Summer in Southern California is basically an invitation to get wet. With temps routinely pushing into the 90s, there’s no better way to cool off with the kids than a full day at a water park. And if you live in LA or Orange County, you’re in luck — this region is home to some of the best family water parks in the country, from massive multi-acre thrill destinations to smaller community gems that are perfect for young children.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding slides, a lazy river day, an indoor water park escape, or a budget-friendly local splash zone, we’ve rounded up every water park in and around LA and OC worth visiting this summer. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Pro Tips Before You Go: Always buy tickets online in advance — most parks offer discounts and some require reservations. Arrive early (30 minutes before opening) to get parking and beat the lines. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Apply sunscreen before entering, and pack water shoes or sandals — pool decks get hot!
1. Raging Waters Los Angeles — San Dimas
California’s Largest Water Park | 60 Acres | 50+ Rides & Attractions
If you’re looking for the ultimate Southern California water park experience, Raging Waters Los Angeles in San Dimas is California’s largest water park, and it earns that title. The 60-acre park features over 50 exhilarating rides, slides, and attractions. Located at the crossroads of LA County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, it’s one of the most accessible major water parks in the region.
The park’s anchor attraction is the Aqua Rocket, California’s only hydromagnetic water coaster — a one-of-a-kind 4-rider toboggan that propels riders uphill using jets of water. For big thrills, Bombs Away delivers a 60-foot dual-drop experience. Families with younger kids will love Kid’s Kingdom and Splash Island, dedicated zones designed for safe, age-appropriate fun. For a relaxing break between rides, float the Amazon Adventure lazy river or ride the gentle waves at Wave Cove.
Key Rides & Features:
- Aqua Rocket (hydromagnetic water coaster — only one in CA)
- Bombs Away (60-foot dual-drop slide)
- High Extreme & Neptune’s Fury (thrill slides)
- Amazon Adventure Lazy River
- Wave Cove Wave Pool
- Kid’s Kingdom & Splash Island (kids’ areas)
- Cabana rentals available
Visiting Info:
- Address: 111 Raging Waters Drive, San Dimas, CA 91773
- Season: May through September (2026 season opens May 9)
- Hours: Typically 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by day; check website)
- Admission: Online pricing varies by date; buy in advance to save
- Parking: $25 general / $50 VIP
- Website: ragingwaters.com
2. Knott’s Soak City — Buena Park
Orange County’s Premier Water Park | 15 Acres | 23 Slides
Right next door to Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City is a separately gated 15-acre water adventure park immediately adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm, boasting 23 speed, tube, and body slides. It’s Orange County’s largest dedicated water park and one of the most complete water park experiences in SoCal.
The standout attractions include Shore Break, a complex featuring six different waterslide experiences, and The Wedge, a thrilling family raft ride. The 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wave pool is one of the biggest in the region, and the one-third-mile Sunset River is a great way to catch your breath between rides. Little ones love the three-story Beach House, packed with water guns, nozzles, and sprayers. For the youngest swimmers, Gremmie Lagoon features pint-sized slides and water play designed just for preschoolers.
Key Rides & Features:
- Shore Break (6-slide complex)
- The Wedge (family raft ride)
- Tidal Wave Bay (750,000-gallon wave pool)
- Sunset River (1/3-mile lazy river)
- Beach House (3-story interactive play structure with 200+ water elements)
- Gremmie Lagoon (toddler & preschool area)
- Banzai Falls, Barra Barra Surfers & more
- Cabana rentals available
Visiting Info:
- Address: 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
- Season: Select days May 16 – September 7, 2026; daily operations begin June 5
- Hours: Opens at 10 AM; closing between 5 and 7 PM depending on day
- Admission: $50–$65 for ages 3+, depending on date, if purchased at least 24 hours in advance
- Season Pass: Gold Season Pass ($150) includes unlimited admission to Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City
- Website: sixflags.com/knotts/soak-city
3. Wild Rivers — Irvine (Great Park)
Orange County’s Newest & Most Award-Winning Water Park | 20 Acres | 20+ Rides
Wild Rivers is Southern California’s most exciting water park story. The beloved original closed in 2011, but Wild Rivers reopened in 2022 at a brand-new location in Irvine’s Great Park, now spanning over 20 acres — 50% larger than the original park — with more than 20 attractions. It’s also been recognized nationally: USA Today recognized Wild Rivers in 2025 for having one of the nation’s “Best Wavepools,” “Best Waterslides,” and “Best Lazy Rivers.”
