Family Travel

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15 BEST Waterparks in Jacksonville FL (Awesome Family Spots!)

Dive into the ultimate guide to waterparks in Jacksonville, FL! Find perfect family spots for cooling off and creating memories. Explore now!

Tobi Miles
September 3, 2022

Surrounded by the fascinating St. Johns' river, the city of Jacksonville, Florida, boasts the country's most extensive urban park system. It is packed with some of the finest water parks you'll find in the States.

This coastal region has become a popular tourist attraction. It is also home to many beautiful sand beaches, several museums, recreational centers and amusement parks.

Famously regarded as the "Bold New City of the South", Jacksonville's massive land mass is packed with amazing scenic views and water parks. There are endless things to do, including volleyball, skateboarding, tennis, football, handball, walking trails and an exclusive playground for kids. You will also discover other exciting things to do in this beautiful city.

Jacksonville is simply a great location to have some fun and excitement. Read on to discover some of the best water parks you can visit for a nice vacation getaway in the city of Jax.

1. Bob's River Place

Credit: Bobs River Place

📍Map It: Bob's River Place2878 NE Hwy 340, Branford, FL 32008 | Phone:+1 352-542-7363 | Website | Hours: Tuesday 11am-6pm(Everyday summer) | Entrance: $25 per vehicle up to six people.

Make your vacation holiday more exciting by visiting Bob's river place. This water park is located on the Suwannee river. It's an area well known as the "old folks home" due to its classic surroundings.

Those looking for something old-school are going to enjoy visiting this park. It has various classic attractions that give this place a nostalgic touch. Here you get to enjoy attractions which include Tarzan swings, slides, log roll, a nice volleyball court and lots more.

Step into the Suwannee river and enjoy a refreshing swimming experience in this natural flowing fresh water. Spend your afternoons playing a game of volleyball on the large court.

This park is undoubtedly a hidden gem that provides a fantastic swimming spot for people of all ages. The natural serenity and refreshing are perfect for letting off some steam during the summer.

2. St. Mary's Aquatic Center

Credit: My Town Planner

📍Map It301 Herb Bauer Dr, St Marys, GA 31558, United States | Phone: +1 912-673-8118 | Website | Hours: | Entrance: Adults above 48 inches: $9.95. Under 48": $6.95. Age 2-4: $3.95. Under age 2: Free.

This fascinating 7-acre recreational facility is located in southwest Georgia. It's a child-friendly swimming facility with many features and amenities. There are various recreational amenities to ensure you have a wonderful time at this park.

The fantastic swimming facility makes it irresistible to take a dive into the pool. These attractions include a lazy river, an interactive kids' clubhouse, and a lap pool with a two-story twister slide.

You also get multiple water options suitable for all ages. The park has an end-of-the-year tradition where dogs are free to play in the splash area.

It's a great location if you're looking to spend some aquatic time with your family. And one thing is sure; kids are absolutely going to love this place.

Related Read: 15 Best Hiking Trails in Jacksonville Florida

3. Typhoon Lagoon

Credit: Click Orlando

📍Map It1145 East Buena Vista, Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32830, United States | Phone: +1-407-560-4120 | Website | Hours: 10am–7pm | Entrance: Adults: $69 and Age 3-9: $63.

A trip down to this beautiful water park from Disney is a family getaway location. This beautiful tropical water theme park is located at the famous Walt Disney World Resort.

It has one of the largest wave pools in the world and is perfect for early surfers. Grab a surfboard and explore the waves of the pool tides.

Enjoy other unique and exciting attractions, including humunga kowabunga, Crush 'n' Gusher, ketchakiddee creek, GangPlank Falls and more.

There's also an exclusive play section for toddlers with slides, swings and much more. The lake is simply filled with various modern facilities to give you thrills.

Take a walk across the scenic bridge for an immersive view of the area. Here you can take in the beautiful views and enjoy a lovely time fishing. There is also a shark reef for those who fancy snorkeling.

4. Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Credit: Groupon

📍Map It: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States | Phone: +1-904-246-4386 | Website | Hours: 11am-6pm | Entrance: Adults (50" in and above): $38. 35-50 inches: $30. Under 35 inches: Free.

This waterpark is a 20-acre facility with state-of-the-art attractions. It is popularly regarded as an excellent location for families to unwind and have some fun together.

The park provides various features and facilities that are perfect for all ages. Here you'll find a lazy river, wave pool, giant water slides and flumes, and two shallow pools perfect for amateur swimmers.

