Pamela RobertsIn Jacksonville, summer starts in early June and usually ends in August. It’s the season when locals – and even travelers from abroad – go to the city to unwind.
So, don’t be surprised if the best water parks in Jacksonville are packed with people soaking up the fun. Water parks tend to draw big crowds who are looking to escape the heat.
However, this doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy your stay here – our team has listed the top water parks in the city to make your travel experience worthwhile. These attractions offer the best water activities in the city to make this summer unlike any other.
1. Cecil Aquatics Center
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Website: https://www.jacksonville.gov
Address: 13611 Normandy Blvd A
Phone: +1 904-255-4272
Operating hours:
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday to Thursday – 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cecil Aquatic Center is not your ordinary water park. It is tucked inside a larger community complex that includes a gym, fitness center, and even a fast pitch softball center.
This indoor aquatic facility is a solid option if you’re looking to do laps and take swimming lessons.
The main highlight is their Olympic-sized indoor pool that’s perfect for professional swimmers or anyone wanting some extra space. There’s also a smaller instructional pool that’s great for lessons.
To amp up the fun, you can hop on the diving boards, and if you’re not the strongest swimmer, they’ve got life vests available too.
Another thing visitors loved about this place is how clean and well-kept everything is. The bathrooms and showers are in great condition, and there’s plenty of covered parking.
However, the chlorine here is strong, so it is best to bring some goggles. Nose clips are not allowed, nor is outside food in the pool area.
Pro tip:
If you are a Duval County resident, be sure to bring proof of residency. The rule is that all Duval County residents can be admitted to the place for just $1.
2. Splash Zone at Jacksonville
Website: https://cityofjacksonville.net/Facilities/Facility/Details/Splash-Zone-10
Address: 201 W Martin St.
Phone: +1 501-982-7946
Operating hours: Sunday & Saturday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Splash Zone is a go-to spot for families, kids, and anyone just wanting to relax or dive into some water-filled fun. This park features a three-pool layout that offers adventure for all ages.
One of the highlights is the plunge pool, where you’ll find two exciting slides perfect for older kids and adults. However, just make sure you’re at least 48 inches tall.
There’s also a water tunnel and even the popular Splash Dome.
Additionally, they have a zero-depth play pool that maxes out at 2.5 feet and comes with a colorful play structure designed for children. You can also try their 25-yard pool that ranges from four to 11 feet deep, featuring a diving board and massage bench.
Splash Zone also offers pool party options. For private pools, you’ll have full access to all three pools and slides for two hours.
Meanwhile, open swim parties include two pools and a table area during regular hours.
Pro tip:
If you’re carrying lots of things and need to keep them while you swim, you can opt for their locker rentals. These lockers are in good condition and reasonably priced.
3. Hanna Park Splash Pad
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Website: https://jaxexaminer.com/splash-pad-at-hanna-park/
Address: 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville
Phone: +1 904-255-6767
Operating hours: Sunday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Hanna Park Splash Pad is an all-in-one place. They have playgrounds, bike trails, kayak rentals, and a freshwater lake.
You can spend the morning paddling across a quiet lake, then head to the beach in the afternoon to play in the waves.
Additionally, you can try their famous splash pad here, which has water-squirting devices and colorful fountains that keep the kids entertained for hours.
There’s nothing to worry about, as this area is designed with safety in mind, offering a shallow water area and rubber surfacing to prevent slips.
What I love about this place is its ambiance. The area is very peaceful, making you want to come back again if you need a place to unwind.
There are also plenty of shady picnic spots, clean campsites, and fishing areas if this is your vibe. Just take note of the $5 fee per car to enter, and if you’re on foot or riding a bicycle, then it’s $3.
Pro tip:
You can bring a small or handy pop-up tent for your convenience. While there are shaded areas to stay, they fill up fast, especially during weekends.
4. Summer Waves Water Park
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Website: https://www.jekyllisland.com/activities/summer-waves-water-park/
Address: 210 S Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA
Phone: +1 912-635-2074
Operating hours: Saturday & Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Summer Waves Water Park’s “high thrills” rides are no joke. One of these rides is the Man O’ War that takes you through twisting, colorful tubes that’ll definitely get your adrenaline pumping.
Pirate’s Passage is a total heart-drop moment, sending you down a five-story plunge.
My favorite is their Force Three, where you can pick from three fast-paced slides that shoot you straight into the pool.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the splashing and sliding, you can visit Larry’s Giant Subs. They’ve got a solid menu with tasty and healthier options to fuel you back up.
