The Best Water Parks in and Around Miami, Florida

Water slide
Water slide | © mrkt / Pixabay
Karina Castrillo

While Miami is swarming with beaches and swanky hotel pools, sometimes the weather calls for more than an ordinary dip in salt water. Enter water parks. Plunge down an exhilarating water slide, float down mile-long lazy rivers and cool down in the heat. Here’s our guide to the best water parks to chill out in and around the city.

Rapids Water Park

Amusement Park, Park

Rapids Water Park
© Ruth Hara / Flickr
You may have to wake up early to beat the long queues to the water slide, but the mecca of water parks is worth rising early for. South Florida’s largest water park boasts a thrilling seven-story water slide for those who can stomach the drop, a giant wave pool, and a long lazy river to work on your tan. Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or simply want to feel like a mermaid, the 30-acre park is your oyster.

Admission Fees:

Monday–Friday (No Holidays), $42.99 plus tax; Saturday–Sunday (And Holidays), $47.99 plus tax; Children two and under are admitted for free.

McDonald Water Park

Amusement Park, Park

For those unbearably hot and humid Miami days, Hialeah’s McDonald Water Park has the cure. Prop yourself on a floaty and tube down the 1,000-foot (305-meter) lazy river for a cooling splash underneath the waterfall. The park also has a wave pool with fluctuating wave patterns to keep it exciting and a water playground for kiddies to spend the day.

Bucky Dent Water Park

Park, Swimming Pool

With two 30-foot-high (9.1 meters) water slides, you can bet you’re going for seconds, thirds, fourths and so on. Snake through the two water slides that dump into a three-foot (0.9-meter) pool because there’s no other way to beat the 100°F (38°C) weather in the Magic City. Parents and their toddlers can wade in the zero-depth entry swimming pool or enjoy a splash at the activity pool with slide. The water park is conveniently located in Hialeah; therefore, you can skip a long drive.

Calypso Bay Water Park

Park, Store, Swimming Pool

It may be quite the stretch to drive to Palm Beach, but the determined few will be rewarded. Calypso Bay Water Park features an astounding 897-foot (273-meter) river ride, a lily pad walk, and a children’s water playground. Glide through the two four-story water slides or do laps in their swimming pool with diving boards. The park conveniently offers locker rentals to store your change of clothes as well as shower facilities, and when you get the munchies from all the physical activity, grab a hot dog at the concession stand.

Admission Fees:

*All fees subject to 7% sales tax.
Adult (12 years & older) $10.60; Senior (65+) & Military (with ID) $8.60; Child (3–11 years of age) $8.60; Toddler (one- and two-year-olds) $4.60; Infant (under one year of age) Free.

Coconut Cove Water Park

Park

Run by the same company as Calypso, Coconut Cove Water Park in Boca Raton features very similar amenities. Along with the 897-foot (273-meter) river ride, lily pad walk, water playground, and water slides, the park also has a recreational pool. (It’s also a shorter drive from Miami than Calypso!)

Admission Fees:

*All fees subject to 7% sales tax.
Adult (12 years & older) $10.60; Senior (65+) & Military (with ID) $8.60; Child (3–11 years of age) $8.60; Toddler (one- and two-year-olds) $4.60; Infant (under one year of age) Free.

Grapeland Water Park

Park

Grapeland Water Park
© Bob B. Brown / Flickr
The sprawling water park in the 3-0-5 boasts a host of amusement rides for adults and children. Shipwreck Island features two slides, water shooting cannons, and a shallow water play area for toddlers. Adults and kids can enjoy racing through the three slides in Pirate’s Plunge and float down the Buccaneer River equipped with water sprayers and fountains to splash you while you glide through. Feeling refreshed? Head to Captain’s Lagoon to relax in the heated pool with both deep and shallow areas.

Admission Fees:

Adults 14 years and over: non-residents $15, Miami-Dade County Residents $12; Children 2–13 years old $7; Ages one and younger are free.

Paradise Cove Water Park at C.B. Smith Park

Park

Four five-story coiled water slides make this Paradise Cove a true water park haven. The rides are pumped with 400 gallons of water per minute to slide you through and eventually drop you in a four-foot-deep (1.2 meters) plunge pool. If Paradise Pipeline’s height scares you, you can always wind through the Crazy Creek tube ride or wade in the pool at Sharky’s Lagoon. Children five and under can play in the water playground that features two water slides for the kiddies and a 12-inch-deep pool.

Admission Fees:

$10/person for all-day admission and $6.75/person after 3 p.m. Children under one year of age are admitted for free.

Explore the best of what Florida has to offer with a stay in Miami Beach – these are the best hotels, all bookable on Culture Trip. Browse the best hotels in all of Miami to broaden your options.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Black Friday Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article