14 Great Outdoor Water Parks and Lazy Rivers in Miami and South Florida

Miami and South Florida residents know how to keep cool. After all, we experience warm weather all year round. Whether you enjoy a pool, waterslide, lazy river, or just standing under a giant bucket of cold water, we have a water attraction for you.

These kid-friendly destinations are a fun alternative to a day at the beach. So grab your swimsuit and pack a towel and some sunscreen and enjoy a day at one of these all-ages facilities that are a great way to beat the South Florida heat.  

If you think your child might need some instruction before enjoying these water attractions, check out our rundown of the best places for swimming lessons in Miami and South Florida. When you're done having fun, pay a visit to one of these kid-friendly Miami restaurants.

 
Grapeland Water Park offers something for everyone. Photo courtesy of the park

Outdoor Water Parks and Lazy Rivers Near Miami

1. Grapeland Water Park—Miami

This publicly owned and operated water park has an area for kids smaller than 36 inches called Shipwreck Cove; an area for kids 36 inches or taller called Pirate's Plunge; a relaxing area to just splash around in called Captain's Lagoon; and a lazy river called the Bucaneer River Ride. It also has a concession stand for guests to enjoy.

2. Jungle Island—Miami

With the price of admission into Jungle Island or with a season pass, you can enjoy Jungle Splash. This water park features a multilevel playground structure, three water slides, three wading pools, and dining options to enjoy while there.

3. McDonald Water Park—Hialeah

This water park is set inside a 17-acre park. Included in the water park area is a wave pool, water fall, lazy river, tot lot with splash pad, and party areas. With a snack bar as well, this water park is a great option for families of all ages.

4. Miami Spring Aquatic Center—Miami Springs

Centrally located in Miami Springs, this center has a zero-entry beach area with water features where parents can relax while watching the kids play. It also has a slide area, with a 35-foot waterslide that can be ridden by those 48 inches or taller.

5. Tidal Cove—Aventura

Located at the J.W. Turnberry Marriott, this water park has something for almost all ages. With a day pass, guests can enjoy slides, a lazy river, a FlowRider surf simulator, and a splash zone for little ones. Guests can also enjoy a full bar, poolside service, and rentable cabanas.

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Amenities at Caporella Aquatic Center include a zero-entry pool and children's play area. Photo courtesy of the City of Tamarac

Outdoor Water Parks and Lazy Rivers Near Fort Lauderdale

6. Caporella Aquatic Center—Tamarac

This aquatic center offers fun for all. Amenities in the water play area include a zero-depth entry, 25-yard-by-25 meter, eight-lane pool with double tornado slide, and children's water play and spray areas. Parents can bring their kids for a day of water play.

7. Castaway Island—Hollywood

Located in TY Park, this large Caribbean-themed aquatic complex features a large swimming lagoon and two wading pools, one each designated for older and younger children. The first pool is for all ages and includes a multilevel water play structure with slides, water cannons, rain curtains, palm trees, birds, and hose sprays and buckets that continuously spill water. The second pool is designed for toddlers and has a variety of water play animals, a shipwreck slide, water cannons, and spilling coconuts.

8. Paradise Cove Water Park—Pembroke Pines

Located in C.B. Smith Park, Paradise Cove​​ features four, five-story-tall waterslides that empty into a 4-foot-deep plunge pool. The 32-inch-wide open-body slides vary in length from 395 feet to 430 feet and are for riders over 42 inches tall who are able to swim.​ There are also four different water playground areas, all geared toward different ages and interests.

9. Quiet Water Park Splash Adventure Water Park—Deerfield Beach

10. Tropical Splash Water Park—Lauderhill

Located in Central Broward Park, this water park includes two interactive water playgrounds: one for smaller children, with climbing features and small slides; the other for older children, with a spiral slide, two turning slides, water guns, and an oversized bucket that regularly fills with water and dumps it out onto the playground below.

RELATED: Ultimate Miami Kids Summer Vacation Guide

 
Take a relaxing lazy river ride at Coconut Cove Waterpark and Community Center. Photo courtesy of the park 

Outdoor Water Parks and Lazy Rivers Near West Palm Beach

11. Coconut Cove Waterpark and Community Center—Boca Raton

Featuring a 986-foot river ride, lily pad walk, a pair of four-story-high water slides, children's water playground, and recreational pool, this waterpark has something for everyone. Guests also enjoy locker rentals, concession snacks, and restrooms/shower facilities.

12. Rapids Waterpark—Riviera Beach

This large water park has something for all ages and thrill levels. For little ones, it offers an interactive water playground, wave pool, obstacle course, lazy river, and splash lagoon. Families can also ride together in a tube. For those seeking a thrill, the park has rides such as a water coaster, flow rider, rapids racer, and brain drain.

13. Sailfish Splash Water Park—Stuart

This two-acre facility has something for everyone. Attractions include a 1,000-foot lazy river; two four-story-tall waterslides, including  a 253-foot closed flume “Speed Slide”; a zero-depth entry, 7,326-square foot interactive splash playground with jets, sprays, slides, and 317-gallon “Dump Bucket”; "Wiggly Waters" cargo net walk-across; and  private cabanas available for rent.

14. Seminole Palms Park-Calypso Bay Waterpark—Royal Palm Beach

This water park is owned and operated by Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation and features a pair of 30-foot waterslides, an 897-foot lazy river interactive water playground with lily pad walk, lap pool with diving boards, and a full concession stand.