Updated for 2024
For many families, it wouldn’t be summer without a visit to a water park. Because you’ll find water parks all around Southern California, you can make a water park visit a day trip or part of a longer summer trip.
Water Parks are such a great part of any kids’ summer — and we parents love ‘em, too! I mean, we think a Lazy River is just about one of the most relaxing things ever invented! And there is nothing better on a hot, Southern California summer day than hanging out in a water park and keeping the family cool.
Everyone has been asking “When do Water Parks Open for the Summer?” So we checked them all for you! The opening dates for all the SoCal water parks are right here on our list, so check it out and get ready to have fun!
Always check the park’s website or social media for up-to-the-minute closure information.
14 Awesome Water Parks in SoCal for the Whole Family
Buccaneer Bay At Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center
13806 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638
Buccaneer Bay is a family-friendly, pirate-themed water park. It includes water slides, an interactive play structure, spray pad areas, and other fun entertainment. In keeping with the pirate theme, kids can play on a skull rock, a marooned ship, and more.
Buccaneer Bay features a flowing river channel, three water slides that enter into a catch pool, a six-lane mat racer, two body slides, a children’s interactive play structure, and more. Plus It’s decorated like pirates live there! Check the website for hours of operation, food menus, and to purchase admission tickets.
Hotels Near Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center
- Days Inn by Wyndham Buena Park, 7121 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
- Holiday Inn La Mirada, an IHG Hotel, 14299 Firestone Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638
- Residence Inn by Marriott La Mirada Buena Park, 14419 Firestone Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638
Map of Water Parks in SoCal
If you’ve been scratching your head, wondering where are the best water parks near me, we’ve got you covered!
Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park
3500 Polk St., Riverside, CA 92505
Buccaneer Cove boasts of having “four levels of family water play with dozens of interactive water elements.” You won’t stay dry with 5 colorful water slides, spray cannons, cylinder spray fountains, and more. The minimum height requirement is 36 inches, and the thrill level is listed as a “2.” Check the website for updates.
Bonus: Buccaneer Cove is included with your Castle Park Ride Park ticket.
The Cove Waterpark
4310 Camino Real, Riverside, CA 92509
The Cove, a Caribbean-themed aquatic center, offers a variety of water-based activities for buccaneers of all ages. Captain’s Bay is a centrally located activity pool. Guests can also float along the Ne’er Endin’ River or descend from the 3 slides located at Crow’s Nest. They can also experience the thrill of surfing with FlowRider® in their Riptide Reef. The Lil’ Mate Lagoon is geared toward younger guests and consists of a pirate-themed splash playground.
Hotels Near Castle Park and The Cove
- Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
- Riverside Inn & Suites, 10705 Magnolia, Riverside, CA 92505
- Days Inn by Wyndham Riverside Tyler Mall, 10545 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92505
Casitas Water Adventure
11311 Santa Ana Rd., Ventura, CA 93001
Casitas Water Adventure, or CWA, offers a Lazy River, a Splashpad, and a Lagoon for cool summer fun. In 2023 a new aquatic play structure was added with water buckets and slides for kids AND adults. “For the smallest of tots, a zero-depth pool sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area.” The Lazy River offers “a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway”, free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last.
Check the website for hours of operation, ticket prices, group rates, and other information about the recreation area including summer movies.
Hotels Near Casitas Water Adventure
- Ojai Retreat & Inn, 160 Besant Rd., Ojai, CA 93023
- Blue Iguana Inn, 11794 N. Ventura Ave., Ojai, CA 93023
- Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn, 4558 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, CA 93013
DryTown Water Park
3850 E. Ave. S., Palmdale, CA 93550
Whether you’re looking for something for little ones or more adventurous bigger kids, DryTown has a variety of attractions on its six acres. But don’t expect to stay dry for long once you get there. Attractions include Devil’s Punchbowl, Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer, Rattlers Revenge, The Wildcatter, and more! Plus, Family Glow Nights are coming back this summer.
