Family days out for lessLocal, national and around the worldPart of the Shmor.ai network

Water parks & pools

Water parks and splash days

Flumes, lazy rivers and wave pools: water parks are pure joy in any weather if you go indoors. Here are the best family water parks, near and far.

Photo: Konrad Burdyn on Unsplash

Scout’s verdict

Scout’s water park verdict

Indoor water parks are the ultimate rainy-day rescue. Outdoors, arrive early for a sunbed and slap on the suncream.

Rain-proof: Indoor water parks
Budget: Local leisure pools
Watch out: Height limits on big slides

Water parks and pools

Water parks & pools££ Mid-range

Photo: Konrad Burdyn / Unsplash

Sandcastle Waterpark

Blackpool, Lancashire, England

A big indoor water park on Blackpool’s seafront: slides, wave pool and toddler areas.

All agesIndoor

Scout: Indoor and warm, so it’s rain-proof. No longer on new Merlin passes.

Official site ↗

A family walking along a wooden boardwalk through a field at golden hour

Water parks & pools£££ Splurge

Photo: Jessica Rockowitz / Unsplash

Center Parcs

Forest villages across the UK and Ireland

Forest short breaks built around an indoor tropical pool, bikes and activities.

All agesIndoor + outdoor

Scout: A short break, not a day out. Midweek breaks are usually cheaper.

Official site ↗

Water parks & pools££ Mid-range

Photo: Konrad Burdyn / Unsplash

Rulantica

Rust, Germany (next to Europa-Park)

A huge Scandinavian-themed indoor water world beside Europa-Park.

All agesIndoor

Scout: Give it its own day rather than squeezing it in.

Official site ↗

Water parks & pools££ Mid-range

Photo: Konrad Burdyn / Unsplash

Siam Park

Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Spain

A Thai-themed water park in Tenerife with famous slides and a giant wave pool.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Arrive early and grab a sunbed. Suncream on!

Official site ↗

Water parks & pools££ Mid-range

Photo: Konrad Burdyn / Unsplash

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Orlando, Florida, USA

Universal Orlando’s volcano-themed water park with virtual queuing.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: A great rest day between theme parks.

Official site ↗

A family walking on the beach holding hands

Water parks & pools££ Mid-range

Photo: Jennifer Kalenberg / Unsplash

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Walt Disney World, Florida, USA

Disney’s shipwreck-themed water park with a big surf pool and gentle areas for little ones.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Check seasonal opening: Disney water parks close for refurbishment at times.

Official site ↗

Water parks & pools£ Budget

Photo: Konrad Burdyn / Unsplash

Your local leisure pool

Leisure centres near you

Flumes, wave machines and inflatable sessions at local pools.

All agesIndoor

Scout: Look for family swim sessions and fun inflatable times.

Cost bands are a rough guide to a typical family visit, not prices. Always check current prices, ages and opening times on the official site.

Water park tips

Check height limits on the biggest slides before you promise anything.
Bring flip-flops, a waterproof phone pouch and a padlock for lockers.
Younger children should wear arm bands or a swim vest if they can’t swim confidently, and always need supervision.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best indoor water park in the UK?

Popular choices include Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool and the indoor pools at Center Parcs villages. Many local leisure centres also have flumes and wave machines.

Water parks and splash days

Scout’s water park verdict

Water parks and pools

Sandcastle Waterpark

Center Parcs

Rulantica

Siam Park

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Your local leisure pool

Water park tips

Frequently asked questions

Keep exploring

The family guide to water parks

Theme parks

Rainy day days out: indoor ideas the kids will love

Beaches

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