The sun is shining, kids are out of school, and almost everything is open without restrictions. Now is the perfect time to head to the waterpark with your little ones. That is why we created this article on the best water parks for toddlers.
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It can be a challenge finding theme parks and water parks for little ones, but no worries, we did it for you.
We included some of our favorite family travel bloggers to help us find the best water parks for toddlers in the US.
Here are some of the best waterparks for toddlers from family travel bloggers who have actually been there.
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Best Water Parks for Toddlers in Florida
Florida has everything a family needs to enjoy a vacation with kids of all ages, especially toddlers.
Here are the best water parks in Florida; according to some of our favorite travel families.
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Aquatica – Orlando, FL
Marquita from Marquitas Travels
Aquatica Orlando, a SeaWorld Waterpark, was voted one of USA Today’s Best Outdoor Waterparks. It is one of my favorite waterparks for toddlers because there are several areas for kids of all ages to play.
For toddlers or babies under 48 inches, Kata’s Kookaburra Cove is the perfect place to enjoy the water. There is a large splash pad, toddler-sized water slides, and even a body slide.
Life jackets are available for free and are strongly preferred for kids under 48 inches.
Another fun area for toddlers and older kids is Walkabout Waters. This fortress takes up over 15,000 sq. feet of the water park and is full of water sprayers, a rope bridge, slides, and much more.
Whether you are traveling with teenagers or toddlers, your kids will love this play area. Along with the play areas, there are multiple beach areas and seating throughout the park.
If private cabanas and loungers are more of your speed, these are available as an add-on.
Since this waterpark has so much variety and hours from 10 AM to 7 PM, plan to stay the entire day.
Bring food money because outside food and beverages are prohibited, except for water bottles (and some snacks in the original packaging).
There are various restaurants throughout the park, from burgers and hot dogs to BBQ and empanadas. Everyone in the family can find something to enjoy.
The location is perfect for an Orlando family vacation. It’s close to SeaWorld Orlando, so you won’t have to go far for fun.
Aquatica Orlando is surrounded by a plethora of hotels and resorts, from international brands to local hotels.
If you are looking for a fun-filled day with little ones, then Aquatica Orlando is the perfect park for you.
Read More: 20 Fun Things to do in Orlando with Toddlers
Typhoon Lagoon – Orlando, FL
Keri from Bon Voyage with Kids
One of the best water parks for toddlers is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Located right on Disney World property, this is one of the best things to do in Disney World with toddlers because there is an entire water park section perfect for toddlers under five, called Ketchakiddie Creek.
In addition to tot-size slides, shallow pools, a cave with a waterfall, and an interactive splash area, kids under 48″ can climb a pirate ship and squirting seals and elephants, and a leaky tugboat. There is also a small sand beach area in this area, which makes it perfect for toddlers.
Typhoon Lagoon has other areas that are fun for toddlers. While the main wave pool is also zero entry, the waves can be rough and topple little ones.
An alternative to the wave pool is the beach area near Crushin Gusher. It’s a better option for toddlers to splash in, as it is wave-free. And, there is sand there for sand-castle building that toddlers will love.
Other offerings that make this one of the best water parks great for toddlers include complimentary life jackets, changing tables in the bathrooms, toddler needs for sale in the gift shop (like swim diapers, swimsuits, and sunscreen), and kid-friendly menu items.
Being on Walt Disney World Resort property, there are several Disney hotels where you can stay with complimentary bus transportation to the water parks.
The closest resorts to Typhoon Lagoon include Disney’s Boardwalk, Caribbean Beach, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Riviera Resorts.
Read More: Disney World with Toddlers
Volcano Bay – Orlando, FL
Volcano Bay is one of the best water parks in Orlando for families with toddlers. It is perfect if you have kids of varying ages. There are activities to keep your toddlers busy while your older kids enjoy the water slides.
Upon entering Volcano Bay, you will receive a Tapu Tapu. The Tapu Tapu is a watch that scans different stations around the park. It is a virtual line that allows you to save a place in a queue without ever having to stand in line. Your watch will beep and tell you to go to ride the ride!
The Tapu Tapu is perfect for younger kids who would be bored standing in line. Toddlers, who may not meet height requirements, can take the watch around to different statues in the park and make magical things happen. Sometimes water will spray, or different areas will light up!
You will find that there are so many amazing rides at Volcano Bay; however, toddlers will not be able to ride most of them. Don’t be discouraged. There are some fun areas for toddlers at Volcano Bay.
The Runamukka Reef is the best place for toddlers at Volcano Bay. It is a large splash pad with water guns, slides, and bubbling geysers.
If your toddler loves to swim, you can enjoy the Puka Uli Lagoon. You can play bongo drums and watch people come down the Ohyah and Ohno slides.
