Just like every summer, the temperatures are soaring around Los Angeles, which means many of us are looking for ways to cool down – with an added element of fun, of course. Sure, sipping cocktails on a rooftop is one way to do it, but sometimes the warm summer days call for switching things up!
Nothing quite compares to diving into a refreshing pool of water from a giant water slide or simply relaxing on a giant floaty in a lazy river. So, whether you’re the adventurous type or just looking to bask in the sun, our list of the best water parks around Los Angeles all have something for everyone! Check them out below.
1. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
If you grew up around LA County, then you know Hurricane Harbor is a classic choice. Found near Magic Mountain – this 22-acre water theme park offers several water rides for adventure seekers of all levels. For those a bit more daring, you could slide down their Black Snake Summit, Taboo Tower, Python Plunge, and more.
Of course, for those looking for a more family-friendly experience, they have the classics like a River Cruise (lazy river) and splash Island (splash pad), – and you can even elevate your day of cooling down with one of their cabana options.
🗓️Dates: June to September
📍Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
🎟️Ticket info here
2. Knott’s Soak City Waterpark
Although this water park may not be found in LA County necessarily, it’s no doubt a resident favorite. It’s right next to Knott’s Berry Farm so it’s no wonder why it’s in rotation. Soak City has 23 different water slides, a 750,000-gallon wave pool, a ⅓ mile Sunset River (lazy river), water guns and sprayers, and so much more. You truly haven’t lived unless you’ve taken part in a water fight with the whole family!
🗓️Dates: Open June to October 1
📍Location: 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
⭐ Pro-tip ticket: Upgrade your experience and make the most of your buck with the Go City Los Angeles: All-Inclusive Pass — which offers access to over 35 LA attractions including amusement parks like Knott’s! Save money and make it an unforgettable day by grabbing your Go City LA: All-inclusive pass here.
3. Raging Waters
In comparison to its competition, Raging Waters is a very much underrated water park found in LA County, but don’t let that fool you. They offer 50 different water attractions like the star of the show — an incredible Aqua Rocket – which is California’s only hydromagnetic water coaster!
Of course, the park also features slides for all levels of fun like a water playground, a one-million-gallon wave pool, and a classic lazy river for all to enjoy.
🗓️Dates: Now through late September
📍Location: 111 Raging Waters Drive, San Dimas, 91773
🎟️Ticket info here
4. The Adventure Lagoon
The Adventure Lagoon in Anaheim is a family-owned and operated aqua park that offers a unique and exciting experience near L.A. Set on a crystal-clear lake that stays between 74 to 78 degrees year-round, it boasts the 4th largest inflatable obstacle course in the nation. The mix of thrilling challenges and fun activities makes it a perfect spot for families seeking outdoor adventure.
Surrounded by white sandy beaches with plenty of shade and seating, The Adventure Lagoon is as relaxing as it is fun. The kid’s zone is a safe haven in shallower waters, featuring water trampolines, slides, paddle-boats, and water seesaws, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a blast.
🗓️Dates: Summer months until early fall.
📍Location: 3255 E Miraloma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
🎟️Ticket info here
5. Great Wolf Lodge
Grab the whole family and escape to an indoor water park haven! Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor park and a resort that offers summer fun 365 days a year. No matter what the weather is like outside their spot is always flowing. Folks can expect to slide and swim, – but that’s not all! This is no ordinary water park. They also offer dry attractions like bowling, arcade games, mini golf, and so much more!
🗓️Dates: 365 days a year
📍Location: 12681 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840
🎟️Ticket info here
6. DryTown Water Park
If you live in the High Desert part of LA County, then you are no stranger to Drytown Water Park. Although this aqua park is much smaller in comparison to the others on this list, this 6-acre park still has lots to offer.
For those looking to relax, they offer the classic Big Rock River, and for thrill seekers – Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer is calling your name. For anyone looking for some twisting and turning, DryTown has you covered with choices of water slides!
🗓️Dates: Now through early eptember
📍Location: 3850-B E Ave S, Palmdale, CA 93550
🎟️Ticket info here
7. LEGOLAND Water Park
Brace yourself and the whole family for an unforgettable escape into a world where imagination takes shape! Discover the perfect balance of family fun and adventure at LEGOLAND as you embark on an epic journey, brick by brick.
