New Jersey Indoor Water Parks
(updated 1/11/23) New Jersey is a lively place to be in the summertime when the tourism season is in full swing and the state’s best outdoor attractions are open for business. If you’re the type of person who isn’t having fun unless you’re getting wet, the state has enough amusement parks, beaches, lakes, and rivers to keep you happy all summer long. Unfortunately, winters in the Garden State can be long and cold. If you need a little pick-me-up to get you through the offseason, a trip to an indoor water park might be just the thing.
Luckily, there are a couple of options to choose from. Whether you’re living in New Jersey or just vacationing there, here are the indoor water parks you might want to check out if you’re looking for weatherproof water attractions to fill up an afternoon or weekend.
Big Kahuna’s Indoor Water Park
535 N Rte 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091, (856) 767-7580
Big Kahuna’s, formerly Sahara Sam’s, is a multi-attraction family entertainment facility. The complex contains an indoor and outdoor water park, restaurants, and an arcade. Its indoor water park provides 60,000 square feet of wet pleasure for people of all ages. The building has a one-of-a-kind retractable roof.
This is a bit of an oddball among indoor water parks because it’s not connected to a resort. Still, if you live in the Philadelphia area or don’t mind staying at a nearby hotel, Big Kahuna’s offers the most extensive indoor water park in New Jersey. It’s got a lazy river, Flowrider surfing simulator, body slides, and raft rides – all the attractions you need for the complete water park experience. Weather permitting, there’s also an outdoor ropes course that’s included in the price of admission. It also has an arcade, restaurants, and other amusements to keep kids and grownups busy. All in all, this truly is an oasis for those who need a break from dreary weather.
Located in South Jersey just a short drive from Philadelphia, Big Kahuna’s lives up to its name by providing guests with a respite from bad weather – or just the stresses of everyday life. This large indoor water park is open year-round and has enough rides and equipment to keep the whole family diverted for hours at a time. Some of the noteworthy features at Sahara Sam’s include:
- Lazy River
- Long Water Slides that Wind in and Out of the Building
- Flowrider Surfing Simulator
- Family Raft Ride
- Play Fort with Tipping Bucket
- Toddler Pool
- Activity Pool
- Water Agility Course
When I think of Big Kahuna’s Water Park, I am immediately filled with a wave of nostalgia. This is the place where my family and I have been creating special memories together since my children were young. From the moment we walk in, the atmosphere is so inviting – the people are all smiles, the music and colorful lights create a fun energy, and everything nods to the oasis theme.
Our kids absolutely love spending the day here. They often can’t wait to get changed into their swimsuits and be the first to splash down the water slides! We also enjoy taking turns on the 4-person raft ride and careening around the lazy river with its rapids and geysers. With such a variety of rides and activities, every member of our family finds something they enjoy.
West Berlin is within an easy drive for us, and it’s always worth the trip. Sahara Sam’s Oasis is truly my family’s happy place and each time we go, it offers us more reasons to keep coming back.
This indoor water park is located in West Berlin, New Jersey and features water slides, wave pool, lazy river, and a kids’ play area.
DreamWorks Water Park
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073; (833) 263-7326
At 8.5 acres, DreamWorks Water Park is North America’s largest indoor water park in New Jersey. The facility maintains a constant temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit all year. Guests will be delighted to find their favorite movie and television figures portrayed in the park’s attractions and slides.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YemFABxqhGE
Famous characters such as Shrek and Donkey, The Madagascar gang, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Trolls are prominently featured at Dreamworks. Other parks struggle to compete with the characters’ validity and degree of entertainment. Larger-than-life statues and inflatables suspended from the ceiling are accompanied by opportunities to encounter the characters in person.
This DreamWorks indoor mega complex also happens to be the biggest indoor water park in the US It’s quite a spectacle, with massive slide towers patterned after the popular DreamWorks characters. The world’s largest wave pool, highest body slide, and longest hydromagnetic rocket water coaster are among the world’s firsts!
Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, (855) 515-1283
Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is just off Route 78. It was simple to travel to and didn’t take us long to get there from our central New Jersey location—about an hour with minimal traffic. For the record, we arrived at midday on a Thursday in June and left on a Saturday. Camelback Mountain is open all year. In the winter, they transform into a really fantastic Ski Lodge, offering tubing, skiing, and a variety of other activities.
Aquatopia is the indoor waterpark at Camelback Lodge. It is open all year and features 13 different water slides, including tube slides, body slides, mat slides, bowl slides, and every other type of slide, as well as kiddie slides for the smallest thrill seekers. You can also try your hand (or foot?) at Flow Rider for a charge. Flow Rider allows you to learn to surf from an instructor or in a private session just for you.