Another great option is to take a joy ride in the lazy river. Toddlers love floating along.
Cabana Bay is the best place to stay if you want to enjoy Volcano Bay. There are family suites that can accommodate up to 6 guests. It is next door to Volcano Bay. Universal’s Aventura Hotel is nearby as well.
Best Toddler Water Parks in California
LEGOLAND California – Carlsbad, CA
Adriane from Put on Your Party Pants
The LEGOLAND Water Park is in Carlsbad, California. This is a great option for families traveling to San Diego with toddlers.
LEGOLAND California is less than two hours away from Disneyland, so it’s a great option if you have a few additional days in SoCal.
In addition to the water park, the LEGOLAND California Resort offers a ton of toddler-friendly rides and the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
You can save on admission by purchasing a hotel package. Some deals include tickets to the water park, theme park, and aquarium. Unlike Disney, LEGOLAND isn’t as overwhelming, so you can get everything done in a day, depending on how packed the park is.
The LEGOLAND Hotel is within walking distance of the water park. No need to deal with getting your little ones in the car. You can take a 10-minute walk to the entrance.
The Splash Zoo section is designed only for kids under four. It is a gentle splash pad with LEGOs shooting water. The Duplo Splash Safari section is only for kids under six. It has small slides and animals gently spraying water.
The Imagination Station is a splash area where young kids can build with giant foam bricks. There is also Eglor’s Build a Boat, which lets kids build rafts from LEGOs and play with them on a water table.
In addition to these toddler-friendly areas, there is a wave pool for your little one to play in with proper supervision.
We love the water park for toddlers because of the heavy LEGO theming. There are play areas, LEGOS, and rides for your little one to enjoy after playing in the waterpark.
Read More: Tips for Visiting LEGOLAND California with Toddlers
SeaWorld – San Diego, CA
When it comes to waterparks in San Diego, nothing can beat SeaWorld.
SeaWorld has done a great job creating an incredible waterpark that is truly suited to all ages with a separate area specifically for kids.
Toddlers love the Sesame Street Place Bay of Play which features different attractions for different ages.
The sesame-themed area has a great splash pad with no height or age restrictions and several Sesame Street-inspired rides without water.
A highlight for the younger ones is the covered toddler mat, where you can leave the kids to play on a soft mat with fun shapes while you supervise from the parent seating. There is no age restriction here, but this area is designed for kids under 5.
The covered bounce house is a great way to help burn off a little energy. There are two lines for children between 5 and 7 years old to jump together, and children 4 and under have their own time.
Along with having rides and playgrounds, Sesame Street character meets and greets, sing-alongs, and storytime will keep the little ones entertained all day long.
There are plenty of places to stay in San Diego near the park, but I recommend San Diego Mission Bay Resort for its spacious family rooms, huge pool, and location just 5 mins from SeaWorld!
Roaring Springs Water Park – Boise, ID
Candice from CS Ginger
One of the best things to do in Boise, Idaho, is visiting the Roaring Springs Water Park. It is one of the best water parks for toddlers because of the family-friendly amenities and water play areas for young kids.
Roaring Springs Water Park is one of the largest waterparks in the northwest. The waterpark is currently expanding to include more attractions.
There is a section of the park just for toddlers and young kids. There are water slides for young kids, fun animal statues that spray water, and shallow wading areas. Roaring Springs Water Park is the perfect place for toddlers to cool off on a hot day.
The Little Splash Mountain kiddie play area is the best place to enjoy the waterpark with your toddler. Along with the play area, there is also a fun lazy river you can enjoy with your toddler.
There are height requirements for most of the larger rides in the park. 42” is the minimum height for beginner riders, and the more intense rides have a minimum height requirement of 48”.
Children under two-year-old can get into the water park for free. You cannot take food into the park, but there is a great picnic area outside the park if you want to bring in your food.
The Best Western Plus Meridian is a great place to stay when visiting Roaring Springs with toddlers. It is only a few minutes from the park and offers free breakfast, WiFi, and an indoor pool.
Enchanted Forest Water Safari – Old Forge, NY
The Enchanted Forest Water Safari is New York’s largest water theme park in the state. It’s a great place to visit for kids of any age, especially toddlers. The park has shallow kiddie pools, where your toddler can enjoy the warm water.
The large park also has a carousel to put your toddler on a ride and take memorable photos. Older siblings can enjoy the lazy pools, water slides, wave pools, and more.
It’s an excellent place for families since there is a little bit of something for everyone to participate in. To make things easy for families, you can bring your food and coolers to the park. Just avoid any glass containers as that’s not allowed.
The park doesn’t cost an excessive amount, making it a great budget-friendly destination. Toddlers that are two years old and below get free entry. They also offer discounts to large groups, like scout groups and camp groups, which is why camps in NY bring their campers for a fun field trip.
