12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (2024)

posted byJames Brockbankon // last updated on

Are you planning a trip to Michigan?

Maybe you already live there. Either way, you won’t want to miss the amazing water parks the state has to offer.

Here are 12 of the best indoor water parks in Michigan that you can visit any time of the year.

Table of Contents:

  • Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park
  • Bavarian Inn and Lodge Water Park
  • Gold Rush Water Park
  • Great Wolf Lodge and Indoor Water Park
  • Holland Community Aquatic Center
  • Lakeside Resort and Conference Center
  • Romulus Athletic Center
  • Soaring Eagle Water Park
  • Splash Universe Water Park Resort
  • Surfari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness Water Park
  • Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights Ultimate Water Park
  • Zehnder’s Splash Village and Hotel
  • Other fantastic water parks to consider for some family fun

Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (1)

1 Boyne Mountain Rd.

Boyne Falls, MI 49713

(855) 688-7024

Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park is a marvelous water park spanning more than 88,000 sqft, making it the largest indoor water park in all of Michigan.

Avalanche Bay boasts a plethora of water features including its very own waterfall, three massive slides, and a surfing simulator.

There’s so much to do and explore here, you’ll never get bored. Aside from the water attractions, there is also an arcade.

This park is perfect for kids and adults alike. It features a child-exclusive pool for really young kids, as well as, an obstacle course pool. For a more relaxed time, try out the lazy river or soak in the hot tub. There’s so much to do, you might have to extend your stay.

Additionally, Avalanche Bay is a top-ranking ski resort in the winter months.

Water Features

  • Three slides
  • Lazy river
  • Waterfall
  • Mat slide
  • Surf simulator
  • Kids’ pool
  • Hot tub
  • Obstacle course pool
  • Activity pool

Other Activities

  • Arcade

Bavarian Inn and Lodge Water Park

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (2)

1 Covered Bridge Ln.

Frankenmuth, MI 48734

(989) 652-7200

The Bavarian Inn and Lodge Water Park is a terrific place to stay for a weekend getaway or family-fun trip. It has a whopping three pools with an additional one exclusively for adults, three whirlpools including an adults-only one, and two water slides.

On top of an amazing water park, the Bavarian Inn also offers pretzel-making classes, a mini-golf course, and an arcade. It’s non-stop fun here!

Don’t worry though, whether you are traveling with just your partner, as a family, or with very young children, there’s an activity specially made for every age group. Aside from the adult-only pools, there is also a toddler pool and kids’ center.

Outside the inn, you’ll find no end of activities in this Bavarian-themed town, not to mention, beautiful scenery.

Water Features

  • Three pools
  • Adult pool
  • Two whirlpools
  • Adult whirlpool
  • Two slides

Other Activities

  • Arcade
  • Indoor mini gold
  • Pretzel making class

Gold Rush Water Park

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (3)

5900 S Water Rd.

Rothbury, MI 49452

(231) 894-4444

At a whopping 60,000 sqft, Gold Rush Water Park is one of the best water parks in all of Michigan. Stay at Double JJ Resort or just come for the day. Either way, you’re sure to have an amazing time at Gold Rush Water Park.

This park is home to two massive slides – one is the tallest in all of Michigan –, a wave pool, huge water fort, white water rafting simulator, and so much more. There is a dedicated kiddy pool for the little ones and an adults-only hot tub if you need some ‘me time’.

Additionally, if you get tired of the poolside fun, you can take a breather in the gift shop or grab a bite at the café.

Don’t forget to check out Michigan’s top-rated zoo, art and nature centers, and the iconic lighthouse while you’re in town.

Water Features

  • Wave pool
  • Water fort
  • Two slides
  • Kids’ pool
  • Lazy river
  • White water rafting simulator
  • Hot tub
  • Adult hot tub
  • Splash zone activities

Other Activities

  • Gift shop
  • Café
See also 4 Michigan State Parks with Cabins that are Perfect for Families

Great Wolf Lodge and Indoor Water Park

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (4)

3575 N U.S. 31 S.

Traverse City, MI 49684

(866) 478-9653

Make a day of it at Great Wolf Lodge and Indoor Water Park or book a stay to explore everything it has to offer. Great Wolf Lodge is the family fun zone. It’s filled to the brim with activities for the whole family and you’re sure to want to visit again.

Great Wolf Lodge is home to an incredibly massive water park full of amazing features including, but not limited to, a lazy river ride, a multi-story water fort, an activity pool, mini slides for the little ones, hot tubs, a splash pad, and slides. There is also an outdoor pool for the warmer seasons.

In between water sports and swimming, you and your kids can kick back at the arcade or go bowling. There is an on-site build-a-bear workshop, daily treasure hunts and quests, and tons of other activities in the lodge.

