Sam SmithCalifornia may be best known for its beaches, but it also boasts a diverse collection of water parks that range from sprawling thrill‑ride destinations to family‑friendly resort complexes and municipal aquatic centers. While the Golden State doesn’t have as many mega‑parks as Florida or Texas, its offerings are varied and creative, blending lazy rivers, wave pools, and record‑breaking slides with themed environments and resort amenities. This list highlights the 50 largest water parks in California, ranked by size, attendance, and attractions.
Top 50 Largest Water Parks In California
1. Raging Waters San Dimas
California’s largest water park, Raging Waters San Dimas spans 50 acres with more than 50 attractions. Highlights include Aqua Rocket, a hydromagnetic water coaster, and DropOut, a thrilling speed slide. The FlowRider surf simulator adds variety, while wave pools, lazy rivers, and family play areas balance the adrenaline. Its scale and diversity make it a summer staple for Southern California, drawing thousands of visitors seeking both extreme thrills and relaxing aquatic fun in one destination.
2. Knott’s Soak City Orange County
Located in Buena Park beside Knott’s Berry Farm, Soak City covers 15 acres with 23 rides. Guests enjoy a long lazy river, multiple speed slides, and family raft rides. The park emphasizes themed zones and colorful design, making it appealing for families and thrill seekers alike. Its integration with Knott’s resort area enhances the experience, offering combined entertainment options. Compact yet packed with attractions, Soak City remains one of Orange County’s most popular summer water destinations.
3. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles
Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles, adjacent to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, spans 22 acres. Signature rides include the Tornado funnel slide, Taboo Tower, and Black Snake Summit. A large wave pool and lazy river provide relaxation, while children’s play areas ensure family appeal. Known for its high‑energy atmosphere, the park blends Six Flags’ thrill‑ride reputation with aquatic fun. Its proximity to Magic Mountain makes it a dual‑park destination, attracting thrill seekers from across Southern California.
4. Aquatica (San Diego, planned/transitioned from Sesame Place)
Aquatica San Diego, evolving from Sesame Place’s water park section, offers a mix of family‑friendly attractions and thrill slides. Guests enjoy a wave pool, interactive play areas, and themed slides designed for younger audiences. Planned expansions aim to enhance its scale, blending SeaWorld’s aquatic expertise with water park fun. Though smaller than California’s largest parks, Aquatica emphasizes accessibility and family entertainment. Its coastal location and integration with broader theme park experiences make it a notable San Diego destination.
5. Raging Waters San Jose
Covering 23 acres, Raging Waters San Jose is Northern California’s largest water park. Attractions include Barracuda Blaster, Dragon’s Den, and Captain Hook’s Lagoon for children. A wave pool and lazy river provide relaxation, while thrill slides deliver adrenaline. Its variety ensures appeal for families and teens alike. Located within Lake Cunningham Park, the setting adds scenic charm. As a regional powerhouse, Raging Waters San Jose offers a full day of aquatic fun for Bay Area residents and visitors.
6. LEGOLAND California Water Park
Part of LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad, this 5‑acre water park blends LEGO creativity with aquatic fun. Guests can build their own rafts on the Build‑A‑Raft lazy river, enjoy tube slides, and splash in a themed wave pool. Interactive LEGO features make it unique, appealing especially to families with younger children. Though smaller than standalone parks, its imaginative design and integration with LEGOLAND’s theme park create a distinctive experience. It’s a must‑visit for LEGO fans seeking water adventures.
7. Boomerang Bay (now South Bay Shores, Santa Clara)
Formerly Boomerang Bay, this water park at California’s Great America has been transformed into South Bay Shores. Covering about 15 acres, it featured slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and kids’ areas. The rebranding and expansion modernized attractions, adding new thrill rides and improved amenities. As part of a major theme park, it offered combined entertainment options. Boomerang Bay’s legacy remains significant in California’s water park history, paving the way for South Bay Shores’ current popularity.
8. South Bay Shores (California’s Great America, Santa Clara)
South Bay Shores, opened after a major expansion in 2021–2022, spans 15 acres at California’s Great America. It features new slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and cabanas for relaxation. Family play areas and themed zones enhance the experience. Its modern design and integration with the theme park make it a versatile destination. Though smaller than Raging Waters, South Bay Shores delivers a balanced mix of thrills and family fun, revitalizing Northern California’s water park scene.
9. Disney’s Pixar Pier & Grand Californian Pools (Anaheim)
While not a standalone water park, Disney’s resort complexes in Anaheim feature expansive aquatic areas. Pixar Pier offers themed splash zones, while Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel includes large pools and interactive play areas. These facilities emphasize immersive design, blending Disney storytelling with aquatic relaxation. Though smaller in scale compared to major parks, they provide unique experiences for resort guests. Their integration with Disneyland Resort ensures high attendance, making them notable components of California’s water‑based entertainment landscape.
