Water parks in the Midwest are a fun and rewarding way to spend a day with family, regardless of how old you are. In fact, plunging down heart-racing slides and into a pool of water while clinging for dear life on nothing more than an inflatable plastic tube can bring out the kid in all of us. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on water parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Midwest water parks.
Noah's Ark Water Park
is the largest water park in America with over 49 water rides, four children's splash areas, two lazy rivers and two wave pools. The park has been ranked as one of the best parks to visit by both the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel. Its top ride,
, was named #1 Thrill Ride for 2010 by the Discovery Channel. The park also boasts free parking.
Slide In The Dark
The infamous
is nominated for "America's Most Thrilling Water Ride" and, at a 1/4-mile long, this combination water slide/roller coaster will definitely raise your blood pressure. If you really want to scare yourself, head over to
. This water slide will send you speeding down to unknown depths in complete darkness.
Mini Golf And Bumper Boats
If you need to take a break and dry off, there is still plenty to do, including miniature golf, bumper boats and a 4-D theatre. In fact, if you want to claim that your day was educational, head over to Ark-ology 101 for a physics lesson on how everything works and to embrace your inner geek.
Eat Healthy Or Indulge
Noah's Ark offers a vast selection of park foods from cotton candy to healthy salads in their many restaurants and food stands. They also allow you to bring your own lunch and eat it just outside the fenced area.
Safety Record
There are no reported safety violations at Noah's Ark. In fact, the park has received one of the hightest safety ratings in the state. As with any water park, small children should wear life jackets for their own protection.
Address: 1410 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965Phone: 608-254-6351Hours: Mid-May through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. SaturdayPrice: $35.99 plus tax for all guests. Children under 48" tall receive a 20% discount. Discounts are also offered for season passes, for returning a second consecutive day and for online purchases
The Great Wolf Lodge
With over 250,000 gallons of water, Great Wolf Lodge is one of the largest indoor water parks in the United States. Even if the snow is blowing outside, your family will be having the time of their lives in the constant 84-degree weather within the park. Featuring five pools and eight water slides, you'll be entertained all weekend.
Twists And Turns
For the fear factor alone,
wins top billing here. This enclosed tube twists and turns its riders for over a four-story plunge before dropping them in the pool. Another favorite is Fort Mackenzie, a four-story fort in the water.
Visit The Arcade Or Shoot Some Hoops
When the pool becomes too much or your skin starts to prune, check out the huge
, shoot some hoops outside or hop into the adults-only hot tub. Adventurous souls can head over to nearby Cedar Point during the summer months and ride the roller coasters.
Klondike Cafe And Gitchigoommie Grill
Klondike Cafe is inside the park itself and offers the standard pizza, hot dog and hamburger fare. If you are looking for steak or pasta, get dried off and head over to Gitchigoommie Grill.
Safety Record
There are no reported safety violations at Great Wolf. The park hired an outside company for aquatic risk management to regularly assess its operation. Life jackets are highly recommended for any guests under 48 inches.
Address: 4600 Milan Road, Sandusky, OH 44870Phone: 800-641-9653Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. dailyPrice: Water park passes are included with overnight stay. No outside guests permitted
Other Noteworthy Parks Near The Midwest
What's your favorite water park in the Midwest?
Check out more WATER PARKS.
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