No matter how long you stay, your trip will be jam-packed with fun.

Water Features

  • Water fort
  • Lazy river
  • White water rafting simulator
  • Mini slides
  • Two slides
  • Activity pool
  • Kids’ pool
  • Splash pad
  • Hot tubs
  • Outdoor pool

Other Activities

  • Daily events
  • Mini golf
  • Arcade
  • Bowling
  • Treasure hunts
  • Build-a-bear workshop
  • Sluicing

Holland Community Aquatic Center

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (5)

550 Maple Ave.

Holland, MI 49423

(616) 393-7595

The Holland Community Aquatic Center is a great place for family day trips to relax and play. Not only is the community center equipped for working out, it also has a super fun water park for kids.

The Holland Community Aquatic Center is home to three pools, a lap pool and spa, a splash zone, and a wading pool.

The wading pool is wonderful for toddlers and the splash zone has tons of fun features like dump buckets and water cannons. There is also a brand new water slide.

If that’s not enough, the center also has an indoor track, wellness room, and fitness center. They also offer classes and have special events.

You could easily spend an entire day just in the pools enjoying all the special features and activities.

Water Features

  • Three pools
  • Lap pool and spa
  • Splash zone
  • Wading pool
  • Water slide

Other Activities

  • Indoor track
  • Fitness center
  • Wellness room

Lakeside Resort and Conference Center

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (6)

100 Clearview Dr.

Houghton Lake, MI 48629

(989) 422-4000

The Lakeside Resort and Conference Center in Houghton Lake is a marvel to behold. Standing at over 9,000 sqft, this water park has a little bit of everything.

Kids and adults alike can enjoy all the resort has to offer, including a multi-story water slide, a lazy river, wading pool, kids-only pool, adult-only hot tub, and jets.

The resort also hosts a trivia night if you don’t feel like having fun at the pool or taking a stroll down the shoreline.

During the day, why not take a boat out on the lake, or head to one of the five nearby golf courses, and then finish it all off with a soak in the hot tub.

There’s a little something for everyone at the Lakeside Resort.

Water Features

  • Slide
  • Lazy river
  • Kids’ pool
  • Pool
  • Adult hot tub
  • Hot tub
  • Wading pool

Other Activities

  • Trivia night

Romulus Athletic Center

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (7)

35765 Northline Rd.

Romulus, MI 48174

(734) 942-2223

The Romulus Athletic Center is a state-of-the-art facility with no end of activities. It is also home to some amazing water features.

At the Romulus Athletic Center, you and your family can enjoy a lazy river ride, water slides, indoor and outdoor splash pools, and a lap pool. It’s the perfect place to go when it’s too cold outside or you want to have a little active fun with your family.

In addition to a great water park, the athletic center also has an indoor track, a fitness center, several courts of different sizes, and rock climbing. The center also hosts special events and is available for birthday parties.

See also 23 of the Best Campgrounds for Kids in Michigan

If you’re not exhausted by evening, head into town to check out some local attractions.

Water Features

  • Slide
  • Lazy river
  • Splash pool
  • Lap pool
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor splash pool

Other Activities

  • Indoor track
  • Fitness center
  • Courts
  • Rock climbing

Soaring Eagle Water Park

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (8)

5665 E Pickard Rd.

Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

(877) 232-4532

If you are looking for a water park that has absolutely everything, then look no further than Soaring Eagle Water Park. This place is a water-fun extravaganza.

With features like a surfing simulator, waterfalls, slides, an obstacle course, and a 317-gallon dump bucket, there’s something for everyone here. All ages can enjoy the park, from toddlers to adults.

Outside of water-related fun, there is also a gift shop to explore, storytime with the local elder, and a shuttle service to ferry you to off-site activities.

If all this sounds a little overwhelming, don’t worry, there are also adult-exclusive pools and hot tubs to relax in.

Stay in the hotel or just spend the day, either way, you and your family are sure to have a blast at the Soaring Eagle Water Park.

Water Features

  • Surf simulator
  • Waterfall
  • Lazy river
  • Activity pool
  • Hot tub
  • Obstacle course
  • Two slides

Other Activities

  • Gift shop
  • Storytime
  • Off-site shuttle activities

Splash Universe Water Park Resort

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (9)

100 Whitetail Dr.

Dundee, MI 48131

(734) 828-5004

Splash Universe Water Park Resort is over 25,000 sq ft of fun and adventure. With features like waterfalls, kids’ pools, and a water fort, your family is sure to have a great time swimming, laughing, and playing the day away.

Splash Universe is the perfect spot for birthdays, family vacations, and weekend parties. Enjoy the sun without worrying about the sun, sand, or weather. Float down the lazy river to relax or get your heart pumping as you race down the slides.

