When Pennsylvania residents and visitors want to splash and get wet, they have an enormous choice of amusement parks, regardless of the season. From parks like Great Wolf Lodge where you can combine scenic hiking in the Pocono Mountains, to indoor waterparks that keep the temperatures in the balmy summer range, fun in the water is possible even when it is snowing outside. Here are the best water parks in PA which make a perfect weekend getaway from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, Gettysburg and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
1. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
It always comes as a surprise to the visitors to discover a huge all-season waterpark in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. Great Wolf Lodge is a wonderful family-oriented resort located less than 11 miles from the Sherman Theater. It offers a range of activities for the whole family, but its waterpark is its crown jewel and is one of the best PA water parks.
The 84-degree indoor water park has such thrilling features as the Howlin' Tornado slides, the Hydro Plunge water coaster, activity pools, zero-depth-playgrounds for the little ones such as Cub Paw Pool and so much more. Famous Slideboarding is unique to the Great Wolf Lodge. The lodge has rustic suites for all budgets and tastes, many with living areas, fridges and microwaves or fireplaces and whirlpool baths. There are four restaurants, mini-golf, a gym, Starbucks and a bar forwhen the kids finally get exhausted from all the splashing and parents get some time to themselves.
1 Great Wolf Dr, Scotrun, PA 18355, Phone: 800-768-9653
2. Split Rock Resort Indoor Waterpark
Less than five miles from Jack Frost Big Boulder Ski Area on the banks of the beautiful Lake Harmony in the majestic Poconos Moutains, Split Rock Resort Indoor Waterpark is perfect for those who would rather watch the snow from a pool than hit the slopes on skis. With 53,326 square feet of fabulous water attractions, the park has something for the whole family: the Komodo Dragon Indoor Flow Rider, fantastic slides such as the Viper and the Piranha, and the incredible Amazon Blast, a slide that drops four stories.
The Lava Springs hot tubs are perfect for those who prefer a more relaxing way to unwind, and the Jungle Falls & Leapin' Lizards are exciting play areas that will keep the little ones entertained for hours. The resort offers luxury lakeside rooms, 2-bedroom suites, villas and cottages, many of which offer kitchens and TVs, and some of which offer fireplaces and balconies.
100 Moseywood Rd, Lake Harmony, PA 18624, Phone: 570-722-9111
3. Kalahari Waterpark
Kalahari Waterpark is an African themed resort and convention center in the heart of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. You can enjoy the resort's 100,000 sq. ft. indoor waterpark regardless of what mother nature throws at you - there is a retractable roof that keeps you warm and cozy.
There are so many activities for the whole family, from body boarding on the FlowRider, the Swahili Swirl and Anaconda waterslides, slow and easy Lazy River, a family hot tub, the Splashdown Safari for the kids and much more. For full comfort, you can enjoy a private cabana with a flat screen TV, fridge, safe and chaise lounges. Tiko's Watering Hole is there for some refreshments, and if you plan on staying longer, enjoy one of resort's 457 beautifully decorated rooms and suites. Kalahari Waterpark is one of the best indoor water parks in PA.
250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor, PA 18349
4. Splash Lagoon
Voted as one of the best indoor waterparks in the country, Splash Lagoon can keep you busy for days, whether you want to stay wet or dry out in one of many dry land adventures. There are nine water slides, an Aqua Tumbler, the 200,000-gallon Wild Waters Wave Pool, relaxing Lazy River, hot tubs, an interactive 12-level Tree House, a Tree Tops Ropes Course, an Arcade with over 100 games spread over 6,500 square feet, a Treasure Island Arcade and Lazer Tag, and much more.
For those who want to stay longer, there are three luxury hotels: The Residence Inn, The Holiday Inn Express and The Comfort Inn & Suites. Food and fun are also available at Hooch & Blotto's Sports Bar & Grill, The Laguna Grill, The Island Oasis and Tiki Bar.
8091 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509, Phone: 814-217-1111
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5. Water Park at Sesame Place
Open during the warmer season, Water Park at Sesame Place is kids' heaven, where everything is designed for them to have fun, get entertained and learn something in the process. The Water Park lets kids, and their parents, splash and swim, slide and jump, and have fun in a huge range of attractions. Sky Splash is a six-story high raft water slide, and before you slide down, you can even see Philadelphia.
Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave is a 10,000-square-foot wave pool Ernie made with his wild garden hose. Slimey's Chutes are two fast spiral tube water slides. There are also three Silly Sand Slides, the 1000-feet long Big Bird's Rambling River, The Count's Splash Castle, Sesame Streak and Slippery Slopes.
