Swim Your Way Through These Fantastic Budget-Friendly Water Parks In America

From coast to coast, water parks are an ideal destination for families hoping to combine the best of warm-weather fun with some well-deserved relaxation. Whether it's braving the slides, floating along the lazy river, or splashing around at a spray zone, these aquatic oases are designed to entertain guests of all ages — and create unforgettable memories for the whole family.

However, when it comes to choosing the right water park for your vacation, things can get a little challenging. With fluctuating ticket prices, unpredictable operating hours, and not knowing what amenities you'll find, it's not necessarily straightforward to plan. Throw in other considerations like the park's location, size, and available attractions ... and it all starts to feel a little less "splish-splash" and a lot more "drowning in options."

Thankfully, the U.S. is home to over a thousand water parks with varying price points and offerings that promise to deliver in terms of experiences. And, after scouring through online platforms like Tripadvisor, as well as blogs and news articles that highlight some of the best water parks to visit in the U.S., we landed on our definitive pick of five budget-friendly parks that'll blow your water socks off.

Located in North Richland Hills, Texas, the NRH2O Family Water Park is a popular destination for water enthusiasts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. One of the first municipal water parks in the state, NRH2O originally opened its doors 1995 — growing from humble beginnings to a 17-acre aquatic wonderland with 23 attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

Open seasonally from May to September — the park operates from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and weekends in June and July. As for ticket prices, these typically vary based on height and residency status, with discounts available for locals. Specifically, weekend prices range from $18.99 for residents under 48 inches tall to $37.99 for non-residents over that height (buying tickets online is cheaper).

Along with plenty of water slides to get your thrills, NRH2O also boasts various amenities such as bungalows for families looking for some added privacy. These options include shaded seating, wait staff service, and additional perks like drink wristbands for free refills. Price-wise, a bungalow will set you and your party back around $250 over the weekend, while cabanas — which include shaded seating, tables, and waitstaff — are a touch more affordable at $124.99 for parties of six.

Nestled in the heart of Santa Claus, Indiana — just north of the Kentucky state line — Holiday World and Splashin' Safari is considered one of the most unique theme parks in the U.S. While the main park's concept revolves around different holiday themes (hence the name), Splashin' Safari is all about cooling off in style. Covering roughly 40 acres of land, the water park boasts an impressive list of attractions — including three water coasters, two wave pools, a lazy river, and plenty of family raft rides and water slides to enjoy.

Selected as the country's top water park by USA Today Readers' Choice in 2019, Splashin' Safari is a fun and affordable day out for the whole family. For those planning a visit, the water park is open seasonally from June to mid-September — operating from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during peak summer, and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in early September. As for admission, tickets range from $24.99 to $64.99, with discounts available for advance purchases. Along with that, children three and under can access the park for free.

Amenities-wise, the park has both cabanas and loungers available for rent. While cabanas are priced from $299 to $419 depending on the date of your visit — and include premium meal service options ranging from $24.99 to $44.99 — loungers are also available for $89 to $109. Plus, with 10 diverse dining options in the water park alone, you'll find plenty of affordable meal choices to keep your energy up throughout the day. Feeling thirsty? Splashin' Safari's free unlimited soft drink offer assures you'll never have to go without an icy drink in hand.

Ranked number six in the top 20 water parks in the U.S. based on attendance (via the 2023 Global Attractions Attendance Report), Aquatica San Antonio is a refreshing escape from the Texas heat. Boasting nine water slides and plenty of kid-friendly fun for the littlest visitors, the park is all about making a big splash. Plus, with four on-site restaurants serving up classic theme-park grub — did someone say poolside chicken tenders?! — Aquatica San Antonio knows how to deliver the goods.

Open from March to October, the water park operates daily during peak summer months from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with weekend-only operations in the final two months of the season. Ticket prices start at $32.99 for a single-day admission, while children under 3 enter free. For an additional $25, guests can add-on the park's "All-Day Dining" deal which includes a two-dish meal and non-alcoholic drink once every 90 minutes during park hours.

Similar to other parks, Aquatica also offers a variety of cabanas and suites available for rent — all of which are ideal if you want a touch more comfort while your children enjoy the slides. Options range from the basic Loggerhead Lane Cabana at $129.99 to the luxurious Ultimate Suite at $349.99. Alternatively, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, loungers are available starting at $14.99 for a two-pack near Loggerhead Lane.

The largest indoor water park in the country, New Jersey's DreamWorks Water Park is typically open year-round with a regulated temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit that makes every dip and every splash a fully-immersive pleasure. Tucked away just a 20-minute drive from Times Square in NYC, the park's theme is (as the name suggests) DreamWorks-inspired, which means you'll get to swim alongside animated movie characters like Shrek, Po from Kung Fu Panda, and the penguins from Madagascar.

With a whopping 19 rides to choose from — including kid-friendly pools and high-speed slides — the park spares no expense when it comes to thrills and entertainment. Budget-wise, expect to pay around $69 for a general admission ticket during non-peak days — which allows guest access from noon until 5:00 p.m. — and $49 for a "Twilight" ticket, which will grant you access from 3:00 p.m. until closing time.

Along with rides, poolside cabanas and suites are also available for rent — and they're a major treat if you're looking to actually relax while enjoying this must-visit indoor water park. Starting from $300 for a cabana and going all the way to $1,000 for a skybox on the second and third floors, they're a private retreat from all the hustle and bustle happening inside the park.

Part of the Cowabunga Vegas family — which includes two separate parks — Cowabunga Bay Water Park in Henderson, Nevada, is a refreshing oasis in the heart of the desert. Operating from late March through summer, the park features 16 rides and attractions, including splash pools and heart-racing water slides. However, the true star of the park is the Surf-A-Rama Wave Pool — a 35,000-square-foot aquatic playground (the largest in Nevada) with a 1950s drive-in theme that boasts waves up to 4 feet high.

Admission prices start at $24.99 during end-of-season specials, while summertime tickets will set you back around $50. Children under 42 inches, seniors 65 and over, and military personnel with valid ID can all enjoy discounted rates. Cabanas are also available for rent, and include amenities like USB charging stations, secure safes, and full-service cabana servers.

Lastly, the park also ensures that you and your family never go hungry throughout your visit with seven on-site restaurants that serve a variety of refreshments — from cool drinks and ice cream to hearty meals. That way, whether you're riding the waves, sliding down thrilling slides, or kicking it back by the water, you'll have everything you need for a full day of fun in the sun.

In order to land on our picks for these budget-friendly water parks in the U.S., we scoured the internet for some of the most popular destinations preferred by travelers across the country. From there, we created our own list of parks that included ticket, amenities, and food and drink prices per person. This, in order to better understand how much a family could expect to pay for a one-day visit.