If you’re anything like us, you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. And while we may need to say farewell (for now!) to our favorite outdoor waterparks, the good news is indoor waterparks are always in season. As the dog days of August drag on and the novelty of outdoor pools wears thin, these climate-controlled aquatic playgrounds offer a refreshing escape for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking to cool off from the sweltering temperatures outside or just want to squeeze in some last-minute summer fun before school starts, our roundup of local indoor waterparks within a two-hour drive from Bucks has you covered.

Looking for more indoor fun? Check out Indoor Activities That Will Make You Look Forward to Rainy Days.

Aquatopia 

Camelback Resort, 193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 

For those who like to max out their fun quota for the day, Camelback Resort‘s Aquatopia is a great option, giving you quatic fun in the morning and skiing or snowtubing in the afternoon. Rated one of the top indoor waterparks in the country, Aquatopia is guaranteed to keep the kids busy and entertained. With 13 water slides, seven pools, a lazy river, hot tubs, and small-kid friendly zero-entry pools and activities, there’s tons to do. The temperature is kept at 84 degrees and the transparent roof allows the sun to shine in, so it might even feel like you’re someplace warm and sunny. Check out their season passes.

“I go here multiple years in a row now, with my daughter and mother. The indoor water park is an absolute blast, and it’s connected to a giant arcade with tons of modern games and cool gift shop. The food is really good inside Aquatopia. There’s about 7 or 8 different slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, a kids area, a bar inside the middle of a pool for adults, and a large Jacuzzi style pool that even connects to a small pool outside. The slides are enjoyable for kids and adults alike,” says a local parent.

DreamWorks Water Park

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ

Located within the American Dream shopping and entertainment complex, DreamWorks Water Park is the largest indoor waterpark in North America. With attractions inspired by DreamWorks movies, your kids will love spotting their favorite characters and settings throughout the park. “Dreamworks!! It was AMAZING!” says Ruth T. And if you need a break from the waterpark, there’s always the shops!

Great Wolf Lodge

1 Great Wolf Dr., Scotrun, PA

With an indoor waterpark kept at a warm 84 degrees year-round, your pack can enjoy a world of fun—all under one roof. Great Wolf Lodge Pocono is immense, with eight different water slides, activity pools, wave pool, hot tubs, lazy river, aquatic jungle gym with spilling bucket and much, much more. Furthermore, one of the newest attractions, slideboarding, combines gaming and water slide action for a truly unique experience.  Parents love Great Wolf Lodge for the attention to detail, the variety of activities inside and outside of the water park, and the friendly and helpful staff.

“My kids, aged 4 and 7, loved it. They enjoyed the outdoor pool and the wave pool. We spent a good 5 hours in the water. They used up all their energy and went to bed early as if by magic.” Delphine E.

H2Oooohh!

Split Rock Resort, 100 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony, PA

If you’ve got little ones, this is the place for you. H2Oooohh!! is a smaller indoor waterpark that parents love for kids under 12 (though still impressive with over 53,000 square feet of water attractions to enjoy). It has five exciting slides, some of which twist and turn four stories down, a wave pool, activity pool, aquatic play structure, crossing activity, FlowRider surf machine, and hot tubs. Additionally, the little ones will love the Jungle Falls and Leapin’ Lizards play areas. At two hours away, it’s a little on the far side for just a day, but if the plan is to go for a weekend in the Poconos and you’re looking for another activity for the kids, this is a great option.  

Island Waterpark at Showboat

801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City’s indoor waterpark which opened Summer 2023, offers 11 slides, a 6,500 foot lazy river, and a wave pool, among tons of other fun activities for kids of all ages. Float down the lazy river, race with friends, surf a gnarly wave, or just go with the flow on our wickedly wet and wild water attractions! And for just the adults, the 21+ Paradise Adult Island is an oceanfront pool with swim-up bars for the ultimate relaxation for parents.

“I had a great time being here with my son. It was much faster to ride the slides here than the waterpark at American Dream Mall and we didn’t have to pay to upgrade. We loved the Lazy River!” Merrick L.

Kalahari Resorts

250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 

While you don’t have to stay the night, there’s so much to do that you might want to consider it at Kalahari, which is a resort inspired by African cultures. There are six exciting water slides, an aquatic jungle gym, a lazy river (and a smaller lazy river just for the preschool set), pools, hot tubs, a FlowRider, and a special pool with slides and activities for babies and preschoolers.  Outside of the water park, the resort has of a wide selection of restaurants, including a buffet, pizza place, tavern, café, and restaurant.

“My neighborhood does a big trip to Kalahari every year at Christmas time. I at first thought it was my nightmare, because of the chaos and the crowd. However – my mind quickly changed when I saw all the happy smiles on both kids and parents faces. It was a fantastic time. The rides are fun, the drinks are expensive. But memories were made by all. We will be going back again this year.” Dana B.

“Kalahari Poconos is great! Best is the hotel cost covers two days of tickets,” Keren P.

Feature Photo couresty of Island Waterpark of Showboat