The park’s design pays homage to 1940s South Pacific culture, giving it a distinctive, immersive feel unlike any other park in the region. Ride award-winning attractions like the Aquaconda, Bora Bora Boomerango, and Fiji Falls water coaster complex. Race friends down Tomcat Racers, a six-lane mat slide. Float along Castaway River, a 25,000-square-foot lazy river winding through the park. For younger kids, Cook’s Cove is one of the world’s largest rain fortress structures, featuring 77 interactive elements. And for parents? The Mustang Bar serves cocktails — a rare and appreciated touch.
Key Rides & Features:
- Aquaconda (family raft ride)
- Bora Bora Boomerango (giant bowl slide)
- Pelican Plunge (world-first water coaster)
- Tomcat Racers (6-lane mat racer)
- Fiji Falls
- Shaka Bay Wave Pool
- Castaway River (lazy river)
- Cook’s Cove (kids’ interactive rain fortress)
- Kontiki Cove (kids’ area)
- 3 dining venues including Mustang Bar & Grill
Visiting Info:
- Address: 10000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
- Season: Open weekends beginning May 16, 2026; open daily June 5 – August 31; open weekends September through October 11, 2026
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (varies; check website)
- Admission: Season pass starts at $159; one-day pass is $79.99
- Website: wildrivers.com
4. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor — Valencia
LA’s Mega-Thrill Water Park | 25 Acres | 23+ Slides
For families with older kids who crave serious adrenaline, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Valencia is your go-to. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles features more than 23 water slides and attractions on 25 acres, including a giant wave pool, a family raft ride, lazy river, tube rides, and high-speed body slides. It sits right next to Six Flags Magic Mountain, making it easy to turn a water park day into a full theme park weekend.
The headliner attraction is Black Snake Summit, which includes the two tallest, fully enclosed water slides in Southern California. The Tornado is another fan favorite — riders descend 132 feet in an enclosed tunnel into a giant 60-foot funnel, with thousands of gallons of water flushing riders back and forth. For families with younger children, Castaway Cove and Splash Island offer safe, age-appropriate fun. The Forgotten Sea Wave Pool and Lost Temple Rapids family raft ride round out a very complete lineup.
Key Rides & Features:
- Black Snake Summit (tallest enclosed speed slides in SoCal)
- Tornado (132-ft enclosed funnel ride)
- Bamboo Racer (multi-lane racing slide)
- Bonzai Pipelines (trapdoor body slides)
- Taboo Tower
- Lost Temple Rapids (family raft ride)
- Forgotten Sea Wave Pool
- Shipwreck Shores lazy river
- Castaway Cove & Splash Island (kids’ areas)
Visiting Info:
- Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
- Season: Select days through September (check website for schedule)
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (varies; Saturdays may go later)
- Admission: Day tickets available online; best value through Six Flags season pass
- Pro Tip: A Six Flags season pass covers both Hurricane Harbor and Magic Mountain
- Website: sixflags.com/hurricaneharborla
5. Great Wolf Lodge — Garden Grove (Anaheim Area)
The Only Year-Round Indoor Water Park Resort in LA/OC | 105,000 Sq Ft | All-Ages
Great Wolf Lodge is in a category all its own. The indoor water park is always kept at 84 degrees, featuring waterslides, pools, cabanas, interactive play areas, and more — and it’s included with every stay. This is the only year-round indoor water park option in the LA/Orange County area, which makes it especially valuable when summer heat becomes unbearable or during shoulder seasons.
