Top Rides and Slides at Wisconsin's Indoor Water Parks
Anywhere you can experience temperatures in the 80s when it’s in the 20s outside is a good place to be—so book a day (or two) at one of Wisconsin’s indoor water parks. Whether you and the kids like to float the day away on a lazy river, rush down a thrilling waterslide or, for the adults, sip a beverage at a swim-up bar and pretend you’re on the beach, these water parks offer the best of the best in watery, wild fun.
Lazy River Luxury
• Chill out in the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions’ 920-foot lazy river in Wisconsin Dells. With 84-degree indoor temps you won’t even remember the winter temps outside!
• Even though it’s coined the Mayan Raging River, riders won’t experience any rapids—but rather real relaxation—at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park’s version of the tranquil ride in Wisconsin Dells.
• The nod to tropical temps continue at Chula Vista Resort & Waterpark’s Rio Rapids Action River—chill out on a tube as you ride through waterfalls and flow through placid currents.
Catch a Wave
• The Wild Waterdome Waterpark at Wisconsin Dells’ Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort has America’s largest wave pool! Savor the sunshine through the see-through roof and relish the tropical plants that bloom here year-round.
• Great Wolf Lodge’s Slap Tail pond in Wisconsin Dells is toddler-friendly, with a zero-depth entry, gentle rolling waves and a five-foot maximum depth for older kids.
• Ever been on a water roller coaster? If not—try out Chula Vista’s Flyan Mayan roller coaster that takes riders on the fastest and longest uphill indoor water roller coaster.
Slip ’N Slide
• At Rothschild’s Logger’s Landing Waterpark in the Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort, the Sasquatch Tube Slide is four stories (!) tall and has an 84-foot plunge. This multi-rider inner-tube slide deposits riders into the resort’s Rapid Rock Lazy River where they can chill and float after their adrenaline rush.
• Great Wolf’s Howlin’ Tornado ride is for the brave: Four riders shoot through a six-story funnel, circle around, then go through another tunnel for a mighty splash.
• Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark’s Avalanche Falls in Lake Geneva is for older kids on up who want an adrenaline rush: the ultra-fast slide rises 30 feet above the water park and once they enter, they’ll swoosh through a darkened tube while colored lights flash and pop tunes play for a neat experience.
Kids Corner
• In Sheboygan, Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center’s newly renovated Toddler Tides is a cool playground in the water for tikes with tons of sprayers, slides, ropes and water features for kid-friendly fun.
• For tots new to the pool scene, Cubby’s Cove Waterpark at the Wilderness has a zero-depth entry, multi-level play structure, gently sloping slides and water sprayers. Slightly older kids will like the lily pad rope challenge and water basketball court.
• Tiko’s Watering Hole at the Kalahari is perfectly sized for little ones, with several beginner slides, gentle swings, and a location adjacent to the Lazy River so the nearby action is mild, not wild.
• Chaos Waterpark’s new Aquatic Playground is set within this superhero-themed indoor water park in Eau Claire’s Metropolis Resort & Conference Center. The shallow water depth, easy stairs to climb and selection of slides guarantee that toddlers up to bigger kids will enjoy it.
Quiet Relaxation
• Mt. Olympus’ Sacred Well whirlpool is spacious with warm waters, soothing music and a small waterfall.
• Need to get away from the crowd? The Kalahari offers a few different types of cabanas throughout the park—all of which include safes, flat-screen TVs and food and beverage delivery. But if you really want the VIP experience, book the indoor private whirlpool cabana, with a private 12-person whirlpool, two TVs and more.
• Margarita’s swim-up bar at the Wilderness is adults-only, so it’s perfect for Mom and Dad to grab a tropical drink and savor some peace and quiet.
• Need another swim-up bar option? The Kalahari’s Mud Hut Bar has stools and benches (underwater of course) so you can chill at the bar while keeping warm, yet refreshed.
Known as the 'Waterpark Captial of the World," Wisconsin Dells is home of many of the state's indoor water parks. Make the most of your trip there with our guide to spending 48 Hours in Wisconsin Dells, or find out more about Wisconsin water parks here!