10. Aqua Adventure Water Park (Fremont, CA)
Aqua Adventure Water Park in Fremont spans 8 acres, offering a family‑friendly mix of attractions. Guests enjoy a lazy river, wave pool, and multiple slides designed for varying thrill levels. Children’s play areas and shaded zones enhance comfort. Though smaller than California’s largest parks, Aqua Adventure emphasizes accessibility and community appeal. Its compact design ensures a full day of fun without overwhelming scale. As a regional destination, it provides affordable aquatic entertainment for Bay Area families each summer.
Table: 50 Largest Water Parks in California
| # | Water Park | Location | Notes / Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raging Waters San Dimas | San Dimas | ~50 acres; largest in CA |
| 2 | Knott’s Soak City Orange County | Buena Park | ~15 acres |
| 3 | Six Flags Hurricane Harbor LA | Valencia | ~22 acres |
| 4 | Aquatica (Planned SD Expansion) | San Diego | Size variable |
| 5 | Raging Waters San Jose | San Jose | ~23 acres |
| 6 | LEGOLAND Water Park | Carlsbad | ~5 acres |
| 7 | Boomerang Bay (Historic) | Santa Clara | ~15 acres |
| 8 | South Bay Shores | Santa Clara | ~15 acres |
| 9 | Disneyland Resort Pools | Anaheim | Large resort complex |
| 10 | Aqua Adventure Water Park | Fremont | ~8 acres |
| 11 | Wild Water Adventure Park | Clovis | ~15 acres |
| 12 | Splash! La Mirada | La Mirada | ~6 acres |
| 13 | Manteca Waterslides | Manteca | ~15 acres |
| 14 | Golfland Sunsplash | Roseville | ~12 acres |
| 15 | Golfland Sunsplash Anaheim | Anaheim | Medium-sized |
| 16 | Sunsplash (Milpitas) | Milpitas | ~8 acres |
| 17 | The Cove Waterpark | Riverside | ~15 acres |
| 18 | Island Waterpark (Palm Springs) | Palm Springs | ~14 acres |
| 19 | Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs (Closed) | Palm Springs | ~21 acres |
| 20 | Oasis Water Park (Planned) | Palm Springs | Large planned |
| 21 | Plumeria Water Park | Bakersfield | Part of Camelot Park |
| 22 | Seven Peaks Waterpark | Perris | ~20 acres |
| 23 | Hurricane Harbor Concord | Concord | ~10 acres |
| 24 | Raging Waters Sacramento | Sacramento | ~17 acres |
| 25 | Fresno Water Park | Fresno | Medium-sized |
| 26 | DropZone Waterpark | Perris | ~10 acres |
| 27 | Surfari Waterslides (Historic) | — | Former large park |
| 28 | International Swim Center | Santa Clara | Aquatic center |
| 29 | Raging Waters (SF area, historic) | — | Non-operational |
| 30 | Waterworld California (Historic) | Concord | Now Hurricane Harbor |
| 31 | Splash Kingdom Waterpark | Redlands | ~10 acres |
| 32 | Lake Cunningham Waterpark | San Jose | Small water area |
| 33 | Adventure City Water Play | Anaheim | Splash zones |
| 34 | Children’s Fairyland Water Play | Oakland | Small splash area |
| 35 | The Wave Waterpark | Dublin | ~7 acres |
| 36 | Hilltop Aquatic Center | Signal Hill | Small |
| 37 | Great Wolf Lodge SoCal | Garden Grove | 95,000 sq ft indoor |
| 38 | Great Wolf Lodge NorCal | Manteca | Large indoor |
| 39 | Palace Indoor Waterpark | Various CA | Small indoor |
| 40 | John’s Incredible Pizza Water Zones | Various | Small splash pads |
| 41 | Pixieland Water Play | Concord | Small |
| 42 | Scandia Water Slides | Ontario | Small water section |
| 43 | Funderland Water Play | Sacramento | Small |
| 44 | Castle Park Water Play | Riverside | Small section |
| 45 | Pacific Park Splash Areas | Santa Monica | Beach splash zones |
| 46 | Magic Mountain Water Play | Valencia | Splash zones |
| 47 | Gilroy Gardens Water Play | Gilroy | Kids splash areas |
| 48 | SeaWorld SD Water Play | San Diego | Splash pads |
| 49 | Monterey Bay Water Play | Monterey | Municipal splash pads |
| 50 | Universal Studios Splash Zones | Los Angeles | Jurassic World splash |
Closing
From the massive Raging Waters San Dimas to the imaginative LEGOLAND California Water Park, California’s aquatic playgrounds reflect the state’s mix of innovation, family fun, and regional variety. Whether you’re chasing thrills at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, floating through Knott’s Soak City, or enjoying smaller community water parks, the Golden State offers options for every age and adventure level. Together, these parks showcase how California combines scale, creativity, and accessibility to deliver refreshing escapes across its sunny landscape.