As the name suggests, this facility is designed to portray a 17th-century sailing ship. If you're a swimmer, then you will love zip lining off the ship into an impressive large lagoon pool.

Other attractions in this waterpark include a half-million-gallon wave pool, Pirate's Play Village, CannonBall Slide, The Rage, and Little St. Johns River.

Related Read: 30 BEST Restaurants Jacksonville, FL

5. Splash Island

Credit: Only in Your State

📍Map It: 3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601, United States | Phone: +1-229-219-7080 | Website | Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10 am-8 pm | Entrance:

Located at the animal and waterpark in "Wild Adventures", this island is arguably one of the best in the country. It's a great place to cool off, especially during the summer.

This place is loaded with various attractions. It features a wave pool, splashes, slides and a lounge perfect for beating the heat. It's no wonder the park sees a lot of tourist visits during the summer.

Reserve a tropical oasis to enjoy private family time in the Cabana with special poolside treats. Enjoy a relaxing experience in the Paradise River.

Drop down from Bonzai Pipelines and Kona Cliffs for a more adventurous and thrilling experience. There's also a great spot at the Ohana Bay for kids to have some fun while you relax in the shade.

6. Flamingo Lake Rv Resort

Credit: Sun Outdoors

📍Map It: 3640 Newcomb Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States | Phone:  +1-904-766-0672 | Website | Hours: (Check in time/Check-out time) 3pm- 11am | Entrance: Adults: $15. Under age 13: $7. Under age 2: Free.

Nestled on the Flamingo Lake Resort is a 17-acre lake perfect for all ages. It is quite different from your regular pool or beach. It has a massive spring lake which is pretty impressive.

Enjoy a fantastic cooling experience in this large inflatable waterpark. Spend quality family time at the Flamingo Family Fun Zone aqua park. The lake also offers an excellent spot for fishing.

Here you'll find different species such as bluegill and largemouth bass.

You can enjoy various other amenities, including a playground for kids, an RV site, a pet area, food service on-premises and more. Book accommodation at the resort to get access to more special and premium offers.

7. Wekiva Falls Waterpark

Credit: Jacksonville Beach Moms

📍Map It: 30700 Wekiva River Road, Sorrento, FL 32776 | Phone: 352-383-8055 | Website | Hours: 8am-5pm | Entrance: $15 (features one canoe rental). $27( covers two adults and two kids).

This waterpark is a great place to escape the summer heat. A cement deck surrounds the swimming lagoon with lounge chairs and two beaches. If you enjoy the outdoor experience in Florida, you'll love this place.

Explore the several water options at the park. Some top attractions include the children's play areas, bring blow-ups to float on and twin water slides. There's a nice shallow pool perfect for kids and young swimmers.

Take a day out at the lazy river if you feel like letting some steam off. Whether you're a teenager, young adult or grown-up, this park has something for everyone.

Related Read: 20 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Florida

8. Aquatica Waterpark

Credit: Jacksonville Beach Moms

📍Map It: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821 | Phone: +1 407-545-5550 | Website | Hours: 10am-6pm | Entrance: Ages 10 and above: $57. Ages 3-9: $52. Under 2: Free.

The Aquatica Waterpark is a great place to escape the summer heat. It is packed with lots of attractions perfect for families. From slides to thrilling rides to spouting sprinklers, the park simply has something in store for all ages.

Enjoy a fun-filled family raft slide on the new water slide. Take on the watery free fall for big thrills and adventure- the steepest multi-drop tower in Orlando.

If you're visiting with your family, a cute play area is available for kids to explore. The Kata's Kookaburra Cove and Walkabout Waters are lovely spots with loads of fun for the little ones.

You can spend time relaxing in the lazy river or simply step into the wave pool. Whether you're an adult, teen or kid, Aquatica has something that you'll surely love.

9. Daytona Lagoon

Credit: Daytona Lagoon

📍Map It: 601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 | Phone: 386-254-5020 | Website | Hours: Sunday to Friday 11am-7pm | Entrance: Adults: $30.99. Between 32 inches-48 inches and Seniors: $21.99. Under 32 inches: Free.

Daytona Lagoon has several rides to give you the biggest thrills! Go on thrill slides through the slippery twists on Blackbeard’s Revenge.

Slide down the "Poseidon Pass", a waterslide ride definitely not for the faint-hearted. You can participate in laser tag, play go-karts or enjoy a fun mega arcade.

If you visit with your little ones, allow them to explore the Castaway kids' play area. The Treasure Lagoon wave pool is also a cute oasis for them to splash around and have fun.

