What Are the Best Amusement and Water Parks in Indiana and Kentucky?

If you’re looking for a thrilling and unforgettable summer adventure, the states of Indiana and Kentucky offer a fantastic selection of amusement parks and water parks. 

Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding roller coasters for the thrills, refreshing water slides or wade pools for chilling out or just good, clean, family fun, these two states have something for everyone.

Where Can You Go in Indiana?

Indiana may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about amusement parks and water parks, but the state offers some wonderful attractions that promise a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages. Here are a few of the most notable:

1. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari 

Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is a top-tier destination for both amusement park and water park enthusiasts. Holiday World offers a variety of thrilling roller coasters, including The Raven, The Legend and The Voyage – which is the top-rated wooden roller coaster in the United States.

Meanwhile, Splashin’ Safari boasts an impressive selection of water attractions, including water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and a water coaster. This family-owned park is known for its exceptional cleanliness and friendly staff and even offers free soft drinks throughout the park!

2. Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park

Situated in Monticello, Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park is a charming destination nestled along the shores of Lake Shafer. The park features a mix of classic amusement rides, including roller coasters like the Hoosier Hurricane and Tig’rr Coaster, as well as somewhat tamer attractions like Dodg’em Bumper Cars and Cap’N Crow Bumper Boats. 

The water park, too, is packed with thrilling slides, like Big Flush, and pools. With its nostalgic atmosphere, sandy beach and beautiful lake views, there are memorable experiences to be had here for visitors of all ages.

3. Deep River Waterpark 

Located in the Metro Chicagoland area of Crown Point, Deep River Waterpark is Indiana’s largest water park. It offers visitors a wide range of attractions and features exhilarating water slides like the Dragon (which will send you flying down a slide at 35 mph), a lazy river, wave pools, and a large interactive water play area for children. 

Deep River Waterpark is highly regarded for its well-maintained facilities, easygoing staff and affordability, offering a refreshing “splash-tactic” escape during hot summer days. 

4. Splash Island Family Waterpark 

Situated in the recreation center in Plainfield, Indiana,  Splash Island is a popular destination for water park fun. The 4.5-acre water park is packed full of entertainment to explore, including three water slides, a lazy river and a special interactive play area for the kids. 

Splash Island offers a safe and family-friendly environment, making it an excellent choice for visitors seeking aquatic adventures and a little relaxation.

5. Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center 

Located right in the middle of Kokomo, the Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center is a beloved water park within the state that offers both daily admission rates and season passes. For those who happen to live close by, this is a great place to bring the entire family for frequent fun in the sun. 

The park boasts water slides, a swimming pool, wade pools and splash pads for the younger kids, and there are food stands where you can fill up on your favorite summer goodies while you’re there.

What Does Kentucky Have to Offer?

When you think of Kentucky, you probably think of bourbon and horses – but you might want to think “tons of excitement,” because that’s what you can find at all of the following places: 

1. Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay 

Situated in Louisville, Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay is a premier destination for thrill-seekers and water park enthusiasts who are seeking “hassle-free” adventures and some memorable experiences all season long! 

Kentucky Kingdom has everything from a giant Ferris wheel and roller coasters to bumper cars and wade pools, so there’s plenty here for both the wildly adventurous to the more timid, first-time riders. You’ll also find water play areas in Hurricane Bay and The LEGO® Movie™ 4D Experience. 

2. Beech Bend Amusement Park 

Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Beech Bend Park is a combination amusement park, racetrack and campground that has been a recreation destination for families since the 1880s (although the park didn’t start development until the 1940s.) 

The Beech Bend Raceway has tons of events, including Tuesday Night Street Drags and the Nostalgia Nationals. The park itself has tons of thrilling rides, including the Air Race, Zero G and Vortex, while folks who like to keep their feet on the ground will enjoy the Go Carts, Haunted House and Lazer Fury 360. 

3. Big Splash Adventure 

Situated in French Lick, Big Splash Adventure is a delightful indoor water park that offers year-round fun and convenient hotel accommodations that can make it much easier for families to enjoy their stay. 

Big Splash Adventure is known for its tropical-themed environment and its convenient location near other attractions in the French Lick area. There are more than 40,000 square feet stuffed with everything from the Pirate’s Plunder slide and a Lost Treasure Lagoon.

4. Venture River Family Water Park

If you love water parks and water slides, you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to visit the Venture River Family Water Park in Eddyville, Kentucky. 

The park offers a lazy river, a wave pool, and a dedicated children’s area – but the real attraction is probably the slides. Check out the twists and turns of TurBoa or plunge yourself over Amanzi Falls before you relax on Old Man River or chill out with the kids on Frog Island. The friendly atmosphere here makes this a fun place that is suitable for visitors of all ages. 

5. Lost River Cave and Valley 

There are boat tours and then there are underground boat tours – and that makes this a unique experience that’s definitely worth your time. 

Situated in Bowling Green, the Lost River Cave isn’t exactly an amusement park, but it does offer hiking trails, tons of activities for families and an eco-adventure that will let you see ancient Native American hunting grounds, Jesse James’ old hideout and an underground nightclub that was swinging back in the 1930s.

If you’re feeling inspired, get the suitcases out and pack the kids into the car for a road trip to one of these great destinations. It’s a perfect way to have a little mini-vacation this summer while creating fantastic memories for the future.