If the city’s sandy beaches just aren’t doing it for you and you need a little more action than just lounging by the blue waters, make a splash at one of these incredible water parks! Whether they’re located in Miami, or just a quick drive away from the city, here are a couple of options to beat the scorching heat while making the most out of your summer.
The best part is that these are all great for the entire family!
1. Tidal Cove, Aventura
Take your dream staycation at this spectacular water park, part of the JW Marriot resort, but you don’t have to stay over in order to enjoy all the thrill! Tidal Cove has the best of both worlds: chill in a breezy cabana or sit back as you drift across a lazy river, and get your adrenaline pumping on the park’s gravity-defying raft rides or free-fall from a vertical drop. There’s a 60-foot tower with seven slides, the largest being the Constrictor, and an emoji-inspired 4,000 square foot playscape for kids to splash around in. The water park is also home to the country’s first-ever FlowRider surf simulator which is the perfect time to catch some powerful waves.
Find Tidal Cove at 19999 West Country Club Drive.
2. Rapids Water Park, Riviera Beach
You’ll have to consider a day trip North to get to this iconic park, but it’s well worth it. In fact, it wasn’t named one of the top 10 best outdoor water parks in the nation by USA Today for nothing. Jam-packed with more than 40 attractions, you can hear the screams from riders on the thrilling 45-degree Big Thunder plunge and the casual chit-chatting of floaters on the quarter-mile lazy river. And why settle for a regular pool when you can experience a wave pool? Rapids’ 25,000 square foot Big Surf comes with waves that can go up to 6 feet high.
Find Rapids at 6566 North Military Trail.
3. Grapeland Water Park, Grapeland Heights
You probably recognize famed Miami artist Romero Britto’s artwork plastered all over this colorful oasis. And you’re right to assume it’s him, given he actually designed it from a large octopus to pirate ships. Although this is an ideal park for children at just 13 acres, there’s still plenty of room for everyone to enjoy all that Grapeland has to offer in the summer heat! While kids can bask in the shipwreck-themed play areas with slides, water buckets and cannons, you can take a dip in the Captain’s Lagoon pool or float down the relaxing lazy Buccaneer River Ride.
Find Grapeland at 1550 NW 37th Avenue. Grapeland is set to open Summer 2022 after a COVID-19 hiatus, but like many other locations, they have been affected by staffing shortages and the opening will be delayed.
4. Paradise Cove, Pembroke Pines
Similarly to Grapeland, C.B. Smith Park’s Paradise Cove is the perfect vibrant setting for the little ones. There are four main areas: Paradise Pipeline, Sharky’s Lagoon, Parrot’s Point, and Crazy Creek. Each playground features different pools and waterslides for all sizes, minus Crazy Creek, which is a 410-foot long river with water splashing from every corner to keep you cool. However, if you’re looking for a bigger splash, there’s a massive tipping bucket ready to dump water on anyone below it.
Find Paradise Cove at 900 North Flamingo Road. Currently, Paradise Cove’s Paradise Pipeline is not open.
5. McDonald Water Park, Hialeah
Found within the beautiful 17-acre McDonald Park, this splashy attraction has plenty to offer from a wave pool to a splash pad for younger children. Grab your tube and drift along the laziest 1,000-foot lazy river where you’ll float through scenic waterfalls and caves. It’s absolutely the perfect place for private day parties or birthdays! Their aquatic center also offers swim lessons.
Find McDonald Water Park at 7505 W 12th Avenue.
6. Miami Springs Aquatic Center, Miami Springs
Located in the heart of Miami Springs, a 35-foot water slide stands tall at this Olympic-size swimming pool at the Aquatic Center. Compared to the other spots on this list, it’s more of a place to wind down without swimming in a traditional pool. And it’s a much larger pool than your average one, at that. Plus, you can get a great look of the city skyline from the top before plunging down into the water. Swim lessons and water aerobic classes are offered here year-round here and children as young as one can learn how to swim. You never know if the next Michael Phelps or Katie Ledecky is soon to be discovered in Miami!
Find Miami Springs Aquatic Center at 1401 Westwood Drive.