When it comes to beating the heat, waterparks are a great place to be. If you are in or around the area, you’ll find some of the best waterparks near Tampa, all perfect for the entire family. Water slides, lazy rivers, splash zones, and wave pools are just a few of the fun attractions at these waterparks in Tampa.

1. Adventure Island
Adventure Island, 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
Management/Trip Advisor
This 30-acre waterpark is located across the street from Busch Gardens and offers several amazing attractions, including Aruba Tuba, Colossal Curl, Rambling Bayou and Endless Surf - Adventure Island's awesome 17,000-square-foot wave pool. Learn more about Adventure Island, an awesome water park in Tampa.

2. Aquatica
Aquatica Orlando, 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821, USA
worldwidetraveler73/Trip Advisor
Located in Orlando, this 60-acre park has something for everyone, no matter the age. There are two wave pools, a man-made beach, body slides, raft slides, tubes, lazy rivers, and more. It is one of the best waterparks near Tampa! Learn more about Aquatica.

3. LEGOLAND Water Park
s0utine/Trip Advisor
More than just a waterpark near Tampa, LEGOLAND is the perfect destination for LEGO lovers. Located within LEGOLAND is LEGOLAND Water Park. Here, there are several attractions for all ages, including the Lazy River ride, Joker Soaker play area, and a variety of water slides. Learn more about visiting LEGOLAND Water Park at its website.

4. The Floating Water Park
Island Grand - A TradeWinds Beach Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA
TripAdvisor/management
The Floating Water Park at St. Pete Beach features inflatable slides, trampolines, and loungers. The 15,750-square-foot inflatable water park near Tampa is located behind the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort. Read further on about the Floating Water Park.
5. Florida Aquarium Explore A Shore
yelp/Julissa G.
Editor's note: Unfortunately, this site is permanently closed. Explore A Shore is a fun outdoor play area that's located at the Florida Aquarium. It features climb-on animals, water jets, a pirate ship complete with cannons, and a wave water slide. Explore A Shore's address is 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602.

There are so many amazing waterparks near Tampa. Which ones are your favorites? Tell us in the comments!

For more ways to cool down, check out these swimming holes in Florida.

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More to Explore

Florida Outdoors

Rachel Raimondi | June 08, 2023

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Florida?

Waterparks near Tampa are great, but there are a lot of other things to do with the whole family! Take everyone out on these family-friendly hikes in Florida:

  • Butler Mill Trail: This .8-mile loop trail is located in Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park in Tallahassee. As you journey, you’ll be able to several ceremonial temple mounds.
  • Falling Waters Sinkhole Trail: Located in the 171-acre Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, here, you can head along the two-mile trail with the payoff of being able to see the state’s tallest waterfall.

 

Does Florida have any natural wonders?

Get amazed at some of these Florida natural wonders:

  • Timucan Ecological and Historic Preserve: This area in Jacksonville is 46,000 acres. Take in the marsh, creeks, wetlands, and rivers within nature. And then explore the reconstructed 1564 Fort Caroline and the 1797 Kingsley Plantation, the oldest in Florida that still stands. There are also several other islands you can take in.
  • Lake Okeechobee: At 467,000 acres, this is the state’s largest lake. Surrounding it are an assortment of different landscapes, such as pastures, orange groves, and canefields. You can take it all in from the 110-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail.
  • Everglades National Park: Located in southern Florida, this 1.5-million-acre national park is the only place where can see both alligators and crocodiles in the wild. But of course, that’s not all. Other amazing highlights include mangroves and other interesting animals, like the Florida panther. But for me, it’s those alligators and crocodiles!

 

What are the best state parks in Florida?

Explore the outdoors by visiting some of the best state parks in Florida:

  • Myakka River State Park: Located in Sarasota, this 37,000-acre park offers plenty of things to do. You can kayak on the river, hike 39 miles of trails, and even camp here. And the wildlife is pretty amazing too. You just might see some alligators!
  • Bahia Honda State Park: You’ll find this 524-acre state park in the Florida Keys. It's a popular place for camping, both by tent or you can rent a cabin. Enjoy kayaking and snorkeling in the clear waters at Calusa Beach.
  • Lake Kissimmee State Park: This 5,930-acre park is located in Lake Wales. Here, you can paddle, hike, bike, camp, and peek at interesting wildlife like bald eagles and deer. And you can also take in the Cow Camp living history site.

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