CoCo Key Water Resort
915 Route 73, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, (856) 802-3929
Also in South Jersey is the CoCo Key Water Resort in Mount Laurel. This Key West-themed indoor water park is connected to The Hotel ML, so you can book a room for a night or weekend and have fun in the water without any treks through the cold (alternatively, you can buy day passes to the park separately). While not among the largest indoor water parks in the northeast, CoCo Key has enough square footage to house numerous slides and other attractions – most of which are geared toward younger kids. Overall, this is a great place for parents to splash around with their kids, or sit back and watch as they wear themselves out.
As you can see, New Jersey’s only two indoor water parks are clustered in the same area. However, there are a lot more options if you’re willing to travel out of state. For example, a couple of expansive indoor water parks in the Poconos have just about everything you could want. If you’re willing to extend your trip even farther afield, you’ll find that some of the country’s best indoor water parks are in the region. Just browse or search this site to find what you’re looking for.
CoCo Key is a popular chain of indoor water resorts with a tropical Key West theme. In terms of size and variety of water attractions, the one in South Jersey is pretty typical of the franchise. It’s no Kalahari, but CoCo Key Water Resort in Mount Laurel, New Jersey is expansive enough to include all the indoor water park staples, with a little added flair.
The water park is connected to the simply named The Hotel ML, which features a standard assortment of rooms and amenities. Staying at the hotel provides a nice getaway over a cold weekend, as you can enjoy the water park without leaving the complex. However, if you live in the area or just want to stay elsewhere, there’s also an option to buy day passes to CoCo Key without renting a room at the hotel.
At 55,000 square feet, CoCo Key Mount Laurel is a mid-sized indoor water park. If you’re a water park aficionado planning a road trip, you probably won’t find much here to impress you. However, it does have a nice assortment of attractions, such as:
- Lazy River
- Water Agility Course
- Multiple Kiddie Areas
- Activity Pool
- Indoor/Outdoor Spa
- Arcade and Restaurants Onsite
This indoor water park is aimed squarely at younger kids. Teens and adults may find the attractions less thrilling. Still, this CoCo Key Water Resort is a great place for parents to treat their children to a fun afternoon.
Big Snow American Dream
1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
I still remember the feeling of the snow under my boots and the sound of laughter from my children, as they zoomed down the slopes of Big Snow American Dream. It was a special day; one that none of us will ever forget.
Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Big Snow American Dream is an all-season indoor ski and snowboarding park with thrilling fun for everyone. Not only does this magical place feature a range of trails and courses for both novice and experienced skiers, but it also hosts an incredible waterpark, ideal for making long summer days even more exciting.
As we discovered after our very first visit, this family-run facility is unlike any other in the area, with its state-of-the-art snowmaking system and modern lifts. You can also take a break from skiing or tubing to enjoy the wave pool and surf simulator. Meanwhile, there’s also a kids’ play area where younger adventurers can let their imaginations run wild. No matter how you choose to spend your time here, you’ll soon realize why Big Snow American Dream is merely a dream come true – one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
The Funplex
182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936
I remember taking my kids to The Funplex for the first time. It had been a long time since they’d laughed like that – and it was so refreshing to watch them smile and play in an environment that was all about fun. Even more special was the fact that this place was located in our beloved home state of New Jersey. Between the wide variety of attractions, and the family-friendly atmosphere, there was something for everyone.
My daughter was obsessed with the water park, and loved splashing around in the lazy river and riding down the water slides. My son couldn’t get enough of the bumper cars or go-karts. They also had a great selection of arcade games, so they could compete against each other while we took turns keeping an eye on them!
Every visit brought something new and exciting, such as carnival rides and themed parties. I’m thankful for The Funplex, and how it brought back the joys of childhood for my children. There’s no better way to make lasting memories than to spend quality time together at a safe and fun place like The Funplex.
H2-Oh-No
200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462
My kids love going to H2-Oh-No! It’s the perfect place for them to let loose, explore and be kids. As a mom, I love the fact that the park is not only indoors, but it also gives parents peace of mind thanks to its professional lifeguards and attentive staff.
My family also loves the incredible location. The park is situated in Lake Harmony at Split Rock Golf & Resort – a beautiful spot nestled in majestic mountains with plenty of attractions in the area. We can take a break after a day of swimming in the wave pool and sliding down the water slides and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
I’m always looking for ways to make sure my kids have an unforgettable time. With H2-Oh-No, I know that I’m making lasting memories with them and we always look forward to our next visit!