100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047, Phone: 866-464-3566
6. Aquatopia - Camelback Resort & Waterpark
Most people go to Camelback Resort to ski - after all, it is one of the best and most popular ski spots in Pennsylvania. But, there is another great reason for a visit - any time of the year. Aquatopia is a spectacular 125,000 square-foot adventure-themed waterpark. This water kingdom offers several level full of fun with balmy 84-degree temperatures to make year-round water adventures possible.
You can even work on your tan - the park is covered by a Texlon Transparent dome, letting the sun warm you up and stars shine at night. Some of the most popular features are Ka-Na-Gawa Wavepool and the Bombora FlowRider. There are 13 adrenaline-pumping waterslides such as the Venus Slydetrap. There is also the Adventure River, several kids' wading pools, interactive Water Play Centers and much more.
193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, Phone: 570-629-1665,
7. Water Parks in Pennsylvania: Boardwalk - Hershey Park
The Boardwalk might be the newest addition to the fabulous Hershey Park in Hershey, but is certainly one of the most popular. This fun outdoor waterpark has something for everyone - from hair-rising Tidal Force, the highest water slide in the world, to the slow, relaxing Intercoastal Waterway, every family member can find something fun to do.
Children can spend hours splashing at the Bayside Pier, a shallow wave pool with rolling waves, fountains and tipping cones. The Huge East Coast Waterworks is one ride which has seven slides, two crawl tunnels, and an unbelievable 600 interactive toys, all drenched in 54,000 gallons of water. The Waverider is not for the timid - its speed and twists and turns tests your skills at surfing the waves. Things to Do in Hershey
100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, Phone: 844-330-1813
8. Waldameer Park & Water World
What started in 1896 as a lovely park with a dance hall and a carousel is today a popular family park with hundreds of attractions. But, when the weather heats up, everyone heads to Water World. With 19 slides of all thrill levels, parents and kids can have fun together or separately. The tiny tots can splash in the Kidz Zone, or the whole family can slowly glide in an inner tube down the Endless River.
The Heated Relaxing Pool is perfect if you want to relax your tired muscles, or everyone can swim and splash in the Giant Wave Pool with 500,000 gallons of water and enough space for 1,000 people. The Bermuda Triangle features three enclosed slides that all end up together in the splash pool. The Free Fall Slide will let you take a 228' long plunge straight down the tube. Things to Do in Erie
220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, Phone: 814-838-3591
9. Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark
Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark is your outdoor waterpark in the stately Camelback Mountains, the biggest waterpark in Pennsylvania and a place where screaming is allowed. And you will scream on one of 37 thrilling rides and slides such as Sandstorm, Dunerunner or Vortex. Ride a six-foot wave in the Kahuna Lagoon or show off your talent and skills on the FlowRider.
The whole family can take a slow 1,000-foot-long journey down the mighty Blue Nile Adventure River past geysers and through waterfalls. The little ones will have great fun at the Mummy's Oasis with its slides, sprinklers and interactive games of antiquities; and the Mummy's revenge involves water cannons, water buckets and geysers.
309 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, Phone: 570-629-1662,
10. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
There is so much to do at Dorney Park, but when you get tired of Dinosaurs Alive and Planet Snoopy and need to cool off, walk over to the wet side of the park, to Wildwater Kingdom. With more than three dozen slides, rivers, pools and play areas, you will have time of your life. If you want to rush 26 feet per seconds down the longest free-fall slide at almost 450-feet, try Python Plummet.
The Constrictor will send you 449 feet down an enclosed chute through four 360-degree loops. Get the family to race on eight-foot rubber rafts down the humpbacked Aqua Racer, or twist and turn through Aquablast, one of the world's longest elevated water slides. There are lovely comfortable cabanas you can rent to rest between the adventures and have a snack and a refreshing drink
3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104, Phone: 610-395-3724
11. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
Jellystone Park in Quarryville, Pennsylvania is a popular family park set on 63 verdant wooded acres that are bordering a picturesque 100-acre county park, giving everyone plenty of space for all sorts of adventures. If you come during the heat of the summer, you might love to combine traipsing through the woods, hiking and exploring with a cooling splash in the park's Water Park.
