From wonderfully constructed water parks to a natural, spring-fed water park, here's a look at some of the best water parks in Orlando. If the anticipated crowds at these water parks deter you, consider visiting an Orlando natural spring, nearby Florida beach, or a fun inflatable water park near Orlando! 

Speed down the slides at Aquatica, Sea World's Water Park. 

Outdoor Water Parks in Orlando

1. Aquatica — SeaWorld Orlando

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, boasts multiple rides, animal encounters, and sandy beaches. Tassie's Underwater Twist immersive water slide transports guests to Australia’s Shark Bay (complete with musical score). The popular Riptide Race water slide features dueling rafts that race through tunnels and loops. In the Reef Plunge water slide, guests are immersed in an underwater world alongside playful black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, and cold-water fish. Other attractions include wave pools, raft slides, water playground, lazy river, and Turi's Kids Cove. Open all year.

2. Buccaneer Bay — Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill

Located at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, this spring-fed water park is ideal for those wanting to enjoy family fun while exploring Florida. Buccaneer Bay features a white sand beach, clear spring waters, two water slides, a natural lazy river, and Caribbean Cove water play area for young children. See the iconic Weeki Wachee mermaids perform their famous underwater show. The water park is open weekends, and opens daily during summer. The beach and swim areas are open year-round.

3. Daytona Lagoon — Daytona Beach

Located within walking distance of Daytona Beach, this hidden gem features a water park and Fun Park entertainment center. Daytona Lagoon boasts eight fun attractions, including slides, mat racers, a lazy river, wave pool, and a water playground; Fun Park offers bumper cars, go-karts, mini golf, and more. Daytona Lagoon’s water park is open on select days March-September; Fun Park is open year-round.

4. Discovery Cove — SeaWorld Orlando

For a unique Orlando water park experience, consider reservations to SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove. Your family is sure to make terrific memories at Discovery Cove! Get nose-to-nose with dolphins at the signature dolphin experience, snorkel in the Grand Reef with thousands of tropical fish and stingrays, swim next to otters and marmosets in a freshwater rainforest oasis, and explore a giant aviary. Discovery Cove is open year-round.

5. Island H2O Water Park — Kissimmee

Island H2O has a fun and interactive "social media" theme. Guests receive smart bands and can sync them with the Island H2O app to capture photos and videos on the rides, play games to earn points and badges, and stream songs. Smart bands also sync up with family and friends, so it's easy to find each other in  the park. Attractions at Island H2O range from mild thrill levels to max thrill levels, featuring body and tube slides, giant raft rides, kids splash zone, lazy river, and wave pool. Island H2O is open seasonally, March through November, and hosts fun events such as an annual Duck Race, dive-in movie nights, and more.

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6. LEGOLAND Florida Water Park — Winter Haven

This LEGO-themed water park was designed with little builders in mind. Experience build-a-raft lazy river, a wave pool with floating bricks, and Creative Cove build-a-boat area. Older kids and teens enjoy water slides and a double-seated tubing ride; little ones play at Joker Soaker interactive water playground or Duplo Splash Safari play area. This water park is open year-round and located inside LEGOLAND -- it requires an add-on to the LEGOLAND theme park ticket.

Cruise down the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon. Photo courtesy of WDW

7. Typhoon Lagoon – Walt Disney World

With over 10 fun rides and attractions, this Walt Disney World water park makes for a full day of family fun. Brave swells in the massive wave pool, enjoy a twin raft ride with twists and turns, or plummet down a five-story body slide in the dark. Splash around Ketchakiddee Creek, with mini water slides and interactive elements designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Guests can enjoy nighttime glow parties at Typhoon Lagoon's H2O Glow After Hours!

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8. Volcano Bay — Universal Orlando

Volcano Bay is located at Universal Orlando Resort and features 20 rides and attractions. Upon entry, notice the giant volcano with several water rides inside. Thrill-seekers enjoy body slides, raft rides, and even the Aqua Coaster. Swim at the two themed leisure pools or chill at a faux coastline. For young guests, there is Tot Tiki Reef (complete with a tot-sized volcano) as well as a whimsical water playground known as Runamukka Reef.

One of the best features at Volcano Bay is the technology: Rather than wait in long lines, riders can "tap in" to a virtual queue with a wristband (TapuTapu), and the wristband notifies them when it's time to return. Volcano Bay is open all year, however it typically closes on days when temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. Blizzard Beach — Walt Disney World

Note: Blizzard Beach is currently unavailable. However, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is open (see above).
One of two Disney water parks, Blizzard Beach has a unique theme as a failed ski resort turned water park. The rides follow this theme, such as a chairlift trip up Mount Gushmore to the park’s main attraction – Summit Plummet – one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides around. Guests can also race toboggans down an eight-lane water slide, plunge down three tube rides, and encounter fun obstacles at Ski Patrol Training Camp.

Tips for Visiting Orlando Water Parks

• Afternoon storms are common during summer, and some rides may be suspended temporarily in the case of inclement weather.
• Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds (and afternoon storms).
• A waterproof phone case comes in handy to capture memories without worrying about your phone getting wet.
• Bring sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day.
• Wear water shoes or flip-flops as the walkways can get hot in the Florida sun.