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Find Your Best Michigan Indoor Waterpark NOW!
Looking for the best indoor water parks in Michigan?
With the end of summer comes the end of swimming at the great beaches of Michigan, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of swimming and water fun all together…you just need an indoor waterpark Michigan-style!
Michigan is home to many water parks so you, your friends, and your family won’t have to say goodbye to aquatic fun just yet.
Whether you’re a chaotic date night enjoyer, or you’re looking for a fun family activity, Michigan’s indoor waterparks are a perfect choice. We’re also throwing in a favorite outdoor waterpark or two, as well, because we these spots are just so much fun.
Read on if you are looking for a “waterpark near me” or if you are looking for the best waterparks in Michigan!
Indoor Water Parks in Northern Michigan
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark at Boyne Mountain Resort
Address: 1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
At more than 88,000 square feet, this is the largest indoor water park in Michigan. We were there when it first opened, and Boyne Mountain Resort really broke the mold with this popular spot.
A giant waterpark AND one of Michigan’s top ski resorts? What else could you possibly want? We love that in the winter, after a day spent on the icy slopes or ice skating, you can continue the fun in a warm indoor pool.
Those in your party not eager to ski can spend their day at the water park, with more than enough to keep busy.
Home of the waterpark-famous super loop “The Big Couloir,” Avalanche Bay indoor water park has a plethora of indoor play activities to choose from. You’ll find four pools, eight waterslides, a lazy river, and pool basketball, too.
Just as Boyne Mountain was where we first earned to ski, the Rip Zone Surf Simulator was where we first (almost) learned to surf. The surf simulator is a top feature of this park.
The four-lane Downhill Mat Racer is a favorite, too: racing friends and family down a water slide is so much fun no one quite cares who won.
You can also get knocked to your knees by an 800-gallon waterfall, unlike any waterfall you’ve ever experienced.
DON’T-MISS: Boyne Mountain Resort is a year-round destination: we have just as much fun in the winter on the slopes as we do in the summer and fall. In the summer, you can golf, play tennis, hike, and bike around the sprawling grounds.
Deer Lake, a small inland lake is nearby with a beach, paddleboards, and little boats. In the fall, the leaf-peeping is amazing as the fall color turns from green to brilliant reds, yellows, and golds. Enjoy the most beautiful fall colors of Michigan on the daily chairlift into the trees.
IF YOU GO: Boyne Mountain is just a short drive away from both Petoskey and Charlevoix, two of the top vacation destinations in Michigan. No matter the season, be sure and include some time in your trip to visit this charming city on the bay.
Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park *ADA Accessible Features
Address: 3575 N U.S. 31, Traverse City, MI 49684
If you’re looking for family-sized fun, check out the Great Wolf Lodge. Located in Traverse City, this northern Michigan lodge is well-equipped. It’s one of the most popular indoor water parks in Michigan, too.
We’re talking about tube slides that will raise your thrill level, a four-story treehouse play structure that’s jam-packed with water games, and water slides just the right size for younger kids and toddlers.
You’ll also find an activity pool at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. Additionally, you’ll find hot tubs just for the adults to unwind and take a much-needed break from a family vacation.
The nice thing about this spot is that there really is something to do for families with kids of different ages.
Feel a draw to pack the whole family into a raft and float down a river? They’ve got a family raft ride just for you called River Canyon run. All of this seem a little too exciting for you? Laze about down their lazy river Crooked Creek and try to forget about work on Monday.
If you don’t want to stay overnight in their pure Michigan lodge-style hotel, you can always pick up a day pass instead.
DON’T-MISS: Try and plan an extra day or two into your visit to explore the Leelanau Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, both under an hour away by car.
This is some of the most stunning landscape in Michigan, and you’ll find charming towns and villages tucked in with the natural beauty.
IF YOU GO: There’s always something fun to do in Traverse City, no matter the season. Be sure and plan an extra day or two to explore this fun area set right in Grand Traverse Bay.
*ADA-accessible features include:
The following attraction features exist for guests with special requirements:
- Pool areas with some combination of sloped zero-depth entries, transport systems or pool lifts for accessibility
- A limited number of waterproof wheelchairs are available for use at no charge
Soaring Eagle Waterpark
Address: 5665 E Pickard Rd, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
If you plan to visit any waterpark in Michigan, put this mid-Michigan water park on your list of the top three.
Ever wanted to go surfing but stopped short (because your mom said doing so in the ocean is “too dangerous”)? If so, this is your spot: Soaring Eagle has a true surf experience for all of us wannabe surfers.
Our favorite is a ride down Loons Loop, a three-story slide that plays music as you ride and dazzles you with colorful lights as well. It’s one of the coolest body slides in the country.
Ever balanced on a floating acorn? No? Well, here you can on splash pads designed as acorns.
If you’re curious where the park gets its traditions, be sure and take a seat with resident storyteller Nokomis, who tells stories from her childhood in the tribe of Saginaw Chippewa.
DON’T-MISS: Mount Pleasant is home to Central Michigan University, which is fun to explore. We also like to head to nearby Midland, MI (about 30 minutes away by car) and walk The Tridge, a unique three-legged bridge spanning three rivers in downtown Midland.