The water park features multi-story slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, hot springs, and dedicated areas for every age group. But the full Great Wolf experience goes well beyond the water. Guests can play MagiQuest, the resort’s signature live-action wand adventure game, plus Howl-in-One Mini Golf, the Howler’s Peak Ropes Course, and other attractions available at an additional cost. Free daily family activities include dance parties, arts and crafts, and more. With 603 family-themed suites and five on-site restaurants, Great Wolf Lodge is the ultimate family staycation — especially if you want to combine a Disneyland trip with a water park resort (it’s just 3 miles away).
Key Rides & Features:
- Indoor water park (slides, lazy river, wave pool, hot springs)
- Toddler splash areas & kiddie zones
- MagiQuest (live-action interactive adventure game)
- Mini golf, ropes course, arcade
- 603 family-themed suites
- 5 on-site restaurants
Visiting Info:
- Address: 12681 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840 (near Anaheim/Disneyland)
- Season: Open year-round
- Access: Water park included with overnight stay; Day Passes also available for non-guests
- Admission: Nightly rates vary by season and suite type; Day Passes available
- Pro Tip: Book weekday stays for significantly lower rates
- Website: greatwolf.com/southern-california
6. Splash! La Mirada — Buccaneer Bay
Best Budget-Friendly Community Water Park in LA County | Free Parking
If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly water park in LA County that doesn’t require a full-day commitment, Buccaneer Bay at Splash! La Mirada is a hidden gem. Splash! Buccaneer Bay is part of the La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center, an 18-acre facility that includes a family-friendly water park with three water slides, spray areas, a water play structure, zero-depth beach entry, and a 500-foot endless lazy river.
This is a pirate-themed park in the truest sense — and kids absolutely love it. The family fun area features a lazy river, two-story water slides, tiny tot slides and play area, splash zones, and plenty of seating and shade areas. It’s smaller than the major parks on this list, but that’s part of the appeal — shorter lines, a relaxed atmosphere, and prices that make it easy to say yes. Located right in La Mirada Regional Park, it’s a perfect complement to a full day at the adjacent park grounds.
Key Rides & Features:
- Three water slides (Tower 1 and Tower 2)
- Six-lane mat racer
- Two body slides
- Zero-depth beach entry
- 500-foot lazy river
- Children’s interactive play structure
- Spray pad areas
- Cabana and party rentals
Visiting Info:
- Address: 13806 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
- Season: Season passholders may enter from May 16; public opens May 23, 2026
- Admission: Priced by height (not age); check splashlamirada.com for current pricing
- Pro Tip: Weekday mornings are the least crowded times to visit
- Website: splashlamirada.com
7. The Cove Waterpark — Jurupa Valley (Riverside County)
Best Inland Empire Water Park for Young Families | Pirate Theme | FlowRider
Part of the Riverside County Regional Parks system, The Cove Waterpark is a 7.5-acre aquatic facility combining a waterpark and a competition swimming pool, sporting a pirate theme. It’s a fantastic option for families in the Inland Empire and eastern LA County looking to avoid the long drives to the bigger parks.
The standout feature is the Riptide Reef FlowRider, a double FlowRider that creates a smooth barrel-less wave that riders can body board or stand-up surf — one of only a handful of publicly accessible FlowRiders in Southern California. Crow’s Nest offers a water slide tower with three different 180-foot slides, while Captain’s Bay is a water activity pool in the middle of Treasure Cove. The Ne’er Endin’ River is an endless lazy river that passes by pools, waterfalls, and beneath bridges. Younger kids love Lil’ Mate’s Lagoon, a pirate-themed splash playground.
