Water Park Guide - Beat the Summer Heat
by Jessica Howell

It yields for no one – come August, the sun scorches all that falls victim to its dazzling rays. You could seek shelter in the cool, crisp confines of an air-conditioned home, but we’ve got a much better idea. Pack up your swimsuits, sunblock and shades and beat the heat at one of America’s many splashy water parks.

There’s nothing cooler than an icy wave pool for chilling out with the kids, or if you’re up for the challenge, a slippery fall down a slender waterslide. Either way, you’ll beat the heat – and in the coolest way possible. Read on for RTM's top water park picks:

Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort: New Braunfels, TX
This family-focused water park gets its name from Germany, where shlitterbahn means “slippery road” and is home to over 40 wet water rides – including uphill water coasters, tube chutes, wave pools and more. Consistently ranked number one in the nation, Schlitterbahn offers 65 acres of varied rides for kids of all ages (and adults too!) in central Texas.
For more information, visit www.schlitterbahn.com

Splashin’ Safari: Santa Claus, IN
Bright colored tubes and shutes of varying lengths, heights and twisty-turvy nature crowd this Indiana family haven. Pack up the kids and make it a road trip – only three hours southwest of Cincinnati and six south of Chicago, it makes for the perfect weekend cool down. An added bonus: tickets to Splashin’ Safari also allow you into sister theme park Holiday World.
For more information, visit www.holidayworld.com

Disney’s Blizzard Beach: Orlando, FL
When water alone can’t provide enough thrill, head to Disney’s wonderfully wet Blizzard Beach. You’ll find Summit Plummet – America’s tallest water slide that drops you a startling 120 feet at 55 miles per hour. If you’re looking for a calmer experience you may want to head to one of Disney’s other rides like the Slush Gusher speed slide, Teamboat Springs family rafting ride or Cross Country Creek for a lazy inner tube river.
For more information, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com

Noah’s Ark: Wisconsin Dells, WI
The largest in the nation, Noah’s Ark Water Park is a maze of water rides that stretches over 70 acres and houses two wave pools, two endless rivers, 36 waterslides – including one that snakes over 600 feet – and America’s longest watercoaster, Black Anaconda. Need we say more? Splash, slide or spiral down one of these steep thrills for the ultimate summer cool down.
For more information, visit www.noahsarkwaterpark.com

Raging Waters: San Dimas, CA
When the Pacific sands don’t suit, west-coasters head inland to Raging Waters. No worries – they’ve created their own sandy beach for sun gods and goddesses – and also play host to new Ragin’ Racer, an eight-laned, head-first racing water slide that shoots slippery guests to a black and white checkered finish line. Other rides like Dark Hole, Dragon’s Den and Neptune’s Fury are sure to excite even the most adventurous rider.
For more information, visit www.ragingwaters.com