With this exclusive LEGOLAND Resort Hopper, you can have an educational adventure at their Sea Life Aquarium! Immerse yourself in the fascinating lives of marine creatures while our experts guide you through an unforgettable educational journey.
And guess what? The adventure doesn’t end there! Beat the summer heat at LEGOLAND Water Park and turn your day into an epic aquatic escapade.
🗓️Dates: Summer — check site for availability.
📍Location: One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
🎟️Ticket info here
8. Splash Zone
Splash Zone at Garvey Park is a hidden gem for families looking for affordable fun near Los Angeles. With two colorful slides and plenty of water fountains and sprays, it’s the perfect spot for kids to splash around and cool off. The laid-back vibe and budget-friendly prices make it an easy choice for a day out.
What really stands out is how clean and organized the park is. Everything feels well-maintained, so you can kick back and relax while the kids have a blast.
🗓️Dates: Summer months, only Saturdays and Sundays during September.
📍Location: 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754
🎟️Ticket info here
9. Wild Rivers
Escape to the enchanting world of the 1940s South Pacific at Wild Rivers, where acres are transformed into a mesmerizing water paradise! Immerse yourself in the thrilling Aquaconda, conquer the Bora Bora Boomerang, soak in the sun at the cabanas, and indulge in countless more exhilarating slides and attractions.
🗓️Dates: Now through October 8, 2023
📍Location: 10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618
🎟️Ticket info here
10. Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park
Ahoy! It’s time to embark on a water-filled adventure at Buccaneer Cove — where families can make a splash across 4 levels of exhilarating play! With endless water slides, powerful spray cannons, mesmerizing cylinder spray fountains, and a treasure trove of interactive elements — your entire crew is in for an unforgettable aquatic experience.
🗓️Dates: Summer — Castle Park is now open. Check their site fo exact dates.
📍Location: 3500 Polk St, Riverside, CA 92505
🎟️Ticket info here
11. DropZone Waterpark
Dropzone Waterpark offers all the perfect classic thrills of a waterpark! Here, folks will be able to enjoy the Jet Stream River, cool off at the Hydroplane Flowrider, have a blast at Lil Jumper’s Landing, and so much more. There’s truly no shortage of water activites here. They also offer water lessons for the brave little ones!
🗓️Dates: Check their site for updates.
📍Location: 2165 Trumble Road, Perris, CA 92570
🎟️Ticket info here
12. Buccaneer Bay Waterpark
🗓️Dates: Buccaneer Bay Waterpark is currently closed for the 2023 season.
📍Location: 13806 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
🎟️ check out their site for the 2024 season here
13. Casitas Water Adventure
Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura is a charming, family-friendly water park that’s perfect for a fun day out. It features a playground designed for young children, a lazy river with scenic waterfalls and fog-filled bridges, and a snack bar for quick bites. The lazy river is especially enjoyable, offering a relaxing ride on inner tubes while lifeguards keep an eye on everyone.
For thrill-seekers, the park has three large slides with a 42-inch minimum height requirement, plus one slide for all ages and two exciting dump buckets. With numerous water features scattered throughout, it’s a great spot for both adventure and relaxation.
🗓️Dates: Late spring to early fall.
📍Location: 11311 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura, CA 93001
🎟️Ticket info here
14. The Cove Waterpark
Avast, me hearties! The Cove stands as the ultimate aquatic center, catering to buccaneers of every age. Delve into the wonders of their Caribbean-inspired environment and get ready to refresh in water frolics all day long!
🗓️Dates: June through August
📍Location: 4310 Camino Real, Riverside, CA 92509
🎟️Ticket info here
15. Splash!
Splash! La Mirada is a blast for families looking for a fun day out. The Buccaneer Bay area is packed with exciting water slides, a lazy river, and splash zones perfect for kids. It’s got a great pirate theme that makes the whole experience feel like an adventure.
Plus, the park has top-notch pools for both competitive swimming and lessons. So whether you’re here to chill or to get some swim practice in, Splash! La Mirada has you covered with plenty of activities and a fun atmosphere.
🗓️Dates: Late spring to early fall.
📍Location: 13806 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
🎟️Ticket info here
Edited by Sofía Delpueche