Water Parks In Cleveland: A Huffington Post Travel Guide

Water Parks In Cleveland: A Huffington Post Travel Guide

Water parks in Cleveland are growing in popularity, and families can enjoy lots of fun in the "rock and roll capital of the world." So when it's really hot in Cleveland, visitors can find both indoor and outdoor water parks featuring giant waterslides, a huge wave pool and plenty of activities for kids. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Cleveland's water parks.

Wildwater Kingdom

At
, formerly Geauga Lake, riders can bob along on inner tubes, surf in a wave pool or glide down the tallest waterslide complex in Ohio. If that's not enough, visitors can also rock and roll with a special combo deal from the park if they plan to tour another popular destination in Cleveland -- the
.

Signature Ride

The 17-acre water park features
, a colossal 60-foot-tall funnel ride and
, a 390,000-gallon wave pool that is bigger than a football field. Thrill seekers will also enjoy
, the waterslide tower with seven slides descending from a 10-story platform and reaching speeds of up to 27 mph.

Other Attractions

Visitors can also try out Riptide Run lazy river, the Coral Cove activity area and Splash Landing, an interactive play area with a giant dump bucket pouring a thousand gallons of water every two minutes.
at the water park only add to the fun. They include swimming and dipping while food tasting and wine sipping, watching a dive-in movie while relaxing in a wave pool, and enjoying live entertainment at the Tidal Wave Bay stage.

Healthy Food Options

Wildwater Kingdom boasts a variety of food stands and in-dining options. Guests can enjoy Italian sausages at Big Daddy's, sandwiches at Happy Harbor Cafe and smoothies at Maui Wow. Plenty of vegetarian and lactose- and gluten-free choices are offered.

Safety Record

Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at Wildwater Kingdom.

Address: 1100 Squires Road, Aurora, OH 44202Phone: 330-562-8303Hours: Wildwater Kingdom is open from May 28 through September 5, usually from 10 or 11 a.m. until 7 or 8 p.m. Hours and days vary so be sure to check ahead.Price: One-day visit: adults, $29.99; juniors and seniors, $14.99; children 2 and younger, free. Discounts are offered after 4 p.m., and season passes and group discounts are also available.

Kalahari Water Parks

Visitors can let their imaginations run wild at Kalahari, an African-themed, resort-affiliated water park. Boasting the title "America's largest indoor water park," Kalahari also features outdoor water excitement and displays authentic African art and artifacts throughout the resort. Kalahari also offers a safari experience at its all-new adventure park.

Something For Everyone

Kalahari's 173,000 square feet of water park excitement offer something for everyone. Favorites include the
for stand-up surfing or boogie boarding and a 12,000-square-foot wave pool under a transparent roof. Other favorites for thrill-seekers are three raft rides: the Swahili Swirl, Rippling Rhino and Victoria Falls.

Wet And Dry Fun

An uphill, water roller coaster waterslide, four-lane mat slides and lazy river add to the fun. Kalahari's African theme offers Madagascar Black Light Mini-Golf and the largest "Big Game" arcade room in Ohio. Exciting and educational animal encounters also await visitors at the all-new
.

Food Options

Visitors can experience several African-themed dining options both inside and outside the water parks. Extensive menu selections include gourmet-grilled burgers, jerk chicken, salmon, steaks, pizza, sandwiches and salad bar. No outside food or drinks are allowed in the water parks.

Safety Record

According to
, a 3-year-old boy drowned in a park swimming pool in 2009.

Address: 7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870Phone: 419-433-7200Hours: Kalahari Water Parks is open daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (earlier for resort guests), and the hours are subject to change. The outdoor water park and Safari Outdoor Adventure Park are open daily from 10 a.m. to dusk Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting. Price: Daily all-day admission: adults, $45; children 2 and younger, free. Evening admission is $35 after 5 p.m.

Other Noteworthy Parks Near Cleveland

What's your favorite water park near Cleveland?

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