2014: The Summer of Waterparks

 

Waterparks have grown in popularity since their introduction in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The United States has the largest and most concentrated waterpark market, with over a thousand waterparks and dozens of new parks opening each year.

 

There’s no need to book your flight to Hawaii or Palau. The top 10 water parks in the United States have waves, reefs, tubing and water slides. Disney water parks came in first and second place for attendance among North American water parks. Nearly 11 million people headed to the top 10 water parks in the United States in 2013, and about 4 million headed to two Disney World water parks in Florida. As a matter of fact, five of the most visited parks are in Florida.

This summer, Schlitterbahn’s Kansas location will be unveiling the tallest waterslide in the world, standing at 168 feet, 7 inches.

 

 

On the global list, Chimelong Waterpark in Guangzhou, China, ranked No. 1 in the world for water park attendance.   Parks in South Korea, Brazil and Australia joined other Orlando, Florida, parks to round out the top 10 most visited parks globally.

 

The top Water Park in the US, as named by USA Today readers, is conveniently located in Santa Claus, Indiana. Part of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, a combination theme park and water park, Splashin’ Safari is safari-themed with most rides named after animals. Families get soaked on Mammoth, the world’s longest water coaster, featuring six-passenger boats and plenty of twists and turns. Wildebeest, the world’s second longest water coaster, provides 2.5 minutes of thrills, including a four-story drop. Water play areas, a lazy river and wave pool round out this park which offers free soft drinks and sunscreen all day long!

 

Many parks have become vacation destinations with hotels, restaurants, and other family entertainment on site or nearby.     Load up the family and spend a fun, relaxing vacation splashing in the cool waters.