to buy tickets or schedule a birthday celebration.
Great Wolf Lodge
From lazy rivers to wave pools and everything in between, Great Wolf Lodge will have you howling with laughter as you play through its various water features. Their waterpark includes tubing rides, slides, a lazy river, a children’s play area, and much more, making this a perfect waterpark for the whole family. As a bonus, Great Wolf Lodge is a truly far-reaching brand name, meaning a membership at the lodge unlocks summer fun across the nation. Check out their website for more information or to purchase a membership today.
Raging Waters
Raging Waters is home to fifty different waterpark attractions, meaning there’s sure to be something for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re a daredevil willing to take the plunge on their Bombs Away high-speed water slide or want to sit back and enjoy the sun in Little Dippers Lagoon, there’s something for everyone at this massive waterpark. Their list of pulse-pounding rides is extensive, from high-speed wave pools that hit nearly 35 miles an hour to twisting, turning slides not made for the faint of heart. Head over to their website to learn about all fifty of their attractions or purchase tickets.
The Adventure Lagoon
While The Adventure Lagoon has a lazy river and waterpark features for the whole family, the real attraction is its obstacle course. If you’ve ever seen the TV show Wipeout!, you’re about to be in for a treat. Adventurous visitors can try and take on the slippery obstacle course to see if they can make it to the end without wiping out. At the same time, family members can relax in a lazy river waiting for their loved one to end up back in the drink with a satisfying splash. Truly, nothing says family time like watching your sibling fall head-over-heels into the water below. Check out their website to learn more about this stunning activity course or other attractions.
Knott’s Soak City
Knott’s Berry Park has the perfect solution to sweltering summers: Soak City. With over 15 acres of waterpark fun, you will surely enjoy this splashtastic summer fun park. With 23 speed, tube, and body slides throughout the park, you’ll be spoiled for choice at this fantastic amusement center. Thanks to over 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers, and interactive pads, the three-story Beach House is perfect for children to explore, allowing a fun way to stave off the summer heat. Open from mid-May to mid-October, Knott’s Soak City is the ideal family-friendly waterpark in Southern California. To find out more or to purchase tickets, check out their website.
DropZone Waterpark
While more laidback than Soak City, DropZone Waterpark offers a nice mesh of kid-friendly activities for little swimmers and high-speed slides and wave pools for older kids. This park even has cabana rentals for those looking to take a break from all that summer fun and enjoy delicious food before diving back into the various attractions. DropZone even offers swim lessons for anyone looking to perfect their swimming skills, making it a great place to teach younger family members how to ride the waves this summer. Visit their website to learn more about their attractions or swim lesson schedule.
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags
While you may associate Six Flags with thrilling rollercoasters, Hurricane Harbor is a great option for summer fun. Whether you’re looking to bob along in a lazy river or want the heart-pumping thrill of a high-speed water slide, this waterpark has something for everyone. On top of fantastic rides, Hurricane Harbor also features movie nights, allowing you to enjoy the silver screen while bobbing in a floating chair. To join the summer fun, check out their website for pass prices, summer schedules, and more.
Once you’ve explored all the waterparks on our list, why not enjoy Southern California from the comfort of a tour van? Best Coast Tours offers informative guided tours all along Southern California, allowing you to beat the heat in our climate-controlled vans. To book a tour, check out our listings above.