Ohioans & Michiganders already know the great advantages of living near the Roller Coast Capital of the World, but did you know we rank high in another type of amusement park? Ohio is in the top 15 states for most water parks per capita and Michigan’s best water parks are just a short drive away. This is especially useful during winter months when kids need a break from being cooped up in the house. With spring break right around the corner, it’s time to start planning a family adventure.
Kalahari Resorts Sandusky | Sandusky, OH
Kalahari is home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, and this Sandusky resort is the second largest in the country with 174,000 square feet of slides, rides, and entertainment for all ages. It received a 2019 Travelers’ Choice award for family hotels and currently takes the top spot for Ohio’s largest hotels.
Additional features: game rooms, laser tag, Safari Animal Park, 7-D motion theater, bowling, escape rooms, and more!
Great Wolf Lodge | Sandusky, OH
Great Wolf Lodge has everything you need for a getaway under one roof. It has a Certificate of Excellence on Trip Advisor for its consistently high ratings. It’s great for younger kids! In addition to pools and slides, it offers storytime, character appearances, PJ parties, and children’s shows throughout the day.
Zehnder’s Splash Village | Frankenmuth, MI
Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark has over 50,000 square feet of aquatic enjoyment. Guests will love its 2 indoor water parks, lazy rivers, cabanas, and arcade. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to Zehnder’s restaurant.
Castaway Bay | Sandusky, OH
This Caribbean-themed water park is the perfect place to refresh during the winter. The enclosed park sits in a five-story structure filled with palm trees, lagoons, huts, and water fun for all ages. The grotto spa is a great spot for adults to get some relaxing, kid-free time.
Bavarian Inn Lodge | Frankenmuth, MI
The well-known Bavarian Inn Lodge has everything you need for a quick family getaway! It offers 4 pools (1 adult only), whirlpools for adults, and slides.
Additional features: more than 160 video games, air hockey, pool tables, and indoor miniature golf.
Soaring Eagle Waterpark | Mount Pleasant, MI
The Soaring Eagle Waterpark has excellent reviews and a variety of wild water activities. Guests love the FlowRider boogie board wave, rock wall, and the iSlide, which allows riders to pick their own music and lights on their way down the slide.
Splash Universe | Dundee, MI
This Dundee water park has something for everyone! The water park will keep kids busy all day long with its slides, jungle gyms, overhead rope walk, and arcade, while parents can get some R&R in the hot springs adult-only hot tub.