You probably know that Pennsylvania is home to historical landmarks, grandiose lakes, and beautiful coastlines. But did you know that Pennsylvania has many indoor waterparks, including one of the largest in the country? One of my family’s favorite parks even has a VR waterslide.
If you’re looking for places to splash around with the kids, here’s where you can find the best indoor waterparks in Pennsylvania year-round.
1. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Pocono Mountains
1 Great Wolf Dr
Scotrun, PA 18355
(800) 768-9653
Great Wolf Lodge is known for its action-packed indoor waterparks across the nation. And if you’re headed to the Poconos for your family getaway, you won’t want to pass up a day of splashing around at the Great Wolf Lodge Poconos.
This massive indoor waterpark in Pennsylvania has more than enough activities to keep family members of all ages occupied and satisfied, whether you’re there for a day trip or a long weekend. Together, the whole family will have a blast splashing around in the interactive four-story water fort treehouse, catching the waves in the zero-depth entry wave pool or floating down the lazy river.
Thrill seekers will love zipping down the adrenaline-pumping tube slides, raft rides, twisting body slides and hair-raising water roller coasters. Those looking for a challenge can play a game of water basketball, or test their strength and balance crossing the large floating lily pads.
For the littlest ones in the family, there’s a kiddie pool and playground with water attractions and activities made just for them. And when it’s time for mom and dad to take a break and enjoy something for themselves, there’s an adults-only hot springs area to kick back and relax.
Here are more reasons why you should visit Great Wolf Lodge Poconos:
- Day passes available
- Free wifi throughout the lodge
- Plenty of dry activities such as mini-golf, arcade, bowling and a ropes course, to name a few
Read More: 11 Best Family Resorts in Pennsylvania’s Poconos
2. Aquatopia at Camelback Lodge
193 Resort Dr
Tannersville, PA 18372
(570) 629-1665
This #1-ranked indoor water park in Pennsylvania is a dream for adults and kids alike. It’s the kind of waterpark where my 8-year-old son and I could spend all day together!
Part of the Camelback Resort and Lodge, Aquatopia packs 125,000 square feet of water fun to enjoy year-round. In addition to the fact that it’s the home to the longest indoor water coaster slide in the world, Aquatopia offers 13 heart-racing water slides, a wave pool, surf simulator, adventure river, multilevel interactive play structures, water activities and kiddie slides for the younger thrill seekers in the family. For the adults, there’s a swim-up bar to add to the experience.
At Aquatopia, it feels like summer with water that stays at 84 degrees. You won’t even have to give up your summer tan with the transparent, retractable roof that lets you bask in the sunlight! And at night, the water park is illuminated ever so gently to give that unforgettable “summer night” feel.
When summer finally does arrive, you can spend part of your time at Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, the largest outdoor water park in Pennsylvania.
Here are more reasons why you should visit Aquatopia:
- Has 170,000 square feet of indoor games
- Private cabanas to rent for private family space or special celebrations such as birthday parties
- A variety of poolside shops and nearby restaurants
Read More: Best Family Resorts in Pennsylvania for Indoor and Outdoor Adventures
3. h20ooohh at Split Rock Resort
428 Moseywood Road
Lake Harmony, PA 18624
(570) 722-9111
Located inside of the town center at the Split Rock Hotel, h2Oooohh! packs more than 53,000 square feet of water fun including three four-story water slides, an activity pool, a wave pool, lily pad crossing and a jungle play structure with a large tipping bucket to soak the entire family.
This massive park is ideal for little ones up to age 12, but there’s also plenty of fun to be had for the teens in the family. And when you need a break from all of the splashing around you’ll do, the Island Oasis Snack Shack is the perfect place to hang out to refuel and rehydrate.
SheBuysTravel Tip: This water park does not provide towels, so be sure to bring your own. Also, no coolers or outside food or drink is allowed, so be prepared to grab your food on-site!
