11/08/23
Kalahari Indoor Waterpark | Credit: Pocono Mountains
Don’t let the colder months stop you from making a splash on your next family getaway! PA is packed with some of the country’s largest and adventure-filled indoor waterparks, so start planning your winter water-land escape right here in the Keystone State.
1. Kalahari Indoor Waterpark
Pocono Manor
Did you know one of the nation’s best and largest indoor waterparks is located right here in PA? When you’re not hitting the slopes in the Pocono Mountains, have some water-ful winter fun at Kalahari Indoor Waterpark. Splash around 220,000 square feet packed with waterslides of all thrill levels, a lazy river, wave zone, and—for the parents—two swim-up bars. Aspiring surfers and bodyboarders can also test their skills on the park’s FlowRider. Best of all, Kalahari resort guests receive free waterpark access as part of their stay, so be sure to pack some winter weather gear to take advantage of all that the area have to offer.
2. Splash Lagoon
Erie
Enjoy a wet, wild, 84-degree winter escape with the whole family at Erie’s Polynesian paradise, Splash Lagoon! With extreme rides and slides, lazy rivers, and whirlpools plus a kid’s zone, arcade, surf bar, treetop ropes course, and Laguna Grill, it’s no wonder this 80,000-square-foot water wonderland consistently receives USA TODAY's “10Best Readers' Choice Awards” for top water parks in the country. Once you’re inside, it’s hard to miss one of the park’s main attractions—the Tree House. Upgraded in 2022, this immense centerpiece boasts multiple levels of colorful water sprayers, mini dumping buckets, and a giant tipping coconut. If you’re having too much family fun, turn your visit into an overnight stay by reserving a room at one of three connecting hotels.
3. Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark
Scotrun
Dive into winter fun at Great Wolf Lodge! With thrilling slides including the Hydro Plunge and Double Barrel Drop, the interactive, four-story Fort McKenzie treehouse, and River Canyon Run, your whole pack is in for an adrenaline-pumping fun time at this 79,000-square-foot indoor waterpark. Take a break and relax with the whole family in the warm waters of the South Hot Springs, then buddy up for a tandem tube ride down the Alberta Falls. Stay the night in one of their three-bedroom Woodland Villas that can sleep up to 10, or book a Family Fireplace Suite in the Main Lodge with its newly refurbished grand lobby and delicious dining options.
4. Aquatopia
Tannersville
Slip and slide your way on 13 different water slides, then enjoy an adventure river, kiddie pools, and splash zones for 125,000 square feet of wet and wild fun at Camelback Resort’s Aquatopia. When you’re not experiencing wet and wild fun, rent your very own private, indoor cabana for a quick nap in between water activities and snack and shop at the pool-side stores and restaurants. It’s no wonder Aquatopia has been named one of the country’s best indoor waterparks by USA TODAY’s “10Best Readers’ Choice Awards!” Plus, stay at Camelback Resort this winter and get free access to this Pocono Mountains winter water-land. Be sure to come back in the summertime so you can experience the largest outdoor waterpark in PA at Camelbeach.
5. H2Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark
Lake Harmony
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No matter the weather, you and the family can experience the excitement of Split Rock Resort’s H2Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark. The 53,326-square-foot park features three epic four-story waterslides, a wave pool, activity pool, Jungle gym equipped with a dumping bucket, Leapin’ Lillypads, and PA's first indoor Flow Rider. Grab a bite to eat or sit and sip at the Island Oasis Snack Shack — just be sure to obey the time-honored 30-minute rule before diving into more fun.
6. Hershey Lodge Indoor Waterpark
Hershey
You can find the country’s sweetest indoor waterpark right here in PA. The Hershey Lodge Indoor Waterpark is exclusive and complimentary to all the Lodge’s overnight guests, offering 30,000 square feet of fun for the whole family. Check out impressive slides including the Twizzlers Twists and more easygoing attractions such as Reese’s Water Walk. When not slipping and sliding through the park, play at the sandcastle spray zone, lighthouse tipping bucket, or basketball hoops. Exciting new amenities are coming January 2023 including a brand-new leisure pool, children’s pool, slide and castle, and whirlpool.
To find more winter getaway inspiration, check out the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, X(Twitter), Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don't forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.