Fairview Beachfront Inn Hotel & Waterpark
Address: 907 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Though this waterpark is your average hotel waterpark, it’s the location that matters most. situated nearly on top of Lake Huron, you can enjoy late-night campfires on the beach and swim in the lake during the summer, and enjoy the waterpark during the colder seasons.
The shopping and dining opportunities are endless in Mackinaw City, making it the place to be and the place to stay whenever you feel the need or perhaps just the desire to have a quick siesta.
N’T-MISS: Be sure and take the trip over the Mackinac Bridge, a marvel of modern architecture into the Upper Peninsula. St. Ignace, which is right over the bridge, is home to beautiful lakefront parks and some of the best pasties in the U.P…we’re looking at YOU, Lehto’s Pasties.
IF YOU GO: If you plan your trip in late spring to late fall, make sure you include enough time for a trip to Mackinac Island, a must-visit on your Michigan travel bucket list. We have a guide to the best things to do when you’re visiting Mackinac Island here. Use our guide to the best places to stay on Mackinac Island.
Indoor Water Parks in South and Mid-Michigan
Bavarian Inn and Lodge Waterpark
Address: 1 Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
The Bavarian Inn bills their water park as the only “living room water park,” because you can literally walk right out of your hotel living room and into the waterpark. How’s that for convenience?
Equipped with 4 pools, 3 whirlpools, and 2 slides the water park will keep the kids entertained as well as the adults during the day.
At night, the lodge has even more to offer with indoor Mini Golf, a family fun center, and a pretzel rolling class that takes place every Saturday and Sunday. There are great dining options, too, here. Every chicken dish at the Bavarian Lodge restaurant is a must-have along with everything else on their menu, you’ll stay overnight just for another chance at the menu.
DON’T-MISS: It’s Christmas every day in Frankenmuth, MI, so be prepared to get in the holiday spirit no matter when you visit. Frankenmuth is home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which bills itself as the “Largest Christmas Store in the World.”
You’ll need at least half a day to make your way through this fun store, whether you’re shopping or just browsing.
IF YOU GO: The iconic Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth is a destination in itself, from it’s covered bridge to its exquisitely manicured grounds.
Zehnder’s Splash Village and Hotel
Address: 1365 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Zehnder’s (of the famous chicken dinners) is more than just a hotel and restaurant: it’s also home to one of the most popular indoor waterparks in Michigan.
With two distinct indoor water parks, you’ll be sure to find some fun at this Frankenmuth waterpark hotel, and with its retractable roof you’re sure to get in a nice tan, too.
It’s a great option for those with children as the whimsical whirl hot tubs are decorated with large mushrooms…giving it an “Alice in Wonderland”-effect.
There’s enough here to keep your family busy for hours, including a geyser-equipped play area for those kids who enjoy feeling the power of being behind a powerful water gun. If you’re a sports fan, you can take those sports to the water with water basketball and water volleyball.
You can also find something to snack on when you take break from the fun. There are two places for dining: Elf Hollow Cafe and The Mushroom Grille.
Don’t forget to stop in the gift shop to pick up a trinket to remind yourself of the fun you had at one of the many splash villages.
DON’T-MISS: We always try and make our visit to Frankenmuth at least two days, because you’ll want to get outside and explore Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.”
From trying an iconic Chicken Dinner at Zehnder’s to browsing the shops, you’ll need at least two days to explore everything.
IF YOU GO: Frankenmuth is surrounded by farms, and the farm markets in this area are really amazing, overflowing with fresh produce straight from the farms, delicious, fresh-from-the-over baked goods and other home spun treats.
Make it a point to visit, if you can, and find more of Michigan’s best farmers markets.
Wyndham Gardens Sterling Inn Indoor Water Park NOW CLOSED
Address: 34911 Van Dyke Ave Sterling Heights, MI 48312
If you are looking for a slightly smaller waterpark Wyndham Garden Sterling Inn is the park for you.
While still equipped with everything one needs for a good waterpark, 3 story slides, spinning vortex pool, lazy river, geysers, and an interactive splash play park it’s maybe less overwhelming than a bigger park, equipped with many slides, wave pools, it’s no Kalahari Resort but it does the job well enough.
Surfari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness Water Park TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Address: 8258 Arnt Blvd, I-94 and M-140 Exit 41, Watervliet, MI 49098
This waterpark is sure to excite the little ones with two extreme waterslides that take you outside the park and then shoot you back in.
Play in the playland that features a dumping bucket that’s sure to send a chill down your spine if you are unfortunate enough to get caught by its chilly contents. Go on a ride down the Zambezi river and make a splash landing, run with friends or family, and take a swim in the activity pool.
Romulus Athletic Center
Address: 35765 Northline Rd, Romulus, MI 48174
Need quick getaway or dip in an indoor pool with water in metro Detroit during those busy fall and winter months? Look no farther than Wayne County, home to an amazing indoor water wonderland.