There are two heated swimming pools and two hot tubs, one of them reserved for kids, so that they can splash to their heart's content. You can even play basketball and volleyball in one of the pools. Between the pools is a Water Zone, a fun playground with a fort, a kid's slide, a water cannon, water sprays and much more. Mom and dad can just relax in one of the launch chairs around the pool.
340 Blackburn Rd, Quarryville, PA 17566-9697, Phone: 717-786-3458
12. Water Park at Montage Mountain
Montage Mountain Resort is well known for its great ski slopes, excellent ski school and many fun events, concerts and festivals. But, in the summer when the snow is just a distant memory, Montage Mountain Water Park is where all the fun is. The whole family can enjoy soft waves in Montage Mountain's huge wave pool.
Alpine Run Waterslides will send you twisting and turning down rushing rapids at breakneck speed towards the whitewaters below. Kids will love Polar Bear Pond, with its fountains and slides. The Tundra Tornado four-person tubes will let you find out how it feels being in the heart of a tornado. Rent a cabana to make your stay even more comfortable.
1000 Montage Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18507, Phone: 800-468-7669
13. Water Parks in Pennsylvania: Sandcastle Water Park
Stretched along the Monongahela River, Sandcastle Water Park is the answer for those who live for summer. Located just outside Pittsburgh, this fun waterpark has something for everyone. Mom and dad can book a cabana and relax while the kids try their first slide at the Tad Pool or Wet Willy Water Works. The Tsunami Wave Pools offer fun for the whole family. Tubers Towers let riders glide down a 400-foot long slide.
True thrill seekers will love the Monster, a free-fall slide that starts 85-feet up to drop 60-feet at the breakneck speeds up to 25 miles per hour into a deep pool. Boardwalk Blasters lets strong swimmers race down 25-foot long slides ending with a seven-foot free fall straight into a 12-foot deep pool.
1000 Sandcastle Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15120, Phone: 412-462-6666
14. Water Park at Idlewild & Soak Zone
What started as the local Idlewild park in 1878 with campgrounds, an artificial lake, a few picnic tables and a big hall is today recognized by Amusement Today as the country's best children's park. Kids will love adventures such as Bigfoot's Mudslide, Alligator Swamp, Bubbling Springs and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, but in the summer, when the sun heats things up, they will want to get wet and head to the Soak Zone. You can start your visit in the huge 280,600 gallon Wowabunga Family Wave Pool.
Another easy, relaxing ride is Float Away Bay, which offers a slow float in a tube, while enjoying the sun. For more of an adrenaline rush, try the Hydro Racers, where you can race head-first, or Pipeline Plunge, a which drops you fifty feet down a slide on a two-person raft.
2574 US-30, Ligonier, PA 15658, Phone: 724-238-3666
15. Water Parks in PA: Carousel Water & Fun Park
Carousel is a fun water park in the Poconos that that has something for the entire family. With one daily pass for all attractions, the waiting time is cut to the minimum. The kids will love mini-golf and go-carts, but when the weather gets hot, it is the water park that gets them excited.
You will find two fun water slides, a safe but fun wading pool for the little ones with the frog and boot slide, and super exciting bumper boats that offer crashing and splashing for the whole family to enjoy.
1018 Beach Lake Hwy, Beach Lake, PA 18405, Phone: 570-729-7532
16. Water Park at Del Grosso's Amusement Park
DelGrosso's Amusement Park in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, is famous for its "Hot Rides and Cool Slides." The park has over 30 attractions and rides such as Kid's Kingdom, the favorite among the tiny ones. It is the place where adults become kids and kids rule.
Together they have endless fun with thrilling rides, fun games and entertainment. In the heat of the summer, the Water Park will keep you entertained and cooled with a huge Wave Pool for the whole family, a Lazy River where you can relax and enjoy the scenery, and the new Italian themed park with such attractions as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
4352 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Tyrone, PA 16686, Phone: 814-684-3538
17. Wild River Water Park at Lake Raystown Resort
Lake Raystown Resort is located only about 17 miles from Warriors Path State Park and is surrounded by 400 acres of lush woods.
It is famous for its first class RV and camping sites and even more famous for its fun water park with such thrilling attractions as the White Water Innertube Ride, two 380-foot high twisting slides for those that crave more rush, the exciting Atomic Blaster and a kids' Splash and Play Pool. With five pavilions, there is plenty of food for any taste and nobody will go hungry. The park is a great place for birthday and other celebrations.
