Top Water Parks in Northern California (2024)

When the summer heat kicks in, there's no better place to cool off than at a water park. Northern California is home to some of the best water parks that offer a wide range of attractions for all ages. From thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, these water parks have something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a thrilling adventure or a relaxing day by the water, our guide will help you discover the perfect destination.

1. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Concord is one of Northern California's most popular water parks, known for its extensive range of thrilling attractions, family-friendly amenities, and commitment to safety. Whether you're seeking high-speed slides, relaxing lazy rivers, or fun play areas for the kids, Hurricane Harbor has something to offer everyone. 

Attractions:

• Diablo Falls: A high-speed water slide that will take you on a wild, twisting ride down to the pool below.
• The Tornado: Experience the force of a tornado as you spin down this gigantic funnel slide.
• Big Kahuna: A family-friendly raft ride that twists and turns through a series of rapids.
• Wave Pool: Feel the ocean's power in a controlled environment with waves that mimic the sea.
• Lazy River: Relax and float along the winding river, enjoying the scenery and gentle currents.

Details:

• Location: 1950 Waterworld Parkway, Concord, CA 94520
• Admission: General admission starts at around $40, with discounted rates available for children, seniors, and groups

2. Golfland Sunsplash

Golfland Sunsplash in Roseville, California offers both a water park and an amusement park to locals looking for a splash. The water park features thrilling slides like the Double Dare and Thunder Falls, as well as a wave pool and lazy river.

Attractions: 

• Thunder Falls: One of the park’s most thrilling water slides, Thunder Falls features steep drops and high-speed twists that are sure to get your heart racing.
• The Revolution: Experience the sensation of weightlessness as you drop down this massive half-pipe water slide, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
• Double Dare: A high-speed racing slide where you can challenge your friends or family to see who can reach the bottom first.
• Master Blaster Water Coaster: This unique ride combines the thrills of a roller coaster with a water slide, propelling riders up and down through twists and turns.
• Lazy River: Relax and float along the gentle currents of the lazy river, taking in the beautiful surroundings and enjoying a leisurely ride.
• Thunder Bay Wave Pool: Mimicking ocean waves, this expansive wave pool is ideal for both swimming and lounging on the water.
• Adventure Island: A large interactive play area for younger guests, featuring smaller slides, water cannons, and a giant tipping bucket that drenches everyone below.

Details:

• Location: 1893 Taylor Road, Roseville, CA 95661
• Admission Prices: General admission for the water park starts at around $30, with discounts available for children, seniors, and groups

3. South Bay Shores Water Park

South Bay Shores Water Park, located within California’s Great America amusement park in Santa Clara, offers a fantastic array of water attractions and amenities. This Northern California water park is a premier destination for families and thrill-seekers, providing a variety of activities that cater to all ages. 

Attractions:

• Pacific Surge: This towering slide complex features a series of high-speed water slides that twist and turn, offering an exhilarating ride from start to finish.
• Tide Pool: Perfect for younger children, Tide Pool is a shallow water play area with gentle slides, interactive water features, and splash zones.
• Breaker Bay: A massive wave pool that simulates ocean waves, providing a safe and fun environment for swimming and wave-riding.
• Coastline Plunge: Experience the thrill of this multi-slide tower, offering a variety of slide experiences, from open flumes to enclosed tubes.
• Castaway Creek: Relax and float along the lazy river, enjoying the scenic views and gentle currents.
• Pelican Plunge: An exciting slide that drops you into a large pool below, perfect for those looking for a quick thrill.
• Laguna Storm Watch Tower: Featuring three separate slides, this attraction provides a range of thrilling experiences, from tight turns to steep drops.
• Dive-In Movies: Enjoy family-friendly movies shown on a big screen while floating in the wave pool. It’s a unique experience that combines the fun of a water park with the relaxation of a movie night.

Details:

• Location: 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054
• Admission Prices: General admission starts around $40

4. The Dublin Wave

The Wave at Emerald Glen Park in Dublin, California, is a state-of-the-art aquatic facility that offers a wide range of water attractions and amenities for all ages. This modern water park is known for its family-friendly environment, innovative features, and commitment to safety. 

