“Right now we are in the peak vacation season, but no hot, sweaty summer vacation is complete without a place to cool off,” said Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert for Hotels.com. “There are plenty of hotels with water parks directly on the property grounds, which are a fantastic vacation option for travelers of all ages and for multi-generational trips.”
Bigger and Wetter – Best for children 2-6
Schlitterbahn Beach Resort – South Padre Island, TX
Everything is bigger in Texas, and this beach and water park combination resort is no exception. Comprised of a heated indoor and outdoor water park along with white sandy beaches, this energetic hotel resort is overflowing with fun. In total, there are four water coasters, two five-story slides, tidal wave rivers and a kid sandcastle that is the jaw-dropping centerpiece of the park. The indoor Carousel and gaming area only add to the excitement. South Padre Island itself is a phenomenon, with its warm waters on the Gulf of Mexico and accessibility to water sports like boating, fishing and jet-skiing. The up-and-coming vacation location is one of the many reasons for Texas’ rise in popularity.
Action-Packed Paradise – Best for children 6-12
Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells – Wisconsin Dells, WI
The Great Wolf Lodge is like a ski vacation and summer camp combined. The three pools and water park are staffed by seasoned lifeguards, so kids can hang out while Mom and Dad catch up in the whirling North and South Hot Springs™. Kids will love jetting ride after ride through the water park, from the secret tree house to the slippery slopes and thrilling water cannons. Later when it’s time to relax, little ones can head over to their own personal spa to be pampered from a long day of activity.
Nature’s Playground – Best for Teenagers
Hope Lake Lodge and Indoor Water Park – Cortland, NY
With access to a state-of-the-art water park as well as natural mountain-scapes, Hope Lake Lodge is perfect for teen explorers to get adventurous on and off property. Containing more than 150,000 gallons of water and over 500 feet of winding slides, the Hope Lake Lodge’s indoor water park, Cascades, is open year-round. The wild tube slides are fast and addicting and the wave pool beckons adventurers to test its fury. The outdoor grounds have just as must action going on as inside: sand volleyball on Hope Lake Beach, zip-lining, mountain biking, boating, hiking, fishing and golfing are offered for the outdoorsy family that wants (and can have) it all.
The Thrill of Chill – Best for Adults
Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica – Runaway Bay, Jamaica
The ultimate chill getaway for adults is just a plane ride away to beautiful Jamaica. Grand Bahia Principe is an all-inclusive resort equipped with three outdoor pools connected by a lazy river pass. Couples can spend the entire day floating in the lazy river and sipping rum punch at the swim-up bar. The pool is just steps from the welcoming Caribbean sands of the resort’s private beach to lounge or pursue kayaking, snorkeling or windsurfing. The resort itself is close to many iconic Jamaican aquatic attractions such as the mysterious Green Grotto caves, exhilarating Dunn’s River Falls and majestic Dolphin Cove.
To book these resorts before they slide away, try the Hotels.com mobile booking app on-the-go with your Smartphone or tablet.
