There is so much more to do in Las Vegas than gambling and exploring some of the world’s best casinos.

If the hot days in the desert are getting to you, there is no better way to cool down than in one of Las Vegas’s fantastic water parks, which have some of the best heart-stopping waterslides in the area.

Let the fun begin whether you’re traveling with the entire family, as a couple, or by yourself.

There is no better way to enjoy the hot weather than by the water. Here are the 7 best water parks in Las Vegas!

Water parks in las vegas

1. Cowabunga Bay Waterpark

The Cowabunga Bay Waterpark lies in the southeast of Las Vegas in the Henderson area, which can be reached in around 30 minutes from the city center.

The waterpark has a total of ten slides, a lazy river, and tons of different pools to choose from.

One of the best slides for families is the Beach Blanket Banzai. Four people can fit on a raft and race others down the 60 feet slide with sharp bends, drops as well as a 180-degree turn.

Then there is the Surf-A-Rama Wave Pool which guarantees the ultimate adrenaline boost for anyone looking for a bit of adventure.

Try bodysurfing waves up to four feet high, which sounds a lot easier than it is!

The park is suitable for all ages, including young children, as there are lots of calmer pools and attractions to choose from.

If you’re planning on visiting the Cowabunga Bay Waterpark, make sure to buy your ticket online in advance for 5$ off.

2. Mandalay Bay Beach

Mandalay Bay Beach is often described as a water playground and not really a water park, but it’s arguably one of Las Vegas’s most famous attractions.

Located right in the heart of the city, the Mandalay can be easily reached on foot from the Strip, which makes it easy and convenient to get to.

It’s technically part of the large Mandalay Bay Hotel complex, but during the week, outsiders can access it for a fee. Lie in the sun all day, swim, or just relax by the lagoon.

While most other water parks in Las Vegas are designed for fun and action, the Mandalay Bay Beach is all about relaxation and enjoying yourself.

Rent a cabana on the sand, sip a cocktail at the beach bar, and drift in the lazy river. If you are getting hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for lunch or an early dinner.

Some areas of the Mandalay Bay Beach are adults-only, although the majority are kid-friendly.

If you are planning a trip with your partner, make sure to check out these 8 romantic things to do in Las Vegas!

Las Vegas water parks

3. The Tank

The Tank in downtown Las Vegas is not technically a water park, but its unique water slide, which runs through a giant 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium, earns it a place on this list.

If you’re looking for bucket list experiences you will never forget this is the place to go.

After you’ve had enough of the slide, you can swim in the nearby pool and watch the sharks, relax in a hot tub, or enjoy cocktails at one of the bars.

You can also rent a cabana or a daybed which starts at 45$ per person.

Come early if you’re planning on visiting the Tank since it is very popular among tourists and will become crowded during the day.

4. Wet ‘n’ Wild

As the name suggests, the Wet ‘n’ Wild is perfect for an action-filled day with lots of exciting activities.

The waterpark is located just 20 minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip and includes eight slides, two pools, and two separate areas just for kids.

The attractions are rated from mild, moderate, to max thrill levels, so there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.

If you’re visiting the Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park with your friends, make sure to try the Desert Racer Slide, where you can race others on six parallel tracks at once.

To avoid long wait times, buy your ticket online in advance.

5. Aqua Park At Lake Las Vegas

The Aqua Park is probably one of Las Vegas’s most popular water parks and sits just 35 minutes from downtown.

There is a large area with inflatable slides, floating trampolines, swings, and much more, which acts as a sort of obstacle course and is a lot of fun to complete.

The admission price for a 45-minute slot on the inflatables is $27, but it is more than worth it.

Lake Las Vegas has a lot to offer, including renting kayaks, stand-up paddles, electric boats, and more.

Just make sure to be on time if you bought a ticket online. Otherwise, your slot might be moved to later in the day.

Best water parks in Las Vegas

6. Desert Breeze Aquatic Center

The Desert Breeze Aquatic Centre in Spring Valley, Las Vegas, is one of the smaller water parks on this list. However, it is also a lot less crowded and still offers a lot of exciting things to do.

There are two slides, a shallow beach pool, and an in-water play structure which is perfect for kids.

Because the entry fee is just 3$ for adults and 2$ for children under 17, this is a fantastic water park to visit on a budget or with a larger group. If you’re trying to make your trip more affordable, make sure to check out this guide to visiting Las Vegas on a budget.

7. Circus Circus Splash Zone

The Circus Circus Splash Zone in Las Vegas is primarily known for its theme park, but there is also a water area that is exclusively accessible to hotel guests.

The water park features a 50-foot slide tower, two pools, including whirlpools, and a splash pad.

Like many of the best water parks in Las Vegas, you can rent poolside cabanas, which start at $100 per day.

If you’re feeling hungry after a long day at the pool, you can get something to eat at the Splash Snacks food truck, which sells a large variety of snacks.

Final Thoughts

If visiting Las Vegas for a fun-filled trip isn’t already at the top of your bucket list, then what are you waiting for?

Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience that feels almost like a day at the beach or an action-packed day on some of the world’s best water slides, Las Vegas has something for you.

So pack your swimsuit and don’t forget to put on sunscreen. The Las Vegas sun can be absolutely relentless.

For help planning your trip, check out this amazing 2 day Las Vegas itinerary.

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.


☑ Book your flight: Who said you won’t be able to find cheap flights? My top saving tip is flexibility. If you're flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight. Check out Skyscanner or Google Flights for the hottest deals.

☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.