Since it’s such a popular attraction visited by people from all over the place, you can find plenty of places to stay.
While you can always stay in the resort’s Waters Edge Inn, there is also the Adirondack Lodge Old Forge, which offers cozy accommodations and rooms with balconies.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly waterpark for toddlers, the Enchanted Forest Water Safari should be on your list.
Great Wolf Lodge – Various Locations
For families looking for a convenient water park to visit with toddlers, head to a Great Wolf Lodge resort near you!
It’s a fun family resort with fun options for young kids. And for toddlers, especially, visiting a water park where you can take a break and rest in the comfort of a hotel room whenever you want is so convenient.
The Great Wolf Lodge chain of resorts has 17 locations throughout the United States. Not only is Great Wolf Lodge a water park, but it’s also a theme park and hotel.
Although a stay at Great Wolf Lodge is not necessarily the cheapest, there are plenty of ways for families to save money while staying at Great Wolf Lodge.
For toddlers, Great Wolf Lodge has splash areas with slides to play in. But there are also life jackets so toddlers can enjoy the wave pool.
Families can’t bring their food into the water park area of Great Wolf Lodge, but they’re welcome to bring food into their hotel rooms.
There are food options available at the water park and throughout the rest of the hotel grounds, but they can be pricey.
What we love most about Great Wolf Lodge are the activities kids can enjoy. Toddlers can play in the arcade, bowl, play mini-golf, do crafts, and have storytime.
The Great Wolf Lodge is one of our favorite water parks for kids of all ages, especially toddlers.
Read More: Great Wolf Lodge with Toddlers
Sesame Place – Langhorne, PA
Right outside of Philadelphia, Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA, is the best waterpark for toddlers because it’s made just for them!
With adult supervision, the smallest visitors can enjoy most water attractions, like the lazy river and tube rides.
Life vests (provided at each attraction) are required for little ones under 36 inches tall. Two-body slide attractions have height requirements of 42 inches or taller.
If your toddler is nervous about going on a ride, there are several locations throughout the park where they can splash and play.
Toddlers and their families can also enjoy most of the “dry” rides at Sesame Place. Aside from the two rollercoasters that have requirements for height (40″ for Oscar’s Wacky Taxi) or age (3 years old for Vapor Trail), little kids can enjoy all of the rides and attractions with an adult companion.
Families can bring limited outside food, like water bottles and snacks, but Sesame Place does not allow large coolers.
There are picnic tables outside the park where you can eat food you’ve brought from home or from a surrounding restaurant.
Tip: Bring plenty of sunscreens. There is limited shade on the property.
There are several major hotel chains near Sesame Place, but visitors can walk from the Spring Hill Suites by Marriott directly across the street, making it the most convenient location for a midday break!
Read More: Sesame Place – Our Honest Review
Kalahari Resorts – Poconos, PA
The Kalahari Resorts location in the Poconos is a great indoor water park for toddlers.
There are two main play areas for young children with many features catering to this age group. Your toddler will love the mini slides into shallow water.
In addition to water slides, there are swings and a splash pad for your toddler to play in.
The most unique part of Kalahari Resorts is the tiny lazy river made just for them, with small tubes in shallow water.
The water park is bright and colorful with its theming, including different animals and sea creatures in their murals.
Life vests are available for little ones, as children under 48” must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.
Since Kalahari is a resort, the indoor water park is included with your overnight stay. Rooms, suites, and villas are available at the resort.
In addition to the water park, there are onsite restaurants, shopping, a big game room, mini-golf, and mini bowling.
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark – Lake Geneva, WI
What’s better than being able to walk from your hotel room, directly to the waterpark, without going outside? Not having to pack up the car is a win in itself.
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark in Lake Geneva, WI one of my favorite waterparks for toddlers. But don’t just believe me. USA Today voted it one of the 10 best waterparks in the country.
As soon as you enter the waterpark and grab your towel, you’ll see the Tiny Timbers area.
This area is curated just for your little ones. There are a variety of water tables, sprouts, slides, and more that will keep any toddler entertained. All small kids can explore this area as there aren’t any height restrictions.
Similarly, Tuesdays are Toddling at Timber Ridge Day. During the day, the waterpark offers a program just for toddlers with crafts at 11 am and games at 1 pm.
Please note that the waterpark is not open to the general public. Guests of the resort receive four to six waterpark passes, depending on the suite purchased. Passes are required for kids 12 months and older.
The great thing is each suite includes a full kitchen, allowing the option to eat food in your suite or grab something from one of the restaurants at the resort or waterpark.
This fun lodge is the perfect road trip destination for your toddler. Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is a favorite waterpark for those looking for a convenient and easy experience.
