If you are heading off on a road trip this summer, then you may already know exactly where you would like to go. You may, however, be looking for some inspiration, particularly if this is your first trip, or if you have done the same trip for the last few years. Our team at DCH Toyota of Oxnard believes taking a trip to a water park is a great way to please the entire family, especially the kids. There are countless crowd-pleasing water parks across the nation, and here is some of what the best have to offer.
Schlitterbarn, New Braunfels, Texas
This park is one of three Schlitterbarn parks in Texas and one of four including Kansas’ parks. The park boasts more than 70 acres of beaches and attractions. The park includes a new ride called “The Falls,” which features 3600-feet of whitewater excitement. If guests are worn out by the thrill of the ride but still want more, there is a conveyor belt lift at the end of the ride to take riders all the way back to the beginning. “The Falls” was voted the “World’s Best New Waterpark Ride” by Amusement Today magazine, so it’s easy to see why travelers are clamoring to visit.
Splashin’ Safari Water Park and Holiday World, Indiana
Visitors to Splashin’ Safari can enjoy a host of different rides and attractions. “Mammoth” is the world’s longest water-coaster, extending a total of 1763 feet. Mammoth features six-person rafts, which hurtle up and down the ride propelled by water-based magnetic technology. The water ride formerly the world’s longest is also here (“The Wildebeest”) and so is the world’s tallest water ride, known as “The Pilgrim’s Plunge.” The newest ride for 2013, “Hyena Falls,” has four “in-the-dark” water slides.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Orlando
Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon receives more visitors per year than any other water park. 2 million visitors head here every year to enjoy America’s largest wave pool. There is also a shark reef in the park that offers snorkeling with real sharks, and a new 400-foot “water-coaster” raft ride called “Crush N’ Gusher.” The park caters to all ages, complete with kids’ play areas alongside the more extreme big-kids-only rides.
Aquatica: Sea World’s Water Park, Orlando
Aquatica features 80,000 square feet of man-made beaches, a great attraction for weary parents looking to relax while the kids run wild. There is no shortage of excitement at Aquatica, though. The park’s “Omaka Rocka” half-pipe is a super-fast, 1500-foot slide, and “Dolphin Plunge” includes 250 feet of clear underwater tubes. If you can catch your breath, you could see dolphins and other aquatic life swimming alongside the tube. For a ride that is a little more leisurely, check out “Loggerhead Lane,” a comfortable raft ride that takes you through a world of exotic tropical fish.
These are just four of the most popular water parks in America, and there are many more worth exploring. In any case, it is a good idea to book ahead with a park to save money on tickets, making sure to allow plenty of time during the day to experience all the park has to offer.
