Looking to beat the California heat with family and friends? Los Angeles is home to some incredible water parks that offer thrilling rides, relaxing pools, and a variety of attractions perfect for all ages. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping slides or a laid-back day by the wave pool, LA’s water parks promise an unforgettable experience. Here’s a list of the top LA water parks that guarantee a splashing good time!
1. Raging Waters Los Angeles – San Dimas
Address: 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773
Highlights: Known as California’s largest water park, Raging Waters offers a wide range of attractions for everyone in the family. Its 50 acres are packed with exhilarating water slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and kid-friendly areas. Highlights include the Dragon’s Den, where riders twist and turn through a dark tunnel, and Neptune’s Fury, a multi-person raft ride with surprises around every corner.
Best for: Thrill-seekers and families with older children
Tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds, and consider renting a cabana for a more private, relaxing space.
2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Valencia
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
Highlights: Located next to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor is packed with high-energy rides and slides, making it a perfect destination for those who crave adventure. The Tornado ride is a must-try, dropping riders down a 132-foot-long tunnel into a gigantic funnel. For families, Castaway Cove offers a more gentle splash zone for young children.
Best for: Thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts who want to experience both Hurricane Harbor and Magic Mountain
Tips: Combine your ticket with Magic Mountain for a full day of amusement park fun.
3. Aquatica – San Diego
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Highlights: Though a bit of a drive from LA, Aquatica San Diego is worth the trip, offering an exciting mix of attractions, from high-speed slides to relaxing wave pools. The park’s most iconic slide, Taumata Racer, features a steep descent and an eight-lane racing slide perfect for friendly competition. Aquatica also has a unique tropical theme, with flamingo habitats and lush landscaping.
Best for: Families and friends looking for a full-day adventure
Tips: Plan for an early start to make the most of your time and avoid peak afternoon crowds.
4. Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center – La Mirada
Address: 13806 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
Highlights: Splash! is ideal for families with younger kids or those seeking a more laid-back water park experience. The Buccaneer Bay area has a pirate theme with gentle slides, a lazy river, and a splash playground, making it an instant favorite for young children. The water park’s smaller size means it’s less crowded and easier to navigate.
Best for: Families with young children
Tips: Check their schedule as Splash! is only open during the summer season, and make reservations if possible.
5. The Cove Waterpark – Riverside
Address: 4310 Camino Real, Riverside, CA 92509
Highlights: The Cove Waterpark may be smaller than other parks, but it has some unique features, including FlowRider, a simulated wave for surfing and boogie boarding enthusiasts. The park also offers multiple slides, a lazy river, and an interactive children’s play area, making it a great choice for all ages.
Best for: Families looking for a more relaxed, intimate water park
Tips: Purchase tickets online for discounted prices and check if they offer “Twilight” entry discounts for late afternoon visits.
6. Knott’s Soak City – Buena Park
Address: 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Highlights: Just across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm, Soak City is a classic water park experience with a mix of thrilling slides and relaxing water attractions. The park’s highlights include Old Man Falls, where guests can plunge down three high-speed slides, and the Sunset River, a 1,780-foot-long lazy river perfect for drifting along and unwinding.
Best for: Families and groups looking for a fun day near other popular attractions
Tips: Purchase combo tickets for Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City to enjoy both parks in one day.
7. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park – Garden Grove
Address: 12681 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Highlights: Great Wolf Lodge offers a unique indoor water park experience, making it a perfect year-round destination. This resort-style park includes thrilling slides, wave pools, and kid-friendly areas like Fort Mackenzie, a massive water treehouse. It’s ideal for families who want an extended water park experience, as it offers overnight accommodations and plenty of family-oriented activities.
Best for: Families with young children or those seeking an indoor, weather-proof option
Tips: Book an overnight stay to get full access to the water park and other amenities like the arcade and mini-golf.
8. LEGOLAND Water Park – Carlsbad
Address: 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Highlights: Located within LEGOLAND California Resort, this water park has a LEGO theme that makes it a hit with kids. Attractions like Build-A-Raft River, where kids can build their own LEGO raft, and the Joker Soaker interactive play area are favorites. There’s also a pirate-themed area, slides, and a wave pool, making it a fun-filled destination for the whole family.
Best for: Families with young children, especially LEGO fans
Tips: Purchase a combo ticket to enjoy both LEGOLAND and the water park for a full day of excitement.
9. SeaWorld’s Aquatica – San Diego (Soon to be Sesame Place)
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Highlights: This water park combines a playful atmosphere with a variety of water slides, lazy rivers, and children’s play zones. Aquatica is set to be rebranded as Sesame Place, so families can look forward to even more kid-friendly attractions soon. It’s a great spot for families with younger kids or those who enjoy themed, immersive experiences.
Best for: Families looking for a kid-friendly, themed water park
Tips: Check for updates on the transition to Sesame Place for new attractions and experiences.
Conclusion
Each of these LA-area water parks has something unique to offer, from thrilling slides and wave pools to family-friendly play zones and themed attractions. Whether you’re looking for high-speed thrills or a relaxed day in the sun, these water parks provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable day with family and friends. So pack your swimsuits, grab some sunscreen, and get ready for a splashing good time at any of these top LA water parks!
