The Best Water Parks Near the South Bay

Looking for a cool day out with the family to beat the heat? We have plenty of incredible beaches and pools, but if you really want to go big and make a splash, you might be wondering where to find the best water parks near the South Bay.

From thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, you’re sure to have a great time at one of these Southern California water parks you can drive to from the South Bay. Pack your sunscreen and get ready for a day of fun in the sun!

About this guide: Local Anchor is a South Bay community media platform covering local events, restaurants, and things to do since 2017. We update this list regularly based on firsthand experience and community input.

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What Are the Best Water Parks Near the South Bay?

Heading to a water park does require a bit of drive, but with so much to do, you’ll definitely want to make a full day of it at any of these water parks near the South Bay.

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 June through September. Check website for updates.

Address: 13806 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638

Raging Waters – San Dimas

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 the newest water ride, the heart-pounding Bombs Away drop out, 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. From shallow pools to twisting tube slides, you’ll find all levels of family water play here!

Open June through September (days of the week vary). Check website for updates.

Address: 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773

Universal Studios Hollywood – Wet Zone at Super Silly Fun Land

Though it’s not a full water park, the water features at one of the top theme parks in Los Angeles 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.

Open year round.

Located in: Universal Studios Hollywood
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Valencia

You don’t have to drive too 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 August.

Located in: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355

What Are the Best Water Parks in Orange County, Riverside, San Diego and Palm Springs?

These Southern California water parks might be a little further to drive, but they’re well worth the trip. You can always make a mini vacation out of it and stay over night.

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground – Anaheim

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

Great Wolf Lodge – Anaheim

When it comes to indoor water parks, you can’t beat a Great Wolf Lodge water park. Located in Garden Grove, near Los Angeles, the water park 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 four pools, 14 slides and attractions, 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 – Buena Park

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. Separate admission is required, but if you have a gold or platinum season pass, it includes entry to both parks.

Open from mid-May until early September.

Address: 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Wild Rivers

Wild Rivers, Southern California’s iconic waterpark, reopened in 2022 at a brand-new location in Irvine’s Great Park, reviving a beloved summer tradition with even bigger thrills. Now spanning over 20 acres—50% larger than the original park—Wild Rivers features more than 20 attractions, including high-speed water slides, family raft rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a giant interactive play structure for kids. Originally founded in 1986, Wild Rivers has a long history as a favorite Orange County destination, and its new home builds on that legacy with expanded dining options and a focus on creating a premium, low-wait guest experience. Whether spending a single day or taking advantage of a season pass, Wild Rivers offers endless summer fun for the whole family.

Open Daily June 5 through August 31.
Open Select Weekends September 3 through October 11.

Address: 10000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618

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 September 7. See website for current schedule.

Address: 3850-B E Ave S, Palmdale, CA 93550

The Cove Waterpark – Riverside

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, and closed if the weather is 70 degrees or under. Check website for updates.

Address: 4310 Camino Real, Riverside, CA 92509

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.

Open daily during summer months. Check the website for daily schedule.

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’s Monster Mixer, and all new for 2023, Count’s Splash Castle.

Open May to September 7.

Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911

The Wave Waterpark – Vista

The attractions at this waterpark include five different water slides, a “crazy river,” which offers a twist on the traditional lazy river, a large swimming pool, and a splash pad. 

Days & Times Vary through September. See website for current schedule.

Address: 101 Wave Drive Vista, CA 92083

The Palm Springs Surf Club

Formerly the Wet n’ Wild park, this revamped water park features a state-of-the-art wave pool, thrilling water slides, a lazy river, a resort-style pool, and a splash pad. The Club also offers cabana rentals and poolside dining options.

Park days and hours vary by season. Call in advance.

Address: 1500 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264

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Looking for something else to do in Southern California? Here are some more fun family activities perfect for summer vacation:

Best Children’s Museums in Los Angeles & Orange County

Guide To Southern California Zoos & Aquariums

The Best Botanical Gardens In Southern California