Waterpark State of Mind
Calling all water lovers! July 28 is National Waterpark Day—smack in the middle of summer! And there’s no better way to beat the summer heat than diving into one of Florida’s homegrown waterparks.
Whether you’re chasing down high-speed slides, floating lazy rivers, or just looking for a spot to keep the kids busy for a few hours, there’s a waterpark nearby that delivers. No plane tickets, no long lines, no stress—just good old-fashioned summer fun. Here’s your coast-to-coast guide to Florida waterparks that are sure to make your summer a splash!
Down in Riviera Beach, Rapids Waterpark is a South Florida favorite—and for good reason. With slides 40+ attractions, plenty of shaded areas, and something for every age group, there’s no shortage of fun at this spot! The high-speed slides are legit, but there’s also a massive lazy river and kid-friendly splash zones that make it easy to spend a whole day there.
Over on the Gulf Coast, Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral offers old-school waterpark charm—with a fresh twist! It’s got all the essentials: tube slides, a drop slide that’ll test your courage, “pro racing” slides for the little ones (they feel fast for tiny humans!) and even night “Sunset Splash” swim events in the summer. It’s clean, affordable, and full of local families looking for a laid-back, splashy weekend.
Head a little north and you’ll find Splash Harbour in Indian Rocks Beach! This cozy park tucked behind a hotel is a bit of a hidden treasure. It’s a little smaller, sure, but it has a lazy river, slides, and the zero-entry, Blue Lagoon wading pool (also perfect for kids!). Even better? Splash Harbor is just steps from the Gulf—bonus! And dnce you're done soaking in the sun, the beach and plenty of ice cream spots are a short walk away.
On the East Coast, Sailfish Splash Waterpark in Stuart is another great find. It’s got a couple of solid slides, a lap pool, and a big splash playground for kids. It’s clean, well-run, and rarely overcrowded! This makes makes it a solid pick for families looking for something low-key but still fun.
And if you're up in the Panhandle… Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park in Destin delivers with plenty of slides, wave pools, and a fun, retro vibe. It feels like a throwback in the best way possible—just pure summer fun!
Summer only comes once a year… So find more places to splash around at www.guidetoflorida.com/arts-entertainment!