Key Rides & Features:
- Riptide Reef (double FlowRider)
- Crow’s Nest (3-slide tower, 180-ft slides)
- Captain’s Bay (activity pool)
- Ne’er Endin’ River (lazy river)
- Lil’ Mate’s Lagoon (toddler/kids splash area)
- Competition pool (25-yard x 35-meter)
- Cabana rentals available
Visiting Info:
- Address: 4310 Camino Real, Riverside, CA 92509
- Season: Summer months; open weekends (check covewaterpark.com for current schedule)
- Hours: Typically Sat 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Sun 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (weekday hours expand in peak summer)
- Admission: General (48″+) $28/day; Junior (37″–47″) $22/day; Tots (30″–36″) $17/day
- Pro Tip: A season pass covers both The Cove and DropZone Waterpark in Perris — great value if you plan to visit both
- Website: covewaterpark.com
8. DropZone Waterpark — Perris (Riverside County)
Best Riverside County Water Park for All Ages | FlowRider | Budget-Friendly
DropZone Waterpark in Perris is a 12-acre aquatic facility built in 2014 as part of the Perris-Menifee Valley Aquatic Center. Like its sister park The Cove in Jurupa Valley, DropZone combines a full waterpark with a competition-grade pool — making it one of the most complete aquatic facilities in the region for the price.
Take a journey down the Jet Stream River, experience the rush of the Terminal Velocity Slides and Mat Racers, and discover the thrill of surfing the Hydroplane FlowRider. The park also includes a “Lil’ Jumpers” water play structure for kids, Meridian Springs shallow pool, locker rooms, a “Fill Station” snack bar, and banquet rooms and cabana areas available for rent. One unique safety feature: all attractions close daily from 2:30–3:00 PM for a safety break. Beach volleyball is also on-site, making it a genuinely full-day family destination.
Key Rides & Features:
- Terminal Velocity Slides (body flume slides)
- Mat Racer slide
- Hydroplane FlowRider (surf simulator)
- Jet Stream River (lazy river)
- Lil’ Jumpers’ Landing (kids’ splash pad and water play structure)
- Meridian Springs shallow pool
- Beach volleyball
- The Fill Station (on-site dining)
- Cabana rentals
Visiting Info:
- Address: 2165 Trumble Road, Perris, CA 92570
- Season: Summer months; check dropzonewaterpark.com for current calendar
- Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Fri 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sat 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Sun 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Admission: Daily passes and season passes available at dropzonewaterpark.com
- Pro Tip: A DropZone season pass also includes access to The Cove Waterpark in Riverside — two parks for the price of one
- Website: dropzonewaterpark.com
Bonus Parks Worth Knowing About
Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park — Riverside
Located inside the Castle Park amusement complex, Buccaneer Cove is a fun small-scale water park with waterslides, water features, a play structure, and more. Admission to Castle Park’s ride park gets you access to Buccaneer Cove as well — making it one of the best value combo days out there. It’s geared toward younger kids and families who want an easygoing water park experience paired with classic amusement park rides.
- Address: 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505
- Website: boomers.com/castle-park
DryTown Water Park — Palmdale
If you’re in the Antelope Valley or northern LA County, DryTown in Palmdale is a convenient local option. DryTown has a variety of attractions on six acres, including Devil’s Punchbowl, Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer, Rattlers Revenge, The Wildcatter, and more. It’s smaller than the major parks but well-priced and popular with High Desert families. Weekend-only hours, so plan accordingly.
- Address: 3850 E Avenue S, Palmdale, CA 93550
- Website: drytownwaterpark.com
Tips for Planning the Perfect Water Park Day with Kids
Buy tickets in advance. Nearly every park on this list offers lower online pricing. Some parks (especially Wild Rivers) also manage daily capacity, so booking ahead guarantees your spot.
Visit on weekdays. If your schedule allows, Tuesday through Thursday typically see the lowest crowds at SoCal water parks. The difference in wait times can be dramatic.
Pack smart. Water shoes, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a waterproof bag for your phone are must-haves. Most parks offer lockers, but having a bag for wet suits makes the end of the day much smoother.
Plan around height requirements. Many major slides require 42″–48″ minimum height. Knowing your kids’ heights in advance helps you set expectations and choose the right park for your crew.
Look for combo deals. Several parks on this list — particularly The Cove and DropZone — offer season passes that cover multiple parks. If you plan to go more than twice, a season pass almost always pays off.
Have a favorite water park we should feature? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear where your family splashes around this summer!
Always verify current hours, admission prices, and seasonal schedules directly with each park before your visit, as these are subject to change.