5 great indoor water parks to get you through the winter

It’s always beach season inside these climate-controlled water park hotels. If your family’s looking to escape this winter’s chill, just slip, slide and spray your way over to one of these 5 incredibly fun water parks.

Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark: Tannersville, PA
Standard waterslides are just the beginning of what you’ll find at this indoor waterpark located at Camelback Resort in the Poconos. Venus SlideTrap sends riders into complete darkness, while Storm Chaser touts itself as “North America’s longest uphill water coaster.” Then there’s Bombora FlowRider, a wave simulator that’s perfect for surfing and boogie boarding. After a day of fun in the sun—the roof allows in 90 percent of the natural light from outside—retire to your room and watch from the window as skiers and snowtubers brave the mountain cold.

Credit Kalahari Resorts and Conventions.

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark: Sandusky, OH
In summertime, roller coaster enthusiasts flock to Cedar Point amusement park. But when snow starts blowing off the coast of Lake Erie, there’s another draw to this town about 65 miles west of Cleveland: this African-themed indoor waterpark. The Swahili Swirl raft ride, uphill Zip Coaster and four-lane Cheetah Race slides give thrillseekers their adrenaline fix, while features like the lazy river, wave pool and a swim-up bar are perfect for the laid-back set. When it’s time to turn in for the night, there are plenty of options; guest rooms range from standard doubles to suites with as many as 10 adjoined bedrooms. There are also Kalahari properties in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania.

ALSO: Raise the roof and earn Orbucks toward these resorts when you join Orbitz Rewards!

Key Lime Cove, Gurnee

KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort – Gurnee, IL:
This tropical-sounding getaway is actually located about halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. But it’s always 84 degrees inside—perfect conditions for careening around the Hurricane Vortex whirlpool ride, watching over your smallest splashers in the Lil’ Limers kiddie pool or just daydreaming about summer in the lazy river. After a day of fun, retire to your guest room decked out in tropical decor and dream of being in the Florida Keys.

Wild Waterdome Indoor Waterpark. Photo: Courtesy of Wilderness at the Smokies.

Wilderness at the Smokies: Sevierville, TN
During the devastating Smoky Mountain wildfires of 2016, this resort served as a donation hub and housed many rescue workers, and the resort remains a bright spot in Greater Gatlinburg. Pile the family into a raft for Runaway Canyon, careen down a dark tunnel on the Storm Chaser Thrill Ride or relax in the giant indoor/outdoor hot tub. With mountain-style lodging and two additional outdoor waterparks on the property, you’ll want to plan a return trip for when the weather heats up.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark Photo: Michael Gray/Flickr.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark: Niagara Falls, ON
This place gets props for its waterslides, play areas for kids of every age and Beach Bar where adults can enjoy a cocktail on the balcony overlooking the action below. But as the name implies, the main draw for this attraction is actually outside. The waterpark is located across from thundering Niagara Falls and connected to Niagara Falls Crowne Plaza Hotel. So after a day of splashing around, your only excuse for going outdoors will be to get an even closer look at the view.