Hotels Near DryTown Water Park
- Hampton Inn & Suites Palmdale, 39428 Trade Center Dr., Palmdale, CA 93551
- Hilton Garden Inn Palmdale, 1309 W. Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93551
- Staybridge Suites Palmdale, an IHG Hotel, 420 W. Park Dr., Palmdale, CA 93551
DropZone Waterpark
2165 Trumble Rd., Perris, CA 92570
DropZone Waterpark offers lots of opportunities for water fun! Attractions include the Jet Stream River, the Hydroplane Flowrider, and Lil’ Jumper’s Landing, among others. Each attraction has different height requirements, though you’ll find something for even the youngest members of your family including Launch Pad Geysers, which are suitable for all ages and heights. Additional details are available online.
Hotels Near DropZone Water Park
- Red Lion Inn & Suites Perris, 480 S. Redlands Ave., Perris, CA 92570
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Elsinore, an IHG Hotel, 31573 Canyon Estates Dr., Lake Elsinore, CA 92532
- Hampton Inn & Suites Hemet, 3700 W. Florida Ave., Hemet, CA 92545
Great Wolf Lodge — Open Year-Round
12681 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92840
If you’re looking for an out-of-town-but-not-really kind of trip, then a stay at Great Wolf Lodge may be just the thing for your family. Hotel guests have access to the 105,000-square-foot water park. You’ll find 14 water slides, offering a mix of thrills for daredevils as well as little ones that need something gentler, a multi-level play structure, and so much more. Currently, day passes are available, but they also offer great deals and discounts in addition to vacation packages. Check the website for additional information and to purchase day passes or vacation packages.
Related: Great Wolf Lodge Southern California Family Staycation
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
Adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm, you’ll find Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. Soak City, Orange County’s largest water park, offers: 23 speed, tube, and body slides; an interactive kids area; a giant wave pool; and much more on its 15 acres. Attractions include Banzai Falls, the Beach House, Slides, Laguna Storm Watch Tower slides, Malibu Run, and more.
Hotels in Buena Park/Anaheim Near Knott’s Soak City
- Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, 7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
- Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Buena Park, 7621 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
- Hampton Inn & Suites Buena Park, 7307 Artesia Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90621
Related: The Best Splash Pads in SoCal
Raging Waters
111 Raging Waters Dr., San Dimas, CA 91773
Raging Waters is considered to be the largest water park in California. You’ll find 50 acres of slides, rides, attractions, and a sand beach all set for family fun. Parents will feel comfortable knowing that young children have their own fun area including Kid’s Kingdom and Splash Island Adventure. Attractions include – brand new for 2023: The Bombs Away, plus the Volcano Fantasea, Amazon Adventure, Aqua Rocket, Bermuda Triangle, and more. Use our affiliate link to get tickets!
Hotels Near Raging Waters
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pomona, 3200 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
- Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, 601 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
- Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge, 425 W 1st St., Claremont, CA 91711
LEGOLAND Water Park
1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
Get ready for bright, colorful, wet fun at LEGOLAND Water Park. Families can build rafts, ride slides, and more. Younger family members will enjoy DUPLO Splash Safari and Imagination Station. And at Joker Soaker, everyone gets soaking wet! Attractions include Build-a-Raft River, Cragger’s Swamp, Crooler’s Twist, Eglor’s Build-a-Boat, and more. Get Legoland Park Hopper tickets with our affiliate link.
Legoland Hotel, 1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, CA 91355
You may have a hard time deciding what to do first at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. You’ll find family-friendly rides, rides most appropriate for young visitors, thrill rides — described as “some of the tallest, fastest, wettest, craziest water rides in the country” — and more. Attractions include water rides for all thrill levels, from kiddos to daredevils, like Lightning Falls, Bonzai Pipelines, Python Plunge, Lost Temple Rapids, River Cruise, and more.
Hotels Near Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Hotel Lexen Santa Clarita Valencia Near Six Flags, 24219 Railroad Ave., Newhall, CA 91321
- Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Santa Clarita, 25259 The Old Rd., Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
- Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags, 27710 The Old Rd., Valencia, CA 91355
The Wave Waterpark
101 Wave Dr., Vista, CA 92083
If you feel like going for a bit of a drive, The Wave Waterpark is a fun waterpark to check out. You’ll find a variety of rides and attractions guaranteed to have every family member laughing — and getting wet! There is also an on-site eatery. Attractions include The Slide Tower, El Rio Loco, the Flow Rider, Riptide Slide, and more.