There are simply a lot of exciting activities you can explore at this fantastic park to create your own fun!

10. Legoland Florida Waterpark

Credit Legoland

📍Map It: One Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, USA | Phone:+1-888-690-5346 | Website | Hours: 11 am-4 pm | Entrance: $25 for all ages.

Inside the LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park, you'll find the Legoland Waterpark. It is a fascinating destination for kids and Lego lovers!

There are multiple water play areas with the LEGO logo very evident. Top rides and attractions include a wave pool, giant water slides, Build-A-Raft lazy river and interactive water play structures.

Along with these many attractions, the park now offers "seasonally heated pools". You can get yourself the best and most trendy swimwear at the LEGO store.

After a day of fun, grab a bite of burgers, pizza or tacos at the various Lego restaurants. The park is open all year round, so you can visit this place anytime and have some fun.

11. Discovery Cove Waterpark

Credit: Visit Florida

📍Map It: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821 | Phone: +1 407-513-4600 | Website | Hours: 8am-5pm | Entrance: $199-$288(varies between seasons).

This theme park is a family-friendly resort and oasis in Orlando, a few miles from Jacksonville.It comes with an all-inclusive day experience which explains the relatively pricey tickets.

This package includes a water day trip, freshly prepared food, snorkel gear, swimsuit, unlimited treats, flotation devices and much more. Here, visitors get the opportunity to interact with various aquatic animals like bottlenose dolphins.

Enjoy a 30-minute exhilarating in-water dolphin experience. Not to worry, there's a brief safety orientation session before diving into the water. At the end of the day, you would definitely get the best experience for your money.

12. Nona Adventure Park

Credit: Only in Your State

📍Map It: 14086 Centerline Dr, Orlando, FL 32827  | Phone: +1 407-313-2907 | Website | Hours:12pm- 7pm Entrance: Age 5 and above; $89.

Located just outside of Orlando is an eye-catching water-based family entertainment center. This waterpark boasts some modern facilities and amenities that provide quality fun.

It features a large inflatable aqua park. Enjoy one of a kind experience floating on top of Adventure Lake. There is an endless list of fun aquatic activities you can do here.

Asides from the aquatic goodness, the park is loaded with various obstacle courses. Take on several exciting obstacles, which include tackling the two Mt. Rainiers, Whirlpool, rock walls, Tire Run, Ninja Jump and more!

13. Ragans Water Zone

Credit: Regan's Family Campground

📍Map It: 1051 SW Old St. Augustine Road, Madison, FL 32340 | Phone: 850-973-8269  | Website | Hours: 8am-8pm | Entrance: $65-$98(varies between seasons).

This water park is located in the Ragans Family Campground and boasts a quality aquatic experience.

Enjoy a relaxing time floating along the lazy river with some shades on. The shallow waters make swimming here suitable for amateur swimmers.

Those looking to experience thrills and adventure will certainly have their wish. The 60-foot Tornado water slide provides a rush of excitement.

Soak in the park's scenic views as you climb to the top of the water slide. It gets much more exciting as you slide back down and splash into the large lazy river. And if you're just looking to beat the heat, this park is perfect.

14. Summer Waves Waterpark

Credit: Jacksonville Beach Moms

📍Map It: 210 S Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527  | Phone:+1 912-635-2074 | Website | Hours: 11 am-6 pm | Entrance: $22 per person (for all ages).

Although this Jekyll Island is known for its typical tranquility, the Summer waves water park adds some life to it. It's about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Jacksonville.

This place offers several water options to beat the heat, especially during summertime. From exhilarating thrill slides to lazy laps around Turtle Creek, there's so much you can do here.

Take some time off to immerse yourself in the fantastic views of the Jekyll river. The park is usually open during the weekends, so feel free to take the day out to relax and unwind.

15. Buccaneer Bay Water Park

Credit: Florida State Parks

📍Map It: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606, United States  | Phone: +1-352-592-5656 | Website | Hours: 11am-6pm | Entrance: Adults (48 inches and above): $25. Under 48 inches and Seniors: $20. Age 2 and under: Free.

Located within Weeks Watches Springs State Park is the newest spring-fed water park. The Buccaneer Bay features some fascinating waterside attractions.

Enjoy a pulsating water slide experience as the "Thunderbolt flumes" drops you off into the lake. Other exciting attractions include snorkeling, kayaking, rafting and much more.

There are well-trained lifeguards stationed at various places to guarantee your safety.

Tobi Miles
Article updated:
March 28, 2024
A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.
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