The Best Places to Go Swimming with Kids in Orlando: Water Parks, Springs and more!
Whether you’re a local or visiting, Orlando is full of places to cool off. No matter the time of year there are plenty of places for swimming in Orlando, especially with kids. From whimsical water parks to natural springs and everything in between, there are many ways to make a splash. And with our guide to the best places to take your kids to go swimming, you might just impress your kids.
If you are coming to Orlando, or you’re a local looking for a staycation, scope out these Orlando Hotels with Water Parks, Orlando Water Parks, and other swimming destinations in Orlando.
Our Favorite Water Parks and Places to Go Swimming in Orlando with the Kids
Would you rather cool off at a splash pad? Check out these 10 Awesome Splash Pads in Orlando.
1. Aquatica
Venture over to SeaWorld Orlando for a great day together at Aquatica Orlando Water Park. This spot is full of bright colors, sea life theming, and chock-full of waterslides. Aquatica Orlando is our pick for the best water park for older toddlers and young kids because it has the largest collection of water slides in Orlando.
NEW Kids Area at Aquatica Orlando
Better yet, an ALL-NEW water play area, Turi’s Kid Cove, opened May 18th within Aquatica. Families can play among watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and more. Plus, kids can grab a tube and slide into fun on the Tamariki Twirl water slide featuring a pint-sized half pipe just for them!
This new play area is located between Big Surf Shores and Mango Market. The entire area is zero-entry and water which is perfect for wading with little ones. There are lots of hands-on water features and fountains.
Best of all, Turi’s Kid Cove features 10 slides ranging from itty-bitty mild to slightly wild. Parents can ride on rafts with their kids on three of the slides. It is such a treat!
Single day tickets start at $99.99, but are currently Half-Off ($46.99) for their Memorial Day Sale.
2. ResortPass hotels
If you’re dreaming of using a hotel’s pool for the day, consider ResortPass, a service that allows families to book everything from admission to a property’s pools and water parks to a private poolside cabana.
From the Melia Orlando Celebration, which has a zero-entry heated pool with food and beverage service, to the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Park Resort, which boasts 14 water slides, ResortPass makes it easy to look for pools that meet your family’s needs and book the ability to swim at them.
Prices vary based on properties and experiences.
DISCOVER MORE: Kid-Friendly Orlando Hotels with Day-Use Pools
3. Universal’s Volcano Bay
Everything about Universal Orlando Resort’s lone water park, Volcano Bay, will make your family feel transported to an island in the South Seas for a day of sun and fun. Volcano Bay not only offers the best wave pool in Orlando, but it’s home to water slides, splash pads, and even the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, a water-powered roller coaster guaranteed to make for a memorable time.
With some advance planning, parents can also snag a private cabana at Volcano Bay for an extra fee, giving kids a place to relax and take a break from all that splashing.
Single day tickets starts at $70 for adults, $65 for kids.
4. De Leon Springs
The clear waters of this Florida State Park were once called “healing waters” by the Mayaca Indians who lived there. While we can’t guarantee swimming at De Leon Springs will heal you, the waters routinely stay at around 72 degrees, making them the perfect temperature for a dip.
There are no lifeguards on duty at this swimming spot, and reasonably-sized rafts and floats are permitted in the area. Kayaks and tubes are also available for rent. And there is a new small playground at De Leon Springs State Park.
Admission is $6 per vehicle.
5. Wekiwa Springs
Another Florida State Park perfect for swimming, Wekiwa Springs is a crystal clear swimming area that allows parents to pack floatation devices and is a great location for a picnic lunch. Like De Leon Springs, there is no lifeguard on duty at this swimming area, so exercise caution and keep little ones close by.
Admission is $6 per vehicle.
DISCOVER MORE: The BEST Springs Near Orlando for Kids
6. Kelly Park
Another of Central Florida’s springs, Kelly Park at Rock Springs is a popular destination for a relaxing day of tubing. Tubes may be rented outside the park from third-party businesses, or families can bring their own pool noodle-style floats for their trip along the river.
Parenting Pro-tip: Bring along your own lock and make use of the complimentary lockers.
The park also has life jackets available for kids who aren’t strong swimmers.
Park admission is $3 for 1 to 2 people and $5 for parties of 3 to 8.
7. Local Community Pools
If you’re visiting Orlando this next spot to go swimming with kids may not be for you. But if you’re local don’t forget about the many community pools around Orlando.
Check with your own city’s parks and recreation department for any offerings. Some of our favorite Orlando area community pools include:
- Cady Way Pool – Winter Park
- James R. Smith Pool – Orlando
- Westmonte Park Pool and Water Play – Altamonte Springs
- Wirz Park Pool – Casselberry
You can browse a listing of all the local pools in the city of Orlando.
8. Island H2O Water Park
Located at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Island H2O Water Park is worth a visit for its incredible water slides and its food, which is anything but typical water park fare. In addition to a lazy river with beautiful views of the park, Island H2O also has a large, lagoon-style wave pool and tons of spots for smaller kids to splash about.
With water slides designed for all levels of adventurousness and great Florida Resident and Weekday Admission rates, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Admission is $59.99/adult or $49.99/child. Save $5 per ticket by purchasing in advance.
9. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Like any Walt Disney World park, the theming at Typhoon Lagoon is part of what makes it great. In addition to water slides, tube rides, and arguably the craziest wave pool you’ll ever see (and the largest one in North America), you’ll also find Disney-quality snacks throughout the water park.
And, Disney offers a bit more flexibility with its water parks than in its four theme parks: No park reservation is required to visit.
Keep an eye out for characters you won’t find anywhere else while visiting Typhoon Lagoon, as you never know if Stitch or Goofy in a swimsuit will stroll by for a photo op.
BONUS: this May 20th – September 2, 2023, Typhoon Lagoon will be hosting H2O Glow After Hours Party from 8pm – 11pm for three hours of “glow”rious fun under the stars including glowing decor, glow-themed treats, a dance party, and more. H2O Glow After Party tickets sold separately.
2-day Florida resident water park tickets start at $69.
10. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (Currently closed for seasonal refurbishment. Stay tuned for opening day announcements!)
Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park was recently refurbished to include Frozen touches throughout, making it a special swimming spot for the Anna, Elsa, and Olaf fans in your home. In addition to splash pads, water slides, and tube rides, the park is another hot spot for rare Disney characters and snacks.
And, like its sister park, Typhoon Lagoon, there are zero park reservations required.
2-day Florida resident water park tickets start at $69, but the park is again temporarily closed for refurbishment.
BONUS IDEA – Discovery Cove
The only all-inclusive theme park in Orlando, Discovery Cove is owned by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and just may be the ultimate in Orlando water park fun. At Discovery Cove, guests can snorkel with massive rays, swim with tropical fish, and splash with otters in lazy rivers. And, the cost of admission also includes meals, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen, greatly limiting what parents need to pack in those day bags.
For added fees, guests can choose bonus activities like swimming with dolphins or sharks.
Make the most of it with our tips for visiting Discovery Cove with kids.
Single day base packages start at $140 per person, but Florida Resident discounts are available.
