Your Guide to the Best Theme Parks in California
Best Waterparks
1. Raging Waters San Dimas
Raging Waters has three different water parks across the state, one in Northern California, one in the San Francisco Bay Area and one in the Greater Los Angeles area. Out of the three, Raging Waters San Dimas (Greater Los Angeles area) is the largest and consistently ranks as the best water park in California.
With over 50 water attractions including raft rides, multiple slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, an obstacle course, and even a hydromagnetic coaster that speeds along at 30 miles per hour — there’s no beating the value that Raging Waters San Dimas offers for your money.
2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor shares a complex with Six Flags Magic Mountain and has equally thrilling rides in a water park setting. The park’s Black Snake Summit has four different slides, including the tallest enclosed water slide in Southern California that whips you around in complete darkness.
If small spaces aren’t your thing, family members can race each other on a toboggan ride, ride in a four-person raft down a 132-foot tunnel, or splash together in the wave pool, lagoon or water playground.
There are designated play zones for little ones too and even a special lounge area for adults to watch the kids from.
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3. Legoland Water Park
Legoland Water Park is perfect for families with kids under 12 and is one of the best water parks in the US. This Southern California water park, located just 35 miles north of San Diego, incorporates interactive Lego play with typical water park fare.
Kids can build bridges and dams out of Legos at the Imagination Station and play on a shipwreck themed water playground. There’s also a Splash Zoo for toddlers and thrill rides for older kids and adults to enjoy.
One of the coolest attractions here is the Build-A-Raft River where you can stick over-sized Legos onto your raft while you float. They’ve also recently added a second area to the water park with more slides and interactive zones based on the Legends of Chima Lego series.
