Indoor Water Parks in Michigan

About Indoor Water Parks in Michigan

Indoor water parks are designed to provide customers with a similar experience to that of an outdoor seasonal waterslide facility, but are located entirely indoors to keep the slipping and sliding going all through the yearly cold weather.

At an indoor water park, you may find:

• Wave pools
• Waterslides of different intensity
• Children’s areas
• Traditional swimming pool
• Lazy river

It is important to realize that an indoor water park is smaller than a full-scale outdoor park you can visit during summer vacation. Due to space and size limitations, it’s a good idea to check out your destination on the internet before you visit so you know exactly what to expect. If you love water slides and can’t get enough of summer, chances are you will love this smaller-scale replication and swim your way to summer!

Choosing an Indoor Water Park

You will find a variety of choices when it comes to water parks in Michigan.

Avalanche Bay

Located in Boyne Falls in Northern Michigan, Avalanche Bay enjoys the bragging rights of being the state’s largest indoor water park. The Winter Wonderland theme includes a Swiss-Austrian cityscape, but the weather-proofed indoor complex is kept at a comfy 84 degrees year round.

Encourage kids to pay a visit to Splasherhorn, Avalanche Bay’s children’s play structure, which features multi-level bridges, waterfalls, and miniature slides. Every 10 minutes the mountain erupts into a roar of water, which pours down and douses everyone in its path. Aspiring surfers of all ages will enjoy Ripzone, a surfing simulator that teaches anyone how to catch a wave. If you love to rock climb, South Wall is where you will want to be. This wet and slippery climbing wall is perfect for daredevils looking for a refreshing climbing adventure.

Lastly, end your afternoon with the Glacier Hot Springs, a dual hot tub area ideal for the ultimate in relaxation.

Great Wolf Lodge

The Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is another popular resort park. With a northwoods theme, this park appeals to young and old, and the Bear Track Landing indoor park offers many different attractions, including a four story, 12 level interactive fun fortress, tube, body, and kiddie water slides, and a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket to cover everyone with a splashy surprise.

In addition to the indoor water park, the Great Wolf Lodge also offers an outdoor water park area that is open seasonally. The outdoor Thunder Bay area includes water basketball, a sun deck, family cabanas, and plenty of geysers and fountains for everyone to enjoy.

Small Parks

Don’t wait for summer splashes!

Many hotels in Michigan feature small indoor water parks, making it a perfect bonus for the entire family. Get your kids away from the complimentary cable TV and into the pool with these options if the larger resorts fit into your itinerary or budget.

• Zehnder’s Splash Village: This small park is part of the Frankenmuth Hotels & Waterparks chain. Located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, the park includes two four-story tube slides known as Giggling Gorge and Perilous Plunge. You will also find a play area complete with a 400-gallon dumping bucket and a tree house style tube slide. Enjoy the lazy river which encircles the entire waterpark if thrill and adventure aren’t for you. You will also find a toddler area and a hot tub for both big and small splashers.
• Double JJ Ranch & Golf Resort: This water park is loads of fun, including a family-sized indoor white water rafting ride, an activity pool, and a full-scale kids area. One of the most creatively designed indoor water parks found in a Michigan hotel, the Western theme provides an element of novelty not found anywhere else. The resort also includes golfing and horseback riding, everyone can enjoy the hotel’s scenic areas.
• Best Western Sterling Inn: This Sterling Heights hotel near Detroit includes an indoor water park for guests to enjoy, complete with a zero depth pool, bubble seats, vortex and traditional water slides, lazy river, whirlpools, sauna and more for all ages.

Visitor Tips

While indoor water parks in Michigan can be enjoyed year round, the same safety rules apply to avoid water slide oops. You may not have to worry about sunburns or where you left your beach towel, but it is still important to follow all guidelines posted on attractions.

• Check all height requirements before hopping onto a slide. Some are not designed for small children, no matter how fearless.
• Some clothing and swimsuits are not considered to be appropriate attire. Check before you arrive to avoid an embarrassing hassle.
• Never run on slides or decks. Indoor water parks are extra slippery, as there is no sunshine to dry the “shores.” Take extra precautions and set an example for others by walking carefully on all surfaces.
• Remember that some hotel-based water parks offer priority and special perks to hotel guests. Be conscientious of this before your arrival and find out what you are or are not permitted to do.

Bring that extra dose of fun to your next family vacation at the indoor water parks in Michigan, no matter what area of the state you choose to visit!