15 Water Park Day Trips from Jacksonville

When the temperature heats up and you want to get out of town for the day there are lots of water park day trips that are family friendly and just a short drive from Jacksonville. While these water park theme parks are fun for the family, also consider checking out some of Florida’s natural water attractions, Florida springs! Whether you’re looking to relax on a lazy river or take on some slides, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and even a rash guard to protect yourself from the sun while you’re keeping cool.

Aquatica Water Park Orlando

The official water park of SeaWorld, we love that Aquatica has lots to do for little and big kids. Big slides, little slides, slides that drop out from under you, whether you’re in the mood for big thrills or a slow ride, Aquatica has something for everyone. If you’re a fan of thrill rides, Aquatica Orlando doesn’t disappoint.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821

Buccaneer Bay at Weekie Wachee Springs State Park

Buccaneer Bay is located inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and features two tremendous water slides: the Cannonball and Pirate’s Revenge flumes. This park is notorious for filling up early and the park closes admission when capacity is reached each day.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3.5 hours
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606

Daytona Lagoon

A full day of fun awaits for the entire family, whether you prefer thrilling water slides, a wave pool swim, a multi-level family splash and play center, or to simply relax and float along the lazy river there are many ways for family water park time.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is unlike any water park experience available in Florida. One of our favorite water park day trips, this all inclusive resort offers meals, snacks, snorkeling, animal encounters and so much more. Ticket prices range based on experiences added on time of year visiting.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

Island H2O Live!

From exhilarating drop slides to relaxing wave pools, Island H2O Live! offers over 20 unique experiences at Orlando’s most immersive and technologically-advanced water park. Take a journey on a lazy river, float in a wave pool, splash in an area for kids, play together in an interactive splash zone, challenge body and tube slides, compete on racing slides, take a spin on giant raft rides, and relax in the adult pool or a private cabana.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747

LEGOLAND Florida Water Park

Get ready to slide, splash and build your way to fun at LEGOLAND® Water Park. From the LEGO® wave pool to the Build-A-Raft lazy river, tube slides, body slides and interactive water-play structures, Joker Soaker and DUPLO® Safari, the kids will soak up tons of fun!
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884

Nona Adventure Park

Nona Adventure Park is a water-based family entertainment center just outside of Orlando. Here you’ll find an enormous inflatable aqua park and obstacle course. In addition, there is a 60’ climbing tower, ropes course, and rock walls providing the ultimate outdoor adventure.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 14086 Centerline Dr, Orlando, FL 32827

Ragans Family Campground

From the water slide to our zero-entry swimming pool; Ragans Water Zone at Ragans Family Campground has something for everyone. There is plenty to do for thrill seekers big and small. For those preferring a more relaxing visit, float along the lazy river.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 1051 SW Old St. Augustine Road, Madison, FL 32340

Splash Island Waterpark Wild Adventures

Beat the heat at the perfect spot to cool down all summer long. Inside of Wild Adventures theme park, Splash Island Waterpark has attractions for both thrill and chill-seekers alike in one of the top waterparks in the country. Drop down from Bonzai Pipelines and Kona Cliffs, splash around in a wave pool at Catch-A-Wave Bay, go with the flow of the relaxing Paradise River, and lounge in the shade while the little ones play at Ohana Bay.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601

St. Marys Aquatic Center

St. Marys Aquatic Center is a seven acre recreational swimming facility located in Southeast Georgia. There are three separate water attractions including a lazy river, interactive children’s play area, and a lap pool with a two-story twister slide. There are also concessions, lockers, restrooms and changing areas all on site.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Address: 301 Herb Bauer Drive, St Marys, GA 31558

Summer Waves Water Park

Known for its cool, refreshing waters, clean surroundings, and amazing views of the Jekyll River, Summer Waves offers a variety of ways to beat the heat this season. From lazy laps around Turtle Creek to high-speed thrills down Pirate’s Passage, there’s no limit to the special memories you’ll make. 
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 210 S Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Typhoon Lagoon is a Disney Water Park comparable in size to Blizzard Beach. There are eleven waterslides and streams, some as long as 420 feet, drop from the top of a 100-foot-tall man-made mountain.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 1145 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is Universal Studio’s water park. This tropical oasis has four themed areas inspired by the Pacific Isles, each with a mixture of both relaxing and thrilling experiences. For those looking for adventure, the 200-foot-tall volcano, towers at the heart of the theme park with water slides that twist and turn throughout it. If you’re looking to unwind, enjoy a slow tube ride through the winding river.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Wekiva Falls Water Park

The Wekiva Falls Water Park swimming lagoon is fed by a large sulfur spring and surrounded by a cement deck with lounge chairs and two beaches. We love that has shallow parts perfect for smaller kids and depths of 8-10 feet by the slides and spring. There is a per person fee to access the water park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 30700 Wekiva River Road, Sorrento, FL 32776

Blizzard Beach

A Disney property, Blizzard Beach tons of spots to slide, splash, and have fun with the family. All water areas are heated, with the exception of the melting snow in the ice cave of Cross Country Creek. Blizzard Beach is open year round, with the exception of scheduled maintenance.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 1534 Blizzard Beach Drive, Orlando, FL 32836

Local Bonus: Shipwreck Island at Adventure Landing

If you’re looking for water park day trips where you don’t have to leave town, then here in Jacksonville be sure to check out Shipwreck Island Water Park at Adventure Landing. With slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, it’s a great spot to spend the day and keep the kids cool during those long, hot summers.

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