Here are more reasons why you should visit h20ooohh:
- Ideal for kids ages 12 and under
- Day passes available for non-guests
- Girl and Boy Scouts can earn the Experience Patch
- Customizable party packages are available
4. Kalahari Indoor Waterpark
250 Kalahari Blvd,
Pocono Manor, PA 18349
(608) 254-5425
This massive 222,000-square-foot waterpark is one of the largest indoor waterparks in Pennsylvania as well as in the United States! There are so many unforgettable activities for the entire family to do at this indoor park that it’s easy to dedicate an entire day to exploring and enjoying.
Thrill-seekers looking for the best water slides won’t be disappointed by the numerous twisting and heart-pumping raft rides, body slides and tube slides. Even the biggest adventure-seekers in the family will meet their match plummeting down the nearly vertical plunge slides, one of which actually plunges through the roof! There’s also the Flowrider surf simulator for those looking to practice their surf skills, and water basketball for those who want some quick competition with friends or family.
My son was speechless when he learned that the park had a VR waterslide, the very first and only in America. Just imagine zipping down a water slide that takes you through the jungle or sends you floating through space. There’s no doubt I’ll know where to find him when he finishes splashing around in the other areas of the park!
Younger members of the family can splash around in the interactive kids’ water play area, catch some waves in the zero-entry wave pool or enjoy coasting down the lazy river with mom or dad. Just for the adults is a swim-up bar as well as a warm-water indoor and outdoor spa to kick back and relax.
Here are more reasons why you should visit Kalahari Resort:
- Several onsite waterpark dining options
- Unlimited water park access for overnight guests
- Bungalows and cabanas available to rent for parties or private family space
5. Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge
325 University Dr
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 533-3311
If a visit to Hersheypark is on your list during your visit to Pennsylvania, you may also want to make time for a visit to Hershey’s Water Works.
Located inside of Hershey Lodge, this 30,000 square-foot indoor waterpark may seem small upon entering but it offers tons of fun especially for the littlest ones in the family. Toddlers have plenty of options for water play including splash pads, water tables and climbing trees. Bigger kids will have a great time zipping down the Twizzlers water slides or keeping their balance while walking across the Reese’s Water Walk.
Parents can sit back and relax in the conveniently located whirlpool while watching their little ones having the time of their lives. And when everyone has worked up an appetite, head over to the Cocoa Cabana to refuel without leaving the water park.
Here are more reasons why you should visit Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge:
- Convenience to Hersheypark Amusement Park
- Towels and life jackets available for use
- Food and beverages available in the waterpark
6. Splash Lagoon
8091 Peach St
Erie, PA 16509
(866) 377-5274
Ranked one of the top 10 indoor waterparks in the country, Splash Lagoon is a large 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark conveniently located in Erie, Pennsylvania.
As if the tropical Polynesian theme isn’t already cool enough, the park packs endless fun for the entire family, The park has seven water slides, a large activity pool, a four-story Tiki activity tree house, Flowrider indoor surf simulator and a children’s play area. There also are two hot tubs and the largest wave pool in the eastern U.S. with 200,000 gallons of water.
There’s even tons of fun to be had outside of the water, including a ropes course and, for gamers like my son, a 6,500-square-foot arcade with more than 100 games.
Here are more reasons why you should visit Splash Lagoon:
- Convenient to Cleveland, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Buffalo, NY, and Ontario, Canada
- Plenty of dining and shopping near the water park
- Connected to three luxury hotels
- Special offers available when you join the Birthday Club!
Want More water parks? Check Out NY’s Kartrite Resort!
7. Friendship YMCA
5000 Commons Dr
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 234-9622
Although small, the Friendship YMCA family recreation center is another great way to pass the day while in Pennsylvania. Although typically only open to members, the Y occasionally provides day passes.
Inside of the center is a zero-entry pool, twisting water slide and a giant frog for climbing. There are also swim lessons and activities for those who wish to participate.
Here are more reasons why you should visit Friendship YMCA:
- Day passes available for the occasional visitor
- Swim lessons and programs available
- Access to other amenities in the recreation center
Which of the above indoor water parks in Pennsylvania is your favorite? Share with us in the comments!
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