October 1, 2023
Best Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells by Age
In Wisconsin Dells, there’s an indoor waterpark for every age – toddlers, teens, grown-ups, and even multi-gen groups with a wide age gap. Just one more reason the city stands alone as “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”
Wisconsin Dells is a waterpark destination that grows with you, from new parents bringing their baby to the waterparks for the first time to grandparents planning the family reunion in the city they loved visiting as kids themselves. Here we spell out recommendations for where to play based on age.
Best Waterparks for Toddlers
Here are five properties with indoor waterparks sized right for the little squirts just getting their sea legs.
- Great Wolf Lodge: Toddlers can’t get enough of the Fort Mackenzie attraction in the indoor waterpark here. It’s a four-story water fort with slides and sprays to keep them giggling, especially once they figure out that the splash features are kid-activated. Listen for the bell because when it rings the giant dump bucket tips. The zero-depth entry wave pool can be enjoyed by older siblings too, and the lazy river provides a relaxing break for everyone.
- Grand Marquis Waterpark Hotel: The dolphin-themed pool here is a toddler magnet, with the triple chute dolphin slide a favorite among little ones. Once they’re done sliding, they can play to their heart’s content with the sprays and chutes.
- Atlantis Waterpark Hotel: This property is sized right for little ones. Shallow waters, chutes, and slides make it easy for both toddlers and parents to enjoy.
- Meadowbrook Resort: An indoor water play area themed to a timber camp with cute renditions of busy beavers and baby bears puts a smile on everyone’s face. There are bubbling geysers, gushes of water, slides, and sprays to keep kids happily occupied.
- Clarion Hotel & Suites: While the indoor waterpark may have an arctic theme complete with polar bears and igloos, the waters are warm and welcoming for little ones.
Best Waterparks for Kids Ready to Try New Things
- Chula Vista Resort: Your indoor waterpark destination at this resort is Lost Rios, with its mat racers, giant rain forest, action river, and rainbow rapids slide with kaleidoscope lights. For those on the older end of grade school, the Flyan Mayan Water Coaster is great for kids who get a kick out of competing against their parents.
- Great Wolf Lodge: While this resort’s stock in trade is its toddler appeal, there are several extreme rides here, most notably the Howlin’ Tornado. Grown-ups can join older grade schoolers on this thrill funnel ride for some great bonding.
Best Waterparks for Teens with Big Vacation Goals
- Wilderness Resort: There is not a teen on the planet who wouldn’t love to race around Wilderness Resort, America’s largest waterpark resort. There are multiple indoor waterparks here, with the Wild Waterdome being world famous for its see-through roof where teens can enjoy the sun before cooling off in the country’s largest indoor wave pool. The Wild West Waterpark has dueling mat racers and tube slides, while Klondike Cavern has daring body slides and the Hurricane extreme funnel slide.
- Kalahari Resort: The massive indoor waterpark at this African-themed resort has several signature rides including the Master Blaster water rollercoaster and the FlowRider surf simulator. For those who thrill to heights, check out the Sahara Sidewinders with its nearly vertical 250-foot plunge and full 360-degree loop. Finally, see who’s the bravest with a challenge to try the Screaming Hyena, a trapdoor slide so tall its starts through the roof, 60 feet above the waterpark floor.
- Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park: This resort has been making news lately with its firsts, the latest being the country’s first rotating waterslide. It’s called Medusa’s Slidewheel and it combines the motion of a Ferris wheel with the exhilaration of an extreme waterslide. There are also tube slides and body slides plus an endless waterway to drift on.
Best Waterparks in Wisconsin Dells for Adults in Search of Extreme Rides
- Wilderness Resort: Along with all the adrenaline-inducing waterslides mentioned above, the Wilderness also has an indoor/outdoor hot spa; cabana rentals with comfy seating, food and beverage service, and flatscreen TV; and two swim-up bars.
- Kalahari Resort: When you need to catch your breath after racing around on all the extreme slides, retreat to a cabana large enough for eight. Or upgrade to the private whirlpool cabana that can accommodate 16 guests. You’ll also find a swim-up bar here.
If you’re now dreaming about taking a Wisconsin Dells getaway yet this year, then dive into even more details on the best waterparks in Wisconsin.