What would a trip to Florida be without visiting one of the areas many waterparks? The Sunshine State is home to more major waterparks than any other state in the entire country. It makes sense given that the region sees some the hottest year round temperatures than any other state in the nation. If you are planning a summer road trip to the sticky south you might consider making a pit stop to cool off at the following Florida attractions. They are wet, wild and filled with wonderful ways to beat the scorching summer heat:
ORLANDO
Aquatica by SeaWorld is the new kid on the waterpark block. The attraction prides itself on offering something for everyone in the family and with its 36 slides, six rivers and lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of white sand beaches it seems to be meeting its goal. The park’s signature ride is the Dolphin Plunge, 250 feet of clear underwater tubes that plunge guests into a lagoon populated by charismatic black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins. The ride is supposed to make you feel as though you are swimming with the finned friends… and for a split second, you feel as though you are.
DAYTONA BEACH
Located about 55 miles from Orlando, Daytona Beach is home to Daytona Lagoon, a more modest waterpark that is incredibly kid friendly. The park’s most popular ride is the hair-raising Blackbeard’s Revenge. To get the full experience you climb the 62-foot tower and mount an inner tube, then take a 15 mph, six-story tumble down a twisting, pitch-black tunnel slide. And this summer the park is unveiling the brand-new Kraken’s Conquest–a four-lane, 55-foot-long ProRacer-series speed slide where you can challenge family and friends to a high-speed, watery showdown. When you’ve had enough of the water you can dry off and head to the park’s other attractions including miniature golf, thrill rides, and a rock-climbing wall.
WINTER HAVEN
Located about 75 miles from St. Petersburg is Splash Island at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida. The park boasts a massive interactive water-play area, featuring the towering Tikki Head, which dumps more than 300 gallons of water over visitors every few minutes. The waterpark is adjacent to Cypress Gardens theme park, which is home to concert venues, picturesque gardens, and numerous animal exhibits.
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