3101 Chipmunk Crossing, Entriken, PA 16638, Phone: 814-658-3500
18. Water Parks Near Me: Lakemont Park & the Island Water Park
Lakemont Park, open in 1899, is home to the oldest still existing roller coaster in the world, the Leap-The-Dips. The park today has more than 30 rides and attractions such as two rollercoasters, a Go-Kart track, Mini-Indy Go-Karts for the kids, a miniature golf course, Spins'n Grins Kiddieland, games, an arcade and the very popular Island Waterpark.
After getting all sweaty and exhausted with all the adrenaline-pumping rides, jump into the huge pool, slide down one of the four fun slides, or let the kids have fun on a Pirate Ship where they will be splashed with water cannons and play with all sorts of other toys.
700 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602, Phone: 814-949-7275
What are the 20 Best Water Parks in Pennsylvania?
The 20 Best Water Parks in Pennsylvania according to local experts are:
- Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
- Split Rock Resort Indoor Waterpark
- Kalahari Waterpark
- Splash Lagoon
- Water Park at Sesame Place
- Aquatopia - Camelback Resort & Waterpark
- Water Parks in Pennsylvania: Boardwalk - Hershey Park
- Waldameer Park & Water World
- Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
- Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
- Water Park at Montage Mountain
- Water Parks in Pennsylvania: Sandcastle Water Park
- Water Park at Idlewild & Soak Zone
- Water Parks in PA: Carousel Water & Fun Park
- Water Park at Del Grosso's Amusement Park
- Wild River Water Park at Lake Raystown Resort
- Water Parks Near Me: Lakemont Park & the Island Water Park
More Ideas in PA: The Hotel Hershey
Placed at the very top of the town of Hershey is one of the most famous hotels in America. With 276 well-appointed guest rooms, 48 separate cottages and a total of 25,000 square feet of function and event space, The Hotel Hershey is known for the signature service, luxurious amenities and overall elegance that make it a destination that’s one-of-a-kind.
This hotel has already been the distinguished recipient of both AAA Four-Diamond and Forbes Four-Star Awards.
The Hotel Hershey is also part of a larger community of official Hershey Park Resorts, which means that guests who stay at The Hotel Hershey, along with those at the Hershey Lodge and Hershey Camping Resort, get exclusive resort benefits, such as:
Free shuttle service to and from Hersheypark – guest room keys will give access to a host of destinations including Zoo America, Hershey Story, Hershey Lodge, Hershey Gardens, Devon Seafood, Houlihan’s, Hershey Country Club, Hershey Park Stadium, Giant Center, Cocoa Beanery and the Hershey Park Arena.
Discounted Rates on a wide selection of features – guests get better prices on Hersheypark tickets and Breakfast at the Park. There are also complimentary tickets to the Hershey Gardens as well as the Hershey Story’s Museum Experience.
Exclusive Access to the Park – this includes early access to some of the park’s rides and three and a half hours of fun the night before the reserved stay. Guests will also get the chance to purchase a limited Sweet Access Pass, rent Cabanas by the Hershey Park Boardwalk and access golf courses at the Country Club.
Well-appointed and well-detailed, every single one of the 276 guest rooms has complete amenities, breathtaking views and unique features to meet every guest’s needs. They are categorized into three different types of rooms, namely the Guest Rooms, Suites and the Woodside Cottages.
Guest Rooms boast a lot of historical character with their paintings, photographs and other décor while still providing the comforts of a modern home. King and Queen Guest Rooms have areas between 220 to 340 square feet while the Premium King Guest Rooms are as wide as 500 square feet.
The Suites, on the other hand, have a more individual feel to them because they’re inspired by specific people for which the suites were named after. The Milton Hershey Suite, that is filled with Milton Hershey’s artwork, was designed to pay tribute to the artist’s life. Catherine Hershey Suite was designed to reflect Catherine’s love for gardens through the step-out balcony that gives a great view of the gardens. Finally, the Nostalgia Suites were meant for those looking for a more private accommodation complete with entertainment and work facilities.
Finally, the Woodside Cottage Rooms offer bigger bedrooms, panoramic views and world class amenities. Each one comes with an outdoor entrance, adjacent parking and large bathrooms with rainforest shower heads, but is interconnected so that guests who opt to reserve the entire cottage by the woods can do so. Cottages come in four or six bedrooms.
For those who want to stay within the Hotel Hershey’s premises, they’ll find lots of stuff to do as well. For starters, you can take a dip in either the indoor or outdoor pools. The indoor pool has been recently upgraded while the outdoor complex comes with two large slides. There are also 14 cabanas for rent at the outdoor pool. For those who want something more, they can hit the Sports & Fitness Complex where they can play basketball, volleyball, croquet, tennis and more.
In addition to the Fitness Center, there are also select hiking trails that guests can trek to and get a bit of fresh air and exercise. The Pennsylvania woodlands are rich with paved nature trails that can go up to three miles.
The Hershey Hotel is also home to scenic golf courses that have been home to the likes of Ben Hogan and Henry Picard. The Hershey Country Club has award-winning golf courses that have been used in prestigious tournaments. These courses are also ranked by Golf Digest as among the top 50 resorts in the US.
There’s also a unique opportunity for guests to experience falconry through free flight demonstrations and simulated hunt demonstration. They’ll even have the chance to hold these majestic birds by hand!
Finally, there is a wide selection of scheduled activities for both adults and kids. There’s paintball, kayaking, fly fishing and more for adults while kids can go to the Cocoa Clubhouse for some arts and crafts and games. There are also Segway tours that take participants through the secluded wooded paths and historic grounds of the hotel.
Being part of a larger selection of destinations, guests will never run out of things to do during their stay at the Hershey Hotel. The Hershey Park alone will offer an experience of over seventy different rides, attractions and features. This includes thirteen different roller coasters, twenty-four rides for kids and nine water attractions. The Park is also home to the Boardwalk that’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day as well as Hershey Park in the Dark, Christmas Candy Lane and Springtime in the Park, which are open after summer.
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Outside the park are even more attractions. Visit the Zoo America Wildlife Park, AACA Museum and The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, take a stroll around the Hershey Gardens, be entertained at the Hershey Theater and Entertainment Complex, or simply go shopping. There are also a wide number of scheduled local events that take place within Hershey that guests can take part in when they’re around.
Dining at the Hotel Hershey involves five main destinations. The Circular is the hotel’s flagship restaurant, known for its fine dining, cocktails and appetizers that go perfectly well with either the intimate environment or Sunday brunch scenes. The contemporary Trevi 5 features authentic Italian cuisine that’s served within a modern atmosphere for lunch or dinner. Those who are into American dishes can go to The Harvest for a fresh take on the cuisine while basking in a casual, relaxing setting.
Those who want to start the day off right might find the Cocoa Beanery to be the perfect place to have their coffee, latte or cappuccinos. It’s also a great place for some afternoon dessert, pastries or the Hershey’s signature hot chocolate. In the evening, the Iberian Lounge offers a cozy venue for chocolate cocktails by a fireplace and live entertainment. There are actually a lot of other famous dining destinations that guests can go to, if they’re in the mood for something different:
The Hershey Grill at the Lodge offers a variety of fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner selections made special by the house’s specialty sauces.
Guests can get some fresh seafood, good steak and some more specialty dishes at the Forebay.
The Bear’s Den is the sports bar of the lodge, where classic American meals are served. Lebbie Lebkicher’s specializes in traditional breakfast dishes for the family.
Houlihan’s is another great place for cocktails, modern dishes and happy hour specials. Devon Seafood is the area’s prime spot for the best seafood, wine and a chic atmosphere.
Guests can also opt to have their breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the comfort of their rooms.
For those seeking pampering, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey is open seven days a week. Fondly known as the Chocolate Spa, it’s indeed a sweet place for all kinds of treatments and salon services. Enjoy regular massages, facials and hydrotherapy with special treatments for men, pre-natal women and teens, or get special offers from their seasonal or signature collections. Freshen up with the salon services from head to toe.
For those looking to get the best that the Chocolate Spa has to offer, there are day and overnight packages that give special rates covering a full day of relaxation or an overnight experience with amenities from the spa. On top of all the relaxing treatments and services, the spa also offers fitness facilities to further promote wellness and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit.
Meetings and Celebrations
Being great at combining elegant atmosphere and modern amenities, the Hotel Hershey is the perfect choice for all kinds of business meetings, weddings and special events. Entrepreneurs and companies will be impressed with the selection of indoor and outdoor meeting venues as well as a wide variety of team building activities for the perfect mix of work and play.
Meanwhile, couples, families and friends will find the hotel to be an idyllic setting for all kinds of celebrations such as birthdays, reunions, anniversaries and more. The hotel also takes special detail over weddings, offering grand venues, fine cuisine and impeccable service to make every moment – from the ceremony to the reception – memorable for both the newlyweds and their guests.
Rooms start at $279 per night.
100 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, Phone: 717-533-2171
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