Attractions:

• The Slide Tower: The Wave’s centerpiece attraction features six thrilling water slides, each offering a unique and exciting experience. From high-speed drops to twisting turns, these slides are sure to satisfy adrenaline seekers.
• Splash Zone: A dedicated area for younger children, featuring interactive water play structures, gentle slides, and a giant tipping bucket that drenches everyone below.
• Natatorium: An indoor pool area that includes a competition pool, a warm-water pool, and a shallow children’s play pool. Perfect for year-round swimming and water activities.
• The Wave Pool: Mimicking the experience of ocean waves, this pool is ideal for both swimming and wave-riding in a controlled and safe environment.
• Lazy River: Drift along the gentle currents of the lazy river, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Logistics:

• Location: 4201 Central Parkway, Dublin, CA 94568
• Admission Prices: General admission for the water park starts around $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents

5. Aqua Adventure Water Park

Aqua Adventure Water Park in Fremont, California, is a vibrant and exciting destination for water lovers of all ages. Located within Central Park, this water park offers a variety of attractions and amenities that ensure a fun-filled day for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Attractions:

• The Fortress of Fun: This multi-level play structure features water cannons, interactive elements, and multiple slides designed for younger children to explore and enjoy. The centerpiece is a giant tipping bucket that drenches everyone below.
• Lazy River: Drift along the gentle currents of the 1,000-foot-long lazy river, perfect for a relaxing float as you take in the scenic surroundings.
• Oasis Pool: A large, open swimming pool where guests can cool off, swim, or simply relax. It's also used for various water activities and programs throughout the day.
• Splash Pad: An interactive area with water jets, sprays, and fountains, ideal for toddlers and young children who want to splash around safely.
• Slide Tower: Featuring a collection of thrilling water slides, this attraction is designed to provide excitement for guests of all ages.

Details:

• Location: 40500 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538
• Admission Prices: General admission starts around $20

6. Antioch Water Park

Antioch Water Park in Antioch, California, is a community favorite offering a variety of attractions and amenities for families, children, and thrill-seekers. Nestled within Prewett Family Park, this water park provides a welcoming environment where visitors can cool off, have fun, and enjoy a day of aquatic adventures. 

Attractions:

• Canyon Cooler: This exciting slide features steep drops and sharp turns, delivering a thrilling ride from start to finish. It's a favorite among older kids and adults looking for a rush.
• Rattler's Run: An enclosed tube slide that twists and turns in darkness, providing a unique and exhilarating experience for adventurous riders.
• Sports Pool: A versatile pool designed for water sports and activities. It includes basketball hoops and volleyball nets, making it a great spot for friendly competitions and group fun.
• Bermuda Triangle: A trio of twisting and turning slides that offer different levels of excitement. Each slide provides a unique ride experience, ensuring endless fun for all ages.
• Otter Slide: Perfect for younger children, this gentle slide offers a safe and enjoyable ride that ends in a shallow pool. It's part of the larger children’s area designed for safe and engaging play.
• Lap Pool: A dedicated pool for swimming laps and water fitness activities. It’s ideal for those looking to get some exercise or practice their swimming skills.
• Tad Pool: Toddlers and young children can safely splash around this interactive play area with water features and small slides.

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Logistics:

• Location: 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531
• Admission Prices: General admission starts around $16 for residents and $18 for non-residents

7. Wild Water Adventure Park 

Wild Water Adventure Park in Clovis, California, is Central California’s largest water park, offering a wide range of attractions and amenities that cater to thrill-seekers and families alike. Spanning over 52 acres, this park is known for its extensive variety of water rides, lush landscaping, and family-friendly environment. 

