5 Water Parks You’d Actually Fly Internationally For

In 1994, the Polynesian Resort Hotel in Wisconsin Dells opened the first significant indoor water park in the United States. The move changed the industry completely. Water parks could suddenly operate year-round, and resorts realised they could use them to extend tourist seasons and turn properties into actual destinations rather than summer distractions.

Three decades later, that shift has created a new category, though most water parks still follow the basic formula of concrete, chlorine, and mediocre food at inflated prices. You go once, ride a few slides, and never think about them again because they're not why anyone books a flight.

But a few deserve your attention and your money, and these aren't the usual suspects with peeling paