There is something special about a resort with its own water park. Splash pads, lazy rivers, thrilling slides and kid-friendly pools are huge draws for families because they offer all the fun with none of the need to leave the property. But there’s no age cap on enjoying a good water park — and these properties are proof of that.
Whether your goal is to spend all day in the water or to stay at a hotel with so many amenities you won’t want to leave, you and your travel crew are sure to have a blast at these resorts with water parks.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
The Royal at Atlantis
A stay at The Royal at Atlantis comes with complimentary access to Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park with endless opportunities to splash under the sparkling Bahamian sky.
What better way to enjoy a vacation than to whiz down one of eight thrilling slides and take your pick of 20 unique swimming areas? And if vacationing in the Bahamas just won’t seem right without a saltwater experience, there are five miles of adjacent white sand beaches to tie the bow on that perfect beach day.
At The Royal at Atlantis, the focus is water, water, water, but there’s no shortage of fun for landlubbers: There are golf courses, spa treatments and restaurants offering everything from upscale menus curated by celebrity chefs to casual poolside bites.
Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui
Adventure-seekers and water lovers flock to the little slice of paradise known as Maui, Hawaii, and Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui overflows with thrills and water activities. To start, you can glide down Maui’s longest waterslide at the NALU Adventure Pool.
For more tranquility, ‘Ohi Pools has a quieter vibe and an oceanfront infinity pool. If you’re not traveling with kids, opt for a dreamy overwater cabana at the adults-only Maluhia Pool for the ultimate poolside experience.
While it’ll be hard to leave the pool areas, you’d be remiss if you didn’t see the splendor of Maui’s waters. The resort has a full slate of ocean experiences to sign up for, including snorkeling, kayaking and turtle tours. And don’t sleep on the Mo’ Bettah food truck for shave ice — because icy sweetness will level up an already glorious day spent outdoors.
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
It’s no secret that Texas summers can blaze, and the Paradise Springs Water Park at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is the perfect solution to beat the heat.
Fly over the family lagoon on a zip line, make a splash on a twisting waterslide, bob along the lazy river, relax in one of two hot pools or paddle in the toddler pool — from high-octane to full-on chill, there’s something that checks the adventure box for everyone.
Families should also explore the resort’s expansive indoor garden atriums and never-ending stream of activities, such as live music and art classes. Nestled on the shores of Grapevine Lake just outside of Dallas, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a convenient hop from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
With a waterside setting in Dubai, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is a dazzling destination for a family vacation. And that’s in no small part thanks to the Jungle Bay Waterpark.
Compete with loved ones for the title of slide-racing champion on the mat racers and body slides. Little kids will have a blast in the splash area and can ease into the thrills on the smaller slides, which are wide enough for parents and kids to sit together. The overall layout of Jungle Bay feels compact, which makes it easier to keep an eye on your kids at all times.
Water park fun is complemented by access to the resort’s private beach, for when nothing but digging those toes into the sand will do. For fitness buffs determined to get those laps in on vacation, there’s a lap pool just for you.
Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Choosing an all-inclusive resort can simplify some aspects of family travel, and Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort takes vacation up several notches for water-loving guests. You’ll find a water feature for every vibe and age, from 14 zippy thrill slides to tamer spaces like the lazy river and splash pad.
There are also pools separate from the water park for those who dig a more easygoing space for lounging. For all the above reasons (and more), this Cancún property is a top all-inclusive resort for families.
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Time at the pool pairs beautifully with the stunning Rocky Mountains in the distance, and you can get both at the Arapahoe Springs Waterpark, located at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. The park has a lazy river and indoor and outdoor waterslides, which means you can have a water park experience year-round.
Colorado might get cold, but the outdoor pool is heated, and the indoor pool area has floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the mountain scenery, whether that be summer’s verdant peaks or winter’s snowcaps.
With Downtown Denver about 35 minutes away by car and the Denver International Airport just 15 minutes away, getting to and from the resort is a breeze.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Located just outside of San Antonio, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has a chill, “away from it all” vibe that makes it feel far from the city. It’s also so loaded with amenities you’ll have everything you need for a fantastic family vacation.
The River Bluff Water Experience is a 9-acre water park with a 1,100-foot lazy river where you can float unhurriedly, winding your way around the resort’s pools, lounge areas and slides. Smaller tots can frolic in the dedicated kids pool with smaller slides.
Continue the fun after you’ve dried off by getting cozy around one of the resort’s fire pits to make s’mores. Grab a calendar upon check-in to see what the fun of the day is — the resort regularly offers kid-approved activities like slime-making and scavenger hunts.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka‘anapali
When it comes to providing something for every kind of traveler, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka‘anapali hits all the marks.
Water-loving kids can slide and splash to their heart’s content at the Kawaiola Aquatic Playground. There’s a dedicated adults-only space for a quieter experience and an additional kids pool with a mini waterslide, waterfall and splash pad for smaller children. All in all, there are six pools to choose from — perfect for any family’s swimming wish list.
This environmentally focused resort offers some truly exceptional outdoor experiences, and if your tots are all at least six years old, you can sign the whole family up for an unforgettable outrigger canoe adventure experience, part of The Westin Maui Waterman Program.
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Just 10 miles from Disney World, JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes provides easy access to the parks and a well-appointed haven to relax and enjoy time away from the amusement-park bustle.
The resort’s Grande Lakes Waterpark is a destination in its own right, though. Drift in the low-key lazy river or fly down one of three waterslides. Want to unleash your inner gymnast? Test your balance skills on the Aquaventure water course featuring balance beams, bridges and inflatables.
The resort offers a shuttle service to Disney World and Disney Springs, as well as the option to attend kids programming at its neighbor, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The Ritz Kids Program offers half and full-day options full of fun and creative activities while parents enjoy downtime.
The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino is an ideal destination for families, and The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino is no exception. The resort is every young (or grown-up) water lover’s dream, with a fabulous water park, beach access and the Ionian Sea setting the stage for a memorable experience.
At the on-site Aqua Park, enjoy three waterslides and a dedicated kids pool for young guests. When you want to exit the splash zone, head to the more serene waters of the two other large outdoor pools. Need to feel the gentle waves on your skin? Head out to the loungers and umbrellas on The Dunes Beach for a day spent on the sand.
Golfers can play a round with an ocean view, fitness buffs can clock some laps in the indoor workout pool and wellness enthusiasts can indulge in a spa treatment at the Anazoe Spa & Thalassotherapy.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
As an epicenter of country music history and a popular destination for lively nightlife, Nashville is a playground for adult vacationers. But Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center offers a more peaceful, family-friendly experience with amenities that may tempt you into staying put.
The resort brings the outdoors in with stunning glass atriums containing indoor waterfalls and lush vegetation. Unexpectedly cool activities include indoor boat rides and an app-based augmented reality Wildlife Rescue experience that’ll have your kids looking for invisible animals located throughout the resort.
The on-site water park, SoundWaves, also surpasses expectations. Not your basic water park, it boasts a sleek, modern design and immersive light and music features. All of these elements provide a unique backdrop for body slides, a lazy river, a splash pad area and a surfing simulator where two people can hang ten side by side.
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