Attractions:

• GhostSlider: One of the park’s most exhilarating slides, GhostSlider features steep drops and sharp turns that will get your adrenaline pumping.
• The Blue Wave: Experience the power of the ocean with this massive wave pool, which generates waves up to four feet high, perfect for wave-riding and swimming.
• Thunder Falls: This thrilling water coaster combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the fun of a water slide, taking riders through twists, turns, and drops.
• Adventure Bay: A large interactive play area designed for younger children, featuring smaller slides, water cannons, and a giant tipping bucket.
• The Rapids: Navigate through fast-moving currents and turbulent waters on this action-packed ride, ideal for those seeking an adventure.
• The Bermuda Triangle: A series of three high-speed, twisting slides that provide a variety of thrilling experiences for guests of all ages.
• The Lazy River: Relax and float along the gentle currents of the lazy river, taking in the park's beautiful surroundings and enjoying a leisurely ride.
• Kids Kingdom: A dedicated area for the little ones, featuring shallow pools, gentle slides, and interactive water play structures.

Logistics:

• Location: 11413 E. Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93619
• Admission Prices: General admission starts around $30

8. Wake Island Waterpark

Nestled in the heart of Northern California, Wake Island Waterpark offers an unparalleled water adventure experience for thrill-seekers and families alike. As one of the largest water parks in the region, Wake Island is renowned for its diverse array of attractions, top-notch amenities, and convenient location. Wake Island provides a variety of experiences that cater to thrill-seekers, families, and water sports enthusiasts alike. 

Attractions:

• Wakeboarding: The centerpiece of Wake Island is its state-of-the-art cable wakeboarding system, allowing riders of all skill levels to experience the thrill of wakeboarding without the need for a boat. The park offers beginner to advanced wakeboarding areas with professional coaching available.
• Aqua Park: This massive inflatable obstacle course on the water features trampolines, slides, bridges, swings, and climbing walls, providing endless fun and challenges for visitors of all ages.
• Paddleboarding and Kayaking: Explore the serene waters of Wake Island on a paddleboard or kayak. Rentals are available for guests looking to enjoy a more relaxed and scenic experience.
• Zip Line: Fly over the water on Wake Island’s exhilarating zip line, offering stunning views and an adrenaline-pumping ride.
• The Lagoon: A large swimming area perfect for cooling off, floating, and enjoying water games with friends and family.
• Wibit Island: An additional floating obstacle course that offers various challenges and fun activities for guests looking to test their agility and balance.

Details:

• Location: 7633 Locust Rd, Pleasant Grove, CA 95668. Conveniently located near Sacramento, making it easily accessible from various parts of Northern California.
• Admission Prices: General admission varies depending on the activities, with options for all-day access to the Aqua Park, wakeboarding sessions, and combination passes.

Private Water Park Alternatives on Swimply

In search of a more intimate splash experience? Swimply offers a unique alternative to crowded water parks by allowing you to book private pools in and around Northern California - complete with water slides and other fun amenities. Say goodbye to long lines and overpriced snacks, and hello to a personalized aquatic retreat that could be more affordable and enjoyable for your family.

How to book a Swimply

Finding the perfect personal water park has never been easier with Swimply. Begin your search by entering your desired dates and location to see all available pools in your area. Use the app's search filters to narrow down your options based on criteria such as size, amenities, and price range. Swimply Hosts determine the booking size for their pool and whether or not it’s party or pet friendly, so be sure to check the pool description for any specific rules or restrictions. 

To find a pool that is perfect for family fun, filter your search for amenities like water slides, games and toys, basketball or volleyball nets, and more! This will show you pools that are specifically equipped for you and your kids.

Why choose Swimply over a water park?

• Privacy: Enjoy a private pool experience without the crowds and long lines of a traditional water park.
• Variety: Choose from a diverse range of pools, from family-friendly to luxurious, to suit your preferences and group size.
• Exclusivity: Have a pool all to yourself or your group, creating a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Convenience: Easily find and book a pool that fits your schedule and budget with just a few clicks.
• Safety: Swimply ensures that all hosts comply with local regulations and safety standards, providing a clean and safe environment for guests.
• Personalized Experience: Customize your pool day to your liking, whether it's a relaxing retreat or a fun gathering with friends.‍
• Cost-Effective: Depending on the pool you choose, Swimply can offer a more affordable option compared to traditional water parks, especially for larger groups.