Outside of water park activities, the resort also offers a gift shop, café, and arcade, guaranteed to keep you and your kids entertained for hours. The worst part of this park is having to go home at the end.

Water Features

  • Kids’ pool
  • Waterfall
  • Water fort
  • Obstacle course
  • Lazy river
  • Slides

Other Activities

  • Arcade
  • Gift shop
  • Café

Surfari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness Water Park

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (10)

8258 Arnt Blvd.

Watervliet, MI 49098

(269) 463-7946

Another wonderful water park to visit in Michigan is Surfari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness Water Park. This park has many attractions including two slides that actually leave and reenter the building, a kids’ zone, an activity pool, a lazy river, and a water fort.

This charming hotel and park are located near the west coast just south of Paw Paw Lake.

There’s something for all ages at Surfari Joe’s and if you’re not satisfied just with the water park, you can always check out the arcade and game center.

Spend a day, the weekend, or make a whole vacation out of it. Surfari Joe’s is a wonderful spot for some rest, relaxation, and wacky family fun.

Water Features

  • Two slides
  • Lazy river
  • Activity pool
  • Kids’ zone
  • Water fort
  • Pool

Other Activities

  • Arcade

Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights Ultimate Water Park

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (11)

34911 Van Dyke Ave.

Sterling Heights, MI 48312

(586) 979-1400

Formerly Sterling Inn, Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights Ultimate Water Park is an extravagant park filled to the brim with water features, activities, and fun.

Everywhere you look, you’ll something new to try. There are whirlpools, geysers, splash pads, a vortex pool, bubble seats, slides, and more. You’ll never run out of things to do at the Ultimate Water Park.

Standing at 32,000 sqft, you’d be hard-pressed to get bored at this park, but if you feel the urge to shake it up, head on over to the restaurant for a nice meal or hit the gym in the fitness center.

The splash pad alone is over 2,300 sqft, so you know there’s tons to explore. You can also take turns at the arcade or at the basketball court. There’s even an indoor running track.

See also Michigan Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids

Water Features

  • Pool
  • Slide
  • Lazy river
  • Vortex pool
  • Bubble seats
  • Geysers
  • Splash pad
  • Two whirlpools

Other Activities

  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant

Zehnder’s Splash Village and Hotel

12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (12)

1365 S Main St.

Frankenmuth, MI 48734

(844) 330-1715

You can find something special at the 50,000 sqft Zehnder’s Splash Village and Hotel, it’s obvious in everything from the unique water fun experiences to the super modern retractable roof over the water park.

You can enjoy the outdoors from the inside, make a splash in more ways than one, and do it all in style at Zehnder’s.

There’s a raft ride, lazy and action rivers to suit all types, plenty of water sports, a speed slide, and tube slides that extend outside the building. There’s so much to do here, you might just have to stay a couple of nights to try it all.

Additionally, when the weather permits, there is an outdoor pool complete with its own slide, a fitness center, and an arcade. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to off-site events and activities.

It’s no wonder Zehnder’s is so popular.

Water Features

  • Raft ride
  • Speed slide
  • Tube slides
  • Activity pool
  • Water sports
  • Lazy river
  • Action river
  • Splash pad
  • Outdoor pool with slide

Other Activities

  • Fitness center
  • Arcade
  • Shuttle service

Other fantastic water parks to consider for some family fun

If you’re hoping to find some more of the best water parks, our round-up below will be the perfect place to start.

  • 12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan
  • 6 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Texas
  • 18 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in the US
  • 16 of the Best Water Parks in Texas
  • 11 of the Best Water Parks in Kentucky
  • 10 of the Best Water Parks in California
  • 12 of the Best Water Parks in Tennessee
  • 11 of the Best Water Parks in Ohio
  • 11 of the Best Water Parks in Indiana
  • 13 of the Best Water Parks in Colorado
  • 10 of the Best Water Parks in Mississippi
  • 9 of the Best Water Parks in Massachusetts
  • 11 of the Best Water Parks in Arizona
  • 9 of the Best Water Parks in Illinois
  • 7 of the Best Water Parks in Atlanta, Georgia
  • 9 of the Best Water Parks in New England
  • 9 of the Best Water Parks in North Carolina
  • 7 of the Best Water Parks in Oregon
  • 8 of the Best Water Parks in Orlando
  • 8 of the Best Water Parks in Maryland
  • 13 of the Best Water Parks in the Caribbean
  • 6 of the Best Water Parks in The Bahamas
  • 10 of the Best Water Parks in Las Vegas
  • 12 of the Best Water Parks in Florida
  • 6 of the Best Water Parks in Oklahoma
  • 9 of the Best Water Parks in Alabama

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James Brockbank

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A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

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12 of the Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan - The Family Vacation Guide (2024)

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