Top 10 Water Parks

In much of the world, August heat is almost unbearable. Yet it is the time when people long to be out in the sun and profit from the length of the day. Luckily, there exists a great man-made asset which addresses both contrasting needs: From mini inflatable structures to large aircraft hangars, below is a list of 10 impressive aqua parks that will leave you wanting to jump into cold water, pronto!

10. Norwegian Breakaway Aqua Park

Norwegian Breakaway Aqua Park

While the connection of aqua parks to water and the sea is obvious, the idea of such a park being located onboard a ship seems unusual. The Norwegian Breakaway is a fairly new cruise ship that features a group of five-story multi-slides, two swimming pools, four hot tubs, and other special water features.

9. Aquaventure Water Park, Atlantis, Paradise Island

Aquaventure Water Park, Atlantis, Paradise Island

Located in the luxurious Atlantis Resort, Bahamas, this 57-hectare, Mayan-themed park comprises a total of 18 water slides suitable for all ages. The highlight of the park is “Leap of Faith”, one of the most thrilling water slides in the world. It offers an almost vertical speed drop from a 60-foot Mayan temple into an acrylic transparent tunnel passing through a shark-infested pool!

A replica of the park is also present in Atlantis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

8. Wibit Sports Park 60

Wibit Sports Park 60

Not everyone can afford luxurious resorts or traveling far to reach one, which is why this inflatable, movable water structure is one awesome deal. Sports Park 60, as its name suggests, can cater up to 60 people and can be placed anywhere in the water. The structure includes a variety of trampolines, bridges, slides, and many other exciting elements.

7. Waterbom Bali Park, Indonesia

Waterbom Bali Park, Indonesia

Containing 21 world-class water slides for all ages, Waterbom is located in the heart of the Kuta stretch in southern Bali, Indonesia. The charm of this park lies in its landscaped tropical gardens, which give it a jungle wilderness feel. Moreover, Waterbom Bali is an EarthCheck Silver benchmarked company due to its constant commitment to having environmentally sustainable operations.

6. Noah’s Ark, Wisconsin, United States

Noah’s Ark, Wisconsin, United States

One of America’s largest water parks, Noah’s Ark comprises a total of 60 unique attractions, including thrill rides, group rides, kiddie and gentle rides, and soft activities. Among the top attractions are “the Black Anaconda”, which is a hybrid of roller coaster and slide, and the “Scorpion’s Tail”, a 10-story-high slide that drops a person at the speed of 50 feet per second!

5. Wings and Waves Water Park, Oregon, United States

Wings and Waves Water Park, Oregon, United States

Wings and Waves is a waterpark with a twist: It is part of the Evergreen Aviation and Space museum, in which a quite decent collection of aircraft and helicopters is displayed, such as Howard Hughes’ legendary Spring Goose. Aside from its fun water slides, the waterpark teaches its attendees about the power of water and its effect on society through amusing interactive structures. The indoor waterpark is topped with a massive Evergreen International Aviation B747-100 aircraft.

4. Tropical Islands Resort, Brandenburg, Germany

Tropical Islands Resort, Brandenburg, Germany

Unlike the previous water park, this one was created inside an abandoned aircraft hangar rather than a plane. The hangar was a former Soviet Union hangar owned by the company CargoLifter, and it is the largest freestanding hall in the world. The climate of this indoor park was modified into a tropical haven, turning the space into the biggest tropical resort in Europe.

3. Beijing Happy Magic Water Cube Water Park, China

Beijing Happy Magic Water Cube Water Park, China

A load of fun fitted into a cube, this park impresses even before entering. Designed by Forrec, a leading planning and design firm that specializes in creating entertainment and leisure environments worldwide, the park has a magical feel. Furthermore, the park emits an “underwater” atmosphere due to the blue lighting and suspended indoor structures such as jellyfish, bubbles, and sea grasses.

2. Seagaia Ocean Dome, Miyazaki, Japan

Seagaia Ocean Dome, Miyazaki, Japan

Seagaia is the world’s biggest artificial indoor beach. It can cater up to 10,000 thrill seekers and has the largest retractable roof worldwide, which opens up on sunny days and closes during the rainy and snowy season. Aside from the artificial beach and waves, it contains an artificial volcano that spews fire every 15 minutes, adding to the excitement of the place. Funny fact: A real beach is actually present 300 meters away from the Ocean Dome!

1. Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou, China

Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou, China

Chimelong Resort tops our list of water parks due to its impressive design, size, and innovation. It is one of the largest water parks worldwide and the most advanced, resulting in it being the second-most attended,with 35,000 visitors a day.

Unusual and creative themes are being explored in aqua parks as cross-programming is emerging. Some of these parks were probably unimaginable a half-century ago or even later. So what mind-blowing ideas would you like to see translated into innovative water parks?

Article written by Dalia Zein