Also, before you head out, make sure to check out their surf shop, where you can grab everything from beachwear and sunscreen to souvenirs and gear.
Pro tip:
Ask for a re-entry stamp upon exiting the park to utilize outside picnic areas for outside food consumption.
5. Daytona Lagoon Water Park
Website: https://daytonalagoon.com/
Address: 601 Earl St, Daytona Beach, FL
Phone: +1 386-254-5020
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Friday, and Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Monday to Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Did you know that Daytona Lagoon is the winner of Daytona Beach’s 2022 “Visitors Choice” award for Best Family Entertainment? Well, yes – that’s true.
Once you get in here, you need to prepare yourself for nonstop action!
First, you need to try the Kraken’s Revenge. This is a five-story drop that will make you hold tight for your life. What makes it even more thrilling is racing your friend to the bottom.
From there, go to Blackbeard’s Revenge and experience the ultimate adventurous slide with slippery twists. Take note that this slide is only for the bravest of water enthusiasts who love high-speed thrills and fun.
If you want a more relaxing activity, you can unwind on the gentle currents of the Lazy River that flows throughout the water park.
Be reminded, though, that non-swimmers and anyone under 48 inches tall should wear a life jacket. Don’t worry – these are free.
Pro tip:
Apart from the water park, you can also try their arcade games. However, they only operate from Monday to Friday. From classics like skee-ball to high-energy racing games, you will surely have fun with your family and friends.
6. James F. Holland Memorial Park
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Website: https://www.palmcoast.gov/holland-park
Address: 18 Florida Dr N, Palm Coast FL
Phone: +1 386-986-2323
Operating hours: Sunday to Saturday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
James Holland Memorial Park has around 11,000 square-foot space with areas designed to celebrate Florida’s local ecosystems. One of the main attractions here is the shore zone, which has super cool sea creatures like dolphins, octopuses, and starfish.
Then there’s the swamp zone, made just for kids with fun features like lily pads, frogs, and turtles.
Kids can also zip through colorful spray hoops to go from one zone to the other, and when the water stops, just hit the big button to start the fun all over again.
Additionally, guests often enjoy the splash pad with water continuously sprinkling over the area. No need to worry about slips, as this splash pad uses Life Floor – a soft, slip-resistant surface that helps keep everyone safe while they play.
While this place is designed for the younger ones, there are also features for all ages. There’s plenty of shaded seating and picnic pavilions around, plus a cool coquina rock wall for a beachy touch.
Pro tip:
This place is also home to the Palm Coast Historical Society Museum, so check it out for a complete and meaningful experience!
7. Leonard Abess Park Splash Pad
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Website: https://jaxexaminer.com/leonard-abess-park-has-a-new-splash-pad/
Address: 12743 Abess Blvd
Phone: +1 904-255-7907
Operating hours: Sunday to Saturday – 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Leonard Abess Park features a playground, picnic tables, and plenty of open space for kids to run around.
The main feature is the bright and colorful splash pad designed for young ones who want to enjoy water activities and play with their friends. The splash area includes a variety of spray jets, ground sprayers, and water sprinklers.
Made from slip-resistant flooring, it adds an extra layer of safety for kids. Also, there aren’t huge water dumps or intense splash cannons, which makes it perfect for toddlers who want to play without being overwhelmed by the water.
Additionally, the water features operate in cycles, so there’s always something new to surprise and delight the kids every minute.
Pro tip:
There’s limited seating near the splash area, so bring a camp chair if you have one. You can also visit the place as early as you can before it gets too crowded.
8. Shipwreck Island Waterpark
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Website: https://shipwreckisland.com/
Address: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach
Phone: + 1 904-246-4386
Operating hours:
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is spacious and packed with many slides. In fact, this is the only park in the area that features its own zip line.
I tried their zipline, and the experience was wild. One second I was standing on a huge pirate ship, and the next, I was flying through the air holding on tight.
If you’re with your friends, don’t miss out on Raging Rapids. This feels like white-water rafting in a tube, where you’ll be spinning and bumping the whole way down.
And if you’re the type of person who likes a serious thrill, the Tree Top Drop is a must-try. It’s a six-story plunge that definitely gets your heart racing.
There’s also a place for the young ones. Rapid River Run and Zoom Flume are more chill and still super fun.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of their season pass bundle and you’ll enjoy unlimited entry, cashless pay wristbands, and 10% discount on food, non-alcoholic drinks, and retail.