The Romulus Athletic Center is one of many local athletic centers that come equipped with waterpark amenities, and features a two-story waterslide, lazy river, splash pool, lap pool, and outdoor splash pool for summer outdoor play.
The Romulus Athletic Center indoor pool is the perfect place for birthday parties, hanging out with friends, and of course relaxing in a hot tub.
This location has also offered summer camps in the past, however not since 2015. Keep watching their website for updates.
DON’T-MISS: We’re so in love with all of the cool things going on in downtown Detroit, just about 20 minutes down the expressway from Romulus.
Beautiful Belle Isle is a 1,000-acre park in the middle of the Detroit River. This natural oasis features ponds, trails for hiking and biking, an aquarium and even a beach!
IF YOU GO: Carve out some time to visit Detroit and put both Eastern Market ( the largest indoor market in the country) and Detroit’s Riverwalk on your list.
Indoor Water Parks in West Michigan
Gold Rush Waterpark
Address: 5900 S Water Rd, Rothbury, MI 49452
With 60,000-square feet of water park fun, Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark is home to west Michigan’s tallest indoor water slide.
Located at the Double JJ Resort at the Gold Rush Indoor Water Park, it’s little off-the-beaten-path compared to some of the other indoor water parks in Michigan, but it’s most definitely worth the trip.
Water fun galore is this waterpark’s specialty with its wave pool, largest indoor western MI waterslide and water fort. A separate toddler pool makes it a bit more enjoyable for younger crowd, too.
DON’T-MISS: There’s a lot of awesome activities going on year-round at the Double JJ Resort, including horseback riding, mini-golfing, and the Back Forty Swimming Hole, an outdoor water park on the property. We recommend making this a weekend getaway or road trip.
IF YOU GO: The Double JJ Resort is located between two of Michigan’s most popular tourist destinations, Grand Rapids and Ludington, MI.
Holland Community Aquatic Zone
Address: 550 Maple Avenue,, Holland, MI 49423
With all of the amazing things that Holland has to offer visitors, did you know there’s a 150-foot water slide on that list? The newly-opened Holland Aquatic Center is home to that as well as huge Splash Zone, Water Canons and even a zip line that goes right across the pool!
An indoor Center for all things aquatic, this community center will meet all of your water fun needs whether you are a child or an adult.
Challenge a friend to the giant floating obstacle course, climb a floating iceberg, slide on the 150-foot slide, fire at your friends with water cannons, and much much more.
It’s the perfect place for fun, swimming lessons, water therapy, and more.
DON’T MISS: If you’re going to Holland, plan ahead so you make sure to see as much as you can. This area’s rich Dutch history is evident throughout the area, from the tulip farms, wooden shoe stores and even their popular Kerstmarkt, an holiday market featuring local vendors. Use our Ultimate Guide to Holland to help plan your visit.
IF YOU GO: Be sure and make your way to Holland State Park. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this is one of the the most-visited state parks in Michigan. The best news? Due to the wide sand beach, smalls dunes for hiking and Mt. Pisgah, a towering 150-foot dune, you never feel crowded. It’s also one of the most ADA-accessible parks in the state, with wide, paved paths and and ADA-accessible playgrounds.
More Indoor Water Parks Worth Checking Out
Allegan Aquatics Center
1560 M-40, Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-7002 ext. 5504
Crown Choice Inn & Suites Waterpark
720 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
(231) 436-5929
Splash Universe Dundee
Temporarily Closed
100 Whitetail Dr, Dundee, MI 48131
Castaway Bay
2001 Cleveland Rd W, Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 627-2106
Outdoor Water Parks in Michigan
Here are few fun outdoor waterparks worth checking out, too!
Michigans Adventure Water Park
Address: 4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445
Michigan’s Adventures water park includes an abundance of opportunities for fun in the water.
The wave pools, or Boogie Beach, are for both shallow-water floaters and deep-water swimmers. The waves are generated in intervals of five minutes on, followed by five minutes off. This gives you time to float around and enjoy the water, as well as body surf on the waves.
Waterford Oaks
Address: 1702 Scott Lake Rd, Waterford Twp, MI 48328
This popular spot in southeast Michigan offers fun for all ages. Waterford Oaks’ tropical wave pool features palm trees and bubbler fountains near the shore. A children’s water playground features more than 30 interactive activities. All the pools here are heated, too.
Red Oaks Waterpark
Address: 1455 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
This fun, family-friendly waterpark in Oakland County has lots to offer. You’ll find a wave-action pool, a triple-flume waterslide; and a new children’s Splash Pad with 52 interactive water features. The Splash Pad and wave pools water are heated, too.
Action Wake Park
Address: 3320 Hudson Trails Dr, Hudsonville, MI 49426
This is Michigan’s only full-sized, cable wakeboard park. Learn how to wakeboard, water ski and kneeboard in a controlled environment with out the need for a boat at this west Michigan outdoor water park.
Kensington Metroparks Splash-N-Blast
A sprawling waterpark set on Martindale Beach in Kensington Metropark is a Michigan-must. You’ll find two 240-foot twisty waterslides, and splash pad/spray park, too. Martindale Beach is just one of many great beaches in metro Detroit.
