These are the world’s greatest water parks for the ultimate family trip

A water park at a tropical destination promising fun for the whole family. Picture: Unsplash

A water park at a tropical destination promising fun for the whole family. Picture: Unsplash

Published Jul 15, 2024

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Travelling as a family is one of the best experience you can provide for your children. Enjoying a journey together or exploring your chosen destination encourages bonding and creating a lifetime of memories.

Travel teaches children the importance of making memories and enjoying experiences, rather than wanting possessions. It is also during these moments of adventure that independence, self-confidence and interpersonal skills are developed.

It’s no secret that kids love water activities and water parks bring out the inner child in most adults making water parks the ultimate destination for adventure with the whole family.

There are water slides and activities suitable for all ages and the fun part about this is the endless stories and exhaustion for everyone at the end of the day.

If you want to unleash your inner child, here are the world’s best water park destinations to travel to as a family.

Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou, China

Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou China. Picture: Instagram

The largest and most advanced water park in Asia, is Chimelong Water Park. This water park is also the most visited in the world, with over 2 million visitors annually.

The park features a variety of rides and attractions, including the longest lazy river and the largest wave pool on the continent. It also has the first Tornado, Boomerango, and Family Python ride in Asia, and the first SlideWheel in the world.

As a family destination, the park is divided into different zones, each with its own unique theme.

The main zone is the Adventure Zone, which features a variety of thrill rides, including the Tornado, Boomerango, and Family Python.

The Relax Zone is perfect for those who want to relax and take it easy, with a lazy river, wave pool, and hot tubs. The Kid’s Zone is perfect for families with young children, with a variety of smaller rides and attractions.

The park opens from 9.30am to 9pm and has evening hours of 5pm to 9.30pm. Entrance for adults is 200 Chinese Yuan (R499.85) and kids under 14 years pay 140 Chinese Yuan (349.90).

Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai United Arab Emirates. Picture: Instagram

Dubai is a family-friendly destination and home to the world’s largest world’s largest waterpark.

The award-winning Aquaventure Waterpark has over 105 slides, attractions and experiences. The park is divided into three towers, each with its own set of rides and attractions.

Aquaventure is home to some of the world’s highest and fastest water slides, including the Leap of Faith, which is a 90-foot drop into a shark-filled lagoon.

In addition to its water slides, the Aquaventure Waterpark also features a number of other attractions, including a private beach, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

There are also several restaurants and shops located within the park. With the best of attractions, the waterpark is an ideal place to visit for families and thrill-seekers alike.

A ticket for 8 years and above starts from 270 Dhiram (R1334.55).

Mzansi Happy Island Theme Park, Muldersdrift South Africa

Mzansi Happy Island in Muldersdrift Gauteng. Picture: Instagram

South Africa is home to the biggest waterpark in Africa. Mzansi Happy Island in Muldersdrift Gauteng, officially opened in 2019 winning the title of the biggest water amusement park in South Africa, boasting an array of water-related rides, slides and activities.

Happy Island Water World boasts 15 epic slides, the biggest wave pool ever seen and various pools for those looking for a hydro massage.

Happy Island spans across 4 large properties making it ideal for all ages with specially designed rides and park areas for the little ones and some adrenaline-pumping thrill slides for the bigger kids - a perfect day out for the whole family.

There is a wave pool, a gravity loop, a lazy river, a high-speed slide, a typhoon and many other rides to keep the family entertained. Entry starts from R200.

Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia

Sunway Lagoon is a theme park in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Picture: Instagram

Sunway Lagoon is a theme park in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. It is the largest theme park in Malaysia and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

It is divided into six different themed zones: Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Scream Park, Lost Lagoon, and Extreme Park. The park has over 90 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water slides, a zoo, and a variety of other entertainment options.

The park is an all-in-one family destination perfect for an unforgettable family experience. It is also home to several restaurants and shops. The park was opened in 1992 and has since been expanded several times.

In 2013, Sunway Lagoon added Vuvuzela, a water slide that is the world’s largest water slide with a looping section.

The waterpark is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Ticket prices start from R865 on the official website.

Siam Park, Canary Island Spain

Siam Park on the Canary Islands in Spain. Picture: Instagram

Siam Park has been voted the number one water park in the world by TripAdvisor every year since 2014 and was also named the world’s best amusement park in 2022.

The park in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands is home to a variety of water slides, including the Dragon, the Tower of Power, and the Singha. It also has a wave pool, a lazy river, and a children’s area.

The beauty of Siam Park is that it is open all year round, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Due to its popularity, it is important to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Another thing to consider is that the park is located in a hot climate, so it is important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.

Lastly, Siam Park is a great place to visit for a fun and exciting day out. It has something to offer everyone, from thrilling water slides to relaxing pools with its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The park is open from 10am to 6pm, and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Ticket prices start from R883 on the parks official website.

∎ This list was sourced from geeksforgeeks.com.