Make a Splash at These Family-Friendly Water Parks

By Michele Peterson

From exhilarating high-speed vertical drops to inflatable obstacle courses, these extraordinary water parks are packed with countless options for all-ages fun in the sun.

WATER PARK FUN

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

Got family members craving extreme sports action on their vacation? Then consider the Barceló Maya Grand Resort complex in Mexico. In addition to the Barcy Water Park packed with castles, slides and waterfalls for kids, guests of all ages can splash out at the Pirates Island Water Park featuring even more tubes, power jets, slides and fountains.

Thrill-seekers will get their adrenaline pumping on the famous Flowrider wave pool and the Surf Rider, a realistic surfing simulator where they can ride surf boards on a powerful current of water. Those keen to hang 10 like a pro can even sign up for surfing lessons.

BARCY WATER PARK

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ORANJESTAD, ARUBA

It’s easy to stop by for some trampoline and bouncy fun at Splash Park Aruba, an inflatable water park set in the calm Caribbean waters of Surfside Beach in downtown Oranjestad. Kids ages six and up will love climbing, running and crawling along this collection of floating inflatable platforms, obstacles and slides. They can even launch themselves into the air via a catapult or scale a giant iceberg floating on turquoise water.

KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

Wristband technology meets wet and wild fun for the ultimate water adventure at this new high-tech water park in Kissimmee, Florida. At Island H2O Live Water Park participants scan Smart Bands and then splash their way through a range of thrilling attractions sharing their experiences through social media network connectivity.

Perfect for tweens, teens and adults, the non-stop fun includes zooming through twisting rapids on a tube slide, plunging down a vertical waterfall drop, multi-guest racers, customized music playlists and more. Special zones for tiny tykes and adults ages 21 and up, make this water park fun for the whole family.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS

Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss the Aquaventure, the largest in the Caribbean. It features 57 hectares of water rides and pools, including the famous Leap of Faith body slide. Not for the faint of heart, this experience begins with a near-vertical drop from the top of a Mayan-themed temple.

Then, riders are whisked though a clear tunnel set in a lagoon teeming with hammerhead and Caribbean reef sharks. More leisurely options include floating on an inner tube along the lazy river or The Current, a journey through rolling rapids and tunnels with plenty of powerful wave action along the way.

Slide

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CANCUN, MEXICO

This AMResort property located minutes north of downtown Cancun is an oasis of water-themed fun. In addition to the tropical lazy river (available for Preferred Club guests), Dreams Playa Mujeres features a water park with splash pads, fountains, water cannons and slides that send guests swooshing through winding tubes into a lagoon pool.

In addition to splashing out in the water park, extra kid-friendly perks include a Core Zone club designed for teens ages 13-17 and the Crazy Straws Canteen for kids ages three to 12. Adults can relax in the Mayan-themed Pevonia spa complete with a Watsu pool for underwater massage therapies.

THUMBS UP! WATERSLIDE CONQUERED

DE PALM ISLAND, ARUBA

How does a water park set on its own island sound? Keep cool under the Caribbean sun at this all-inclusive adventure park that’s a quick boat ride (included in admission) from mainland Aruba.

Family activities include zip-lining across the island, riding ocean waves on a banana boat and having loads of fun among the slides, sprinklers, tipping buckets and geysers of De Palm’s Water Park playscape. An open bar with tropical cocktails, snacks and a Caribbean-themed buffet lunch are included in the admission.

WATER PARK PIRATE FIGHT

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MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

With its zero-entry pool, castle-themed slides and meandering lazy river, the Pirate’s Paradise Water Park at Sunscape Splash Resort & Spa is perfect for families with young kids. When hunger hits, the Barefoot Grill with its popcorn, nachos, jerk chicken, burgers and more is just steps away.

Guests at the neighbouring AMResort property, Sunscape Cove Montego Bay also enjoy full access to the water park and amenities. More thrills await at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritavilla on Montego Bay’s nearby “Hip Strip” where water enthusiasts can launch themselves into the sparkling blue Caribbean via a 36-metre long waterslide and then bounce across a series of floating trampolines.

WATER PARK

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