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Nicknamed the “Keystone State,” Pennsylvania is home to historical landmarks, grandiose lakes, beautiful coastlines and delicious cheesesteaks. It is also home to one of the largest indoor water parks, the longest indoor water coaster slide and the first and only virtual reality waterslide! If you’re looking for a fun, year-round place to splash around with the kids, here’s where you can find the best indoor waterparks in Pennsylvania.
One of the first founding states, Pennsylvania is known for its strong history, grand lakes and delicious Philadelphia cheesesteaks. But there’s one more feature that makes it a wonderful destination for family fun year-round: Its awesome indoor water parks and water park resorts!
Born and raised on the east coast, I know first hand how moody the weather can be. And although Pennsylvania packs plenty of outdoor activities for the family to enjoy together, the fact of the matter is that there are some times of year when you’ll want to put some outdoor activities on the back-burner until summer rolls around.
However, if you’re looking to splash around without having to wait for pool season, you’ll want to take note of these eight indoor waterparks in Pennsylvania for your next family vacation.
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. In fact, it’s the kind of waterpark where both 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 waterpark 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 waterpark 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
Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Pocono Mountains
1 Great Wolf Dr
Scotrun, PA 18355
(800) 768-9653
Great Wolf Lodge is known for its action-packed indoor water parks 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
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, h20ooohh! 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.
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:
- Day passes available for non-guests
- Girl and Boy Scouts can earn the Experience Patch
- Customizable party packages available
Kalahari Indoor Water Park
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 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 the United States. Just imagine zipping down a waterslide 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 waterpark access for overnight guests
- Bungalows and cabanas available to rent for parties or private family space
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 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 waterpark.
Here are more reasons why you should visit Hershey Lodge Indoor Waterpark:
- Convenience to Hersheypark Amusement Park
- Towels and life jackets available for use
- Food and beverages available in the water park
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 water park 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 waterpark
- Connected to three luxury hotels
Pirate’s Cove Indoor Waterpark
740 Pittsburgh Road
Butler, PA 16002
(724) 586-7711
Pirate’s Cove at Conley Resort is open Labor Day through Memorial Day when all of the outdoor water parks are closing.
With two pirate ship water slides that splash into a shallow water pool, this themed indoor water park in Pennsylvania is a pirate lover’s dream. There’s also a water cannon, pool area, hot tub and sauna. It’s not just a great way for both kids and adults to spend part of the day, but the party rooms also make it an excellent location for a pirate-themed water party!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the concession area to enjoy a variety of delicious poolside snacks.
Here are more reasons why you should visit Pirate’s Cove:
- Lifeguard always on duty
- Discounted admission for overnight guests
- Party rooms and on-site concessions available
Want More Waterparks? Check Out NY’s Kartrite Resort!
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 waterparks in Pennsylvania is your favorite? Share with us in the comments!
