TripAdvisor Dives Into America's Top 10 Water Parks

NEWTON, Mass., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the top ten water parks in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor travelers. Aquatic aficionados can enjoy the slide of their lives at these splash-tacular sites, which are drenched in fun for children and the young at heart alike.

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1. Sensational Soaking: Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana

Travelers can enjoy a splashing good time and thrills on dry land at this combined water-and-theme park. Aquatic delights include "Wildebeest", the world's longest water coaster – or those seeking to escape the sun can ride in complete darkness on "ZOOMbabwe", the world's largest enclosed waterslide at nearly 900-feet long. "This was the most clean and organized park we have ever been to," said one TripAdvisor traveler. Admission, which includes complimentary soft drinks and sunscreen, costs $42.95 for adults, and $32.95 for guests under 54" and seniors.

2. Wondrous Waves: Typhoon Lagoon, Orlando, Florida

The menu of aquatic fun at this Sunshine State water park includes body slides, inner tubing, surf lessons and more. Travelers can grab a raft and enjoy the meandering, 2,000 foot-long waters of "Castaway Creek", which offers effortless transportation around the entire water park.  Plucky swimmers can even snorkel with sharks, stingrays and tropical fish at "Shark Reef", safe in the knowledge that a glass divider will keep them nibble-free. "Very tropical setting with a lot of lush green everywhere," commented one TripAdvisor traveler. Admission costs $52.29 for adults, and $43.67 for children aged three - nine.

3. Splashy Scene: Noah's Ark Water Park, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

America's largest water park features 49 rides, two wave pools, two endless rivers and four children's water play areas. Spine-tingling attractions include "Scorpion's Tail" – the first near-vertical looping waterslide in the U.S., while those wishing to combine splashes with some big screen entertainment can take in the 4-D "Dive-In" theater. "For those who love water this is heaven," said one TripAdvisor traveler. Admission costs $35.99 for adults, and $28.79 for children and seniors.

4. Beachfront Bonanza: Morey's Piers, Wildwood, New Jersey

Travelers who have had their fill of sand are in for a treat at this beachfront amusement complex, which boasts two water parks. Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club features a 1,000 foot-long "Endless River", and the "Cliff Dive" speed slide, while the roster of fun at Raging Waters Waterpark includes the "Sky Pond Journey" – a slide complex featuring four elevated splash pools. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "What was a nice feature of this water park were all the lifeguards situated in strategic areas so they could see the riders." Admission to the water parks costs $36, $28 for guests under 5'4" and is free of charge for seniors.

5. Dunking Delight: Kahuna Laguna, North Conway, New Hampshire

Located in the middle of the mountains at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, northern New England's first indoor water park is an 82-degree tropical oasis year-round. Entertainment includes four high-speed tubes, a swirling wave pool, and even a water basketball court – where travelers can "dunk" to their hearts' content. "The water park is lots of fun for all ages," said one TripAdvisor traveler. Admission costs $40 for adults and children alike.

6. Thrills and Spills: Water Country USA, Williamsburg, Virginia

Virginia's largest water park features more than 30 water rides and attractions. Travelers can plunge down the darkened tunnels of "Aquazoid" at speeds of 20 feet per second, or embrace a rafting adventure on "Big Daddy Falls", which boasts 700 feet of flumes and tunnels. "Even the food was a cut above typical theme-park fare with large portions, appealing fruits and healthier-than-normal side dishes," said one TripAdvisor traveler. Admission is $46.99 for guests aged 10 and up, $39.99 for ages three - nine, and is free of charge for children under three.

7. Spectacular Slides: NRH20 Waterpark, North Richland Hills, Texas

This Lone Star State water park has made a splash on many a sweltering summer visitor. Travelers can ride the "Green Extreme", a seven-story tall waterslide, or race fellow speed enthusiasts in a head-first plunge down the four-lane "Accelerator". One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "If you're looking to go somewhere where your whole family can have a good time during the summer, this is the perfect place." Admission is $23.99 for guests measuring 4'8" and over, $19.99 for those under 4'8", and is free of charge for children under two.

8. Divine Dip: Adventureland, Des Moines, Iowa

This 180-acre resort boasts an amusement and water park, for travelers seeking both aquatic activities and terra firma fun. Visitors can brave four intertube slides on the "Bermuda Quadrangle", or lap up the fun at "Kokomo Kove", where more than 100 water features – from water guns and hose jets to seven water slides await. "Family-oriented fun, safe environment," said one TripAdvisor traveler. Admission costs $35 for guests aged 10 and up, and $30 for ages four - nine and seniors.

9. Watery Wonderland: Aquatica (SeaWorld's Waterpark), Orlando, Florida

Ocean-dwelling creatures and water-logged capers are the order of the day at SeaWorld's water park, Aquatica. "Dolphin Plunge" gives travelers the opportunity to zoom through a lagoon in a submerged tube slide, while marveling at the surrounding pod of dolphins. For a more sedate pace, visitors can hop on a lazy river ride and drift down "Loggerhead Lane". "Overall, very clean grounds, reasonable pricing with the food and nice experience," said one TripAdvisor traveler. Admission costs $47.99 for adults, and $41.99 for children aged three - nine.

10. Poolside Pleasures: Wild Water & Wheels, Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Located just south of Myrtle Beach, Wild Water & Wheels boasts 24 slides – from the "White Water Express", whose invigorating tosses and turns will give visitors an adrenaline boost, to the enclosed depths of "The Dark Hole". One TripAdvisor traveler commented, "Although the park is small, there were enough quality rides to keep us entertained for the day." Admission is $29.25 for guests measuring 4'8" and over, $18.40 for those under 4'8" or over 55, and is free of charge for children under two.

"For families seeking to cool off from rising temperatures and indulge in some seasonal fun, water parks offer an ideal spot to celebrate summertime," said Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor.

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