By Hristina Byrnes, THE ACTIVE TIMES
Fun rides, long lazy rivers, and tall treehouses with swinging bridges make summer a favorite season for many.
A weekend road trip will be enough for a fun family vacation even if you don’t live near the ocean. You’ll still feel like you’re at the beach as you’re relaxing on a lounge chair hearing the lapping waves.
Fun rides, long lazy rivers, and tall treehouses with swinging bridges make summer a favorite season for many.
A weekend road trip will be enough for a fun family vacation even if you don’t live near the ocean. You’ll still feel like you’re at the beach as you’re relaxing on a lounge chair hearing the lapping waves.
[post_ads]Water parks are not all about their wet and wild attractions. Drier temptations such as arcades and play areas with video games will keep the kids entertained for hours. Many have pools simulating waves so even capricious teens can have a blast without complaining.
The following list is based on Travelers' Choice Awards. Winners were chosen using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings given to venues over the last year.
1
Siam Park – Tenerife, Spain
It’s No. 1 for fifth year in a row. Adrenaline, family-friendly and attractions where you can simply relax without a care in the world – this water kingdom has it all. Kids love the Mekong Rapids – the real way to fully enjoy the true aquatic adventure of Indiana Jones. You will also love the Dragon – a true sensation of zero gravity.
2
Waterbom Bali – Kuta, Indonesia
This park has some of the most unique rides in the world. Aim and fire water balloons at the Water Blaster, race your friends on the Twin Racers, float along the Lazy River and fly down thrilling tunnels on the famous Super Bowl.
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3
Beach Park – Aquiraz, State of Ceara, Brazil
This is one of the most family-friendly water parks in the world. For some family fun, visit Treasure Island and watch the Aqua Show with the kids, then ride Atlantis and the Black Moray for moderate adventure. For some adrenaline pumping thrills hop on Chills, a two-person float that shoots you down a 90-degree slope. Also try Insane, a 14-story free fall that reaches up to 65mph.
4
Thermas dos Laranjais – Olimpia, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
This is the most popular water park in Sao Paulo state and is fast becoming among the most popular in the entire country. “Really spectacular rides and great infrastructure! This park can easily compete with the top notch US waterparks!” a recent review on TripAdvisor says. The park also get great reviews for cleanliness and maintenance.
5
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Orlando, Florida
[post_ads]It was voted the best water park in the U.S. Escape the beach for a day and head to this insane water park for some adrenaline pumping fun. Ride insane waterslides such as Mayday Falls and the Storm Slides, encounter animals in Shark Reef then gather the entire family together for a giant raft ride in an inner tube on Gangplank Falls. Bonus: Typhoon Lagoon also offers surfing lessons in their wave pool.
6
Aquapark Istralandia – Novigrad, Croatia
Jumping pool, spray arena, wave pool, hydro-massage pool – the park offer much more than recreational swimming. The slides are even more amazing –Free Fall, Flying Boats, Top Gun, Black Kamikaze, Space Rocket, Mini Surf, and many more. All have many with many light and sound effects.
7
Wild Wadi Waterpark – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The parks has over 30 rides and attractions, some of which include the Jumeriah Sceirah waterslide and the downhill Burj Surj tubing ride. Also experience the famous Whipeout and Riptide, which offers an incredible surfing experience without having to go in the ocean.
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8
Makadi Water World – Hurghada, Egypt
This is Egypt's largest aqua park featuring 50 thrilling water slides for people of all ages, including a 19 meters (62 feet) free-fall slide. “Brilliant for younger an older great day out, with snack bar and everything close together so not too much walking but bring your sea shoes as the floor can get hot an burn your soles” – this is just one of many similar reviews on TripAdvisor.
9
Eco Parque Arraial d'Ajuda – Porto Seguro, Brazil
This is a water park integrated with nature. In addition to the usual suspects – thrilling slides, all kinds of crazy pools and a beach – the park also has zip lines. Those who like pure adrenaline as well as those who seek to relax – you will find the perfect adventure for you there.
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10
WetSide Water Park – Hervey Bay, Australia
This aquatic center is right on the oceanfront. The park has a free entry. There is a cost however for the Water Slides and FlipSide Board Rider. The park is an eco-friendly public asset designed around water “infotainment.” WetSide is closed from May to August for annual winter maintenance.