Hotels Near The Wave Waterpark
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad – Legoland Area, 760 Macadamia Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011
- Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside, 3501 Seagate Way, Oceanside, CA 92056
- The Cassara Carlsbad Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 5805 Armada Dr., Building B, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Wild Rivers
10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618
Southern California’s newest water park is back after a long hiatus. With over 20 acres decorated like the 1940s South Pacific, Wild Rivers has multiple rides and attractions and is sure to keep you cool on a hot summer day. Attractions include the Aquaconda, the Bora Bora Boomerang, Cook’s Cove, Pelican Plunge, and more.
Hotels Near Wild Rivers Irvine
- Sonesta Simply Suites Irvine Spectrum, 16150 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618
- Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Irvine — Spectrum, 90 Pacifica, Irvine, CA 92618
- Marriott Irvine Spectrum, 7905 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Sesame Place San Diego
2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista, CA 91911
If you’re planning a trip to the San Diego area, make plans to visit the water rides and slides at Sesame Place San Diego. Your family will enjoy a variety of attractions including rides, slides, rivers, and more. After closing in the fall of 2021, Aquatica San Diego was transformed into Sesame Place. The park reopened in March 2022 with a new name and a new look, but it still offers great deals on tickets, group pricing, and season passes. Check the website for more information, including park hours. Water features include The Count’s Splash Castle, Big Bird’s Beach, Big Bird’s Rambling River, Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides, and more!
Hotels Near Sesame Place in San Diego
- Best Western Chula Vista/Otay Valley Hotel, 4450 Main St., Chula Vista, CA 91911
- Ayres Hotel San Diego South — Chula Vista, 1710 Millenia Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91915
- Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Chula Vista, 2005 Centerpark Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91915
Water Park FAQs
I need the basics: What’s a water park?
A water park is an amusement park that features water-based attractions such as water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and other water-based activities. Perfect for a hot, summer day.
What are the age requirements for water parks?
Most water parks have no age restrictions, but some rides and attractions may have height requirements for safety reasons. Some parks require kids under a certain age to be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to check with each park for their rules.
What should we all wear to a water park?
It’s bathing suit time! You should totally wear a swimsuit or comfortable clothing that can get wet. And you’ll want to have a cover-up for when the sun starts to take a toll on your skin. Water shoes are an option and bring some towels! Some water parks may have dress codes that prohibit certain types of swimwear.
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the water park?
Most water parks will say No, but some do allow guests to bring in their own food and drinks. Check the park’s policies first.
Are there lifeguards at water parks?
Yes, most water parks have trained lifeguards stationed at various locations throughout the park to ensure guest safety. Water Safety is super important!
What’s the best time to visit a water park?
The best time to visit a water park is typically during the hottest summer months. However, this will also be the busiest time of year, so plan accordingly. One pro tip is to get there before they open so you can be one of the first ones in the park. You’ll get a prime lounging spot, plus you’ll have more time with smaller crowds.
Are there discounts available for families?
Some water parks offer discounts for families, such as group rates or season passes. Plus most seem to offer season pass discounts. Check the park’s website or contact them directly for more information.
What should I bring with me to a water park?
You must bring sunscreen – for sure! Plus, you’ll need a bag with supplies like, towels, water shoes, and any necessary medications, a change of clothes (or a couple for the kids), swim diapers if you have little ones, hats, flip flops, water wings, and floaties (if the park allows it), and check if the park has life jackets available to borrow or rent.
What if it rains during my visit to the water park?
Southern California rarely gets rain in the summer, but you never know! Most water parks will remain open during a rainstorm but may close certain attractions for safety reasons. Check the park’s policies regarding inclement weather before visiting. And find out their refund policy ahead of time.
Have Fun at a Water Park This Summer!
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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Gracy Vijay
Thursday 27th of July 2023
Nice!