12 of the Best Southern California Water Parks (2023)
Looking for a cool day out with the family to beat the heat? Bypass the beach for something different and check out one of Southern California’s water parks! There is something for everyone at these water wonderlands. From thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, you’re sure to have a great time. Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and head to one of our favorite Southern California water parks.
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12 of the Best Southern California Water Parks
Water Parks in Los Angeles
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Los Angeles
Looking for something to do in the Los Angeles area? You don’t have to drive far to enjoy one of the best water parks next door to some of the best roller coasters! Six Flags Magic Mountain Hurricane Harbor opens seasonally with heart-pounding water slides, a relaxing lazy river, and family-friendly play zones. Opt for a season pass that covers both parks, and you’ll get the most out of your money.
Open June to September
Located in: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
Universal Studios Hollywood – Wet Zone at Super Silly Fun Land
Though it’s not a full-size water park, the water features at one of the top theme parks in LA are a great place to cool down with young children. The colorful, Minion-inspired zone is designed to look like the seaside carnival in Despicable Me and includes 80 different water-play features the whole family can enjoy. Just be sure to pack extra clothes if you plan to explore the rest of the park.
Located in: Universal Studios Hollywood
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Raging Waters
Raging Waters Los Angeles, located just off the 10 freeway in San Dimas, has a ton to offer. As the largest water park in California, the park is guaranteed to provide gallons of fun and thrills for the whole family. The water park features 50 attractions across 60 acres, including Aqua Rocket, the state’s only hydromagnetic water coaster! If you’re looking for some relaxation, float along the Amazon Adventure or hang ten at the Wave Cove, a wave pool with a beach-style setting. The 30,000-square-foot water playground will never get old for younger visitors. You’ll find all levels of family water play here!
They are open NOW through September!
*Operating dates and hours are subject to change without notice.
Address: 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773
Splash! Buccaneer Bay at La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center, La Mirada
Buccaneer Bay is an exciting, family-friendly water park in La Mirada. The aquatic center includes a pirate-themed water park as well as top-notch competition and instructional pools. With three water slides, a flowing river, a six-lane mat racer, two body slides, a children’s interactive play structure, zero-depth beach entry, and two spray pad areas, there’s plenty to explore for the entire family.
Open Various Days and Hours through Labor Day. Check website for updates.
Address: 13806 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
Water Parks in Orange County
Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground
Castaway Cove, a water-filled pirate playground with slides, water cannons, and a pirate ship with a splash, will delight both young and old. Splash fountains featuring Speedy, the Turtle, and a toddler pool with beach-style access will entertain tiny swashbucklers at “Speedy’s Sprayground.” The best part is this water park is Disneyland-adjacent, making it the perfect place to rest and relax after a day at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Open Year Round
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground
Address: 1380 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
Phone: (714) 776-6120
Great Wolf Lodge, Anaheim
When it comes to indoor water parks, you can’t beat Great Wolf Lodge Southern California. Located in Garden Grove, near Los Angeles, the resort offers both an indoor water play area and dry-land activities younger kids will love. Your stay includes access to the water park’s 14 slides and four pools, which are kept at a comfortable 84 degrees all year.
Open Year Round
Address: 12681 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Knott’s Soak City Water Park in California
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, located in Buena Park, is a 15-acre water adventure park adjacent to one of the most family-friendly amusement parks. Soak City at Knott’s Berry Farm is home to 23-speed, tube, and body slides. The top attractions include Shore Break, with six different waterslide experiences and a thrilling family raft ride, The Wedge; the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wave pool; a one-third-mile Sunset River; and the three-story Beach House, dozens of interactive water elements, like 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers, and other surprises. Soak City is open from mid-May until early September. Separate admission is required, but if you have a gold or platinum season pass, it includes entry to both parks.
Address: 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Wild Rivers
Wild Rivers, located in the center of Irvine and the Great Park, has been a Southern California water park staple for nearly 30 years. After a recent renovation, the park is better than ever, spanning 20 acres and featuring 20 different rides, three restaurants, and unending entertainment. From thrill rides and a massive water playground to floating on inner tubes down a lazy river, this place has it all.
2023 Schedule
Open Daily June 1st through August 23
Open Weekends August 26 through October 1
Address: 10000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
Water Parks in Riverside County
The Cove Waterpark
The Cove Waterpark in Riverside, California, offers water-play areas for children of all ages and is the perfect place for families to cool down on hot summer days. In addition to the water rides and water play features, you can also sign kids up for swim lessons in the pool. There are also private cabanas for rent where you can relax in the shade and get food delivered at a set time.
Open Various Days and Hours through Labor Day. Check website for updates.
Address: 4310 Camino Real, Riverside, CA 92509
DryTown Water Park, Palmdale
DryTown is the best place to take kids for wet and wild fun in the Antelope Valley! With six acres of beautifully manicured attractions, they have something for everyone in the family. Grab a tube and ride down Big Rock River, or compete for the win on Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer. Younger children will enjoy splashing around in Little Miner’s Camp, while thrill seekers will delight in twisting and turning down DryTown’s thrilling slides. After you work up an appetite splashing and playing, you can order lunch or a sweet treat at Dusty’s Grill.
Days & Times Vary through Labor Day. See website for current schedule.
Address: 3850-B E Ave S, Palmdale, CA 93550
Water Parks in San Diego
Legoland Water Park Carlsbad
The LEGOLAND Water Park in Carlsbad, California, has 10 acres of water fun to enjoy! With several colorful water slides, sandy beaches, and the unique Build-A-Raft River, as well as Pirate Reef and LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Parks, this is guaranteed to be the best time for LEGO fans who also like to have fun in the sun! Hotel guests can also enjoy the two LEGO-themed pools with soft LEGO bricks for water play.
Located in: LEGOLAND California
Address: 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Sesame Place San Diego
We all know sunny days sweep the clouds away on Sesame Street, but they’re also the perfect time for water play with Big Bird, Elmo, and the entire Sesame gang! In addition to being one of the best amusement parks for young kids, Sesame Place is also home to one of the coolest Southern California water parks. All kinds of colorful water slides with Sesame Street themes await, including the relaxing Big Bird’s Rambling River, Ernie’s Twisty Turny Tunnels, Cookie Monster’s Mixer, and all new for 2023, Count’s Splash Castle.
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
So there you have it, our favorite Southern California water parks! What are you waiting for? Head to one of these amazing water parks! You’re sure to have a splashing good time!
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Looking for something else to do in Southern California? Here are some more fun family activities perfect for summer vacation:
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