12 Columbus Area Water Parks (What Parents Think)
We're collecting tips & reviews for the best water parks in the Columbus area and within a reasonable drive, so you know what to expect when you visit with your kids.
From lazy rivers to pulse-racing thrill rides to little kid splash pads, these Ohio waterparks offer fun in the sun for everyone in the family. Remember indoor waterparks for a year round option, too, and destination-worthy water parks for an epic vacation!
If you've visited any Columbus area water parks, give your favorites a "like" and leave a review to share your tips with fellow parents!
Pioneer Waterland and Dry Fun Park
Katie G.: Pioneer Waterland is a water park, fun zone, and sports arena all in one. The water park features six-story high water slides, lazy river, activity pool with a floating obstacle course, paddle boats and smaller slides for the little ones.
Comfort Inn Splash Harbor
Comfort Inn Splash Harbor has a fun little indoor water park geared towards families with younger children. Splash Harbor indoor water park has a water slide, water spray ground, a family whirlpool, and more. Park passes are included in the room rate for hotel guests, and day passes are available on select days.
Worthington Community Center Natatorium
The Worthington Community Center features lap lanes, a hot tub and zero entry pool area with a water slide perfect for little kids. For the older kids, there is a lazy river and a 110-foot water slide. No matter the season, this indoor water park is open to swimming, including lessons and designated family times.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Kalahari is the Midwest's largest indoor waterpark, with an amazing outdoor water park open seasonally as well! It features slides, a wave pool, basketball pool, lazy river and kids play area for little ones. Cabana rentals, a swim up bar and hot tubs are also available. If you need a break from the water, there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy - arcade, escape rooms, mini golf and laser tag. Access to the waterpark is included with your stay for resort guests, and a limited number of day passes are also available.
Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky
Great Wolf Lodge offers a ton of slides, pools and lazy rivers. The resort also has an arcade room, family game nights, arts and crafts, and restaurants. And after an extended day of fun, head up to one of the family-sized suites for bedtime. Day passes are also available that include access to the water park, events, and more.
Castaway Bay
This Caribbean-themed facility features a 38,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, a 100,000 gallon wave pool, 10 water slides, a 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art arcade and a craft and child activity center.
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark
Katie G.: From a six-story plunge for the brave at heart to shallow-depth play areas for kids, the attractions at Cedar Point's water park, Cedar Point Shores, are sure to please every water lover! Tickets for the amusement and water parks can be purchased separately.
Zoombezi Bay
Katie G.: With over a dozen slides and water attractions (including a wave pool!), Zoombezi Bay offers Columbus family fun for groups of all sizes. Plus, admission to the seasonal, outdoor water park also includes entry into the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on the same day!
The Watering Hole Safari & Water Park
Katie G.: The Watering Hole Safari & Water Park features a kid’s tree house with 4 slides, 3-story slide towers, lazy river and heated pools! Other activities include a drive-thru safari and walk-thru zoo, as well as a go-kart raceway.
Great Wolf Lodge Mason
Katie G.: My kids love the GWL in Mason!
Soak City Water Park (Kings Island)
Katie G.: Enjoy dozens of water activities, including more than 30 water slides, at Soak City! Visitors must purchase admission to Kings Island to enjoy the water park attractions. The train located in the amusement park takes guests to the water park so you can enjoy thrill rides in the morning and water rides in the afternoon.
Coney Island
Katie G.: Coney Island Sunlite Water Adventure features a pool, floating obstacle course, water slides, splash playground, and a dive pool, as well as other family attractions like paddle boats and mini golf.
Primary photo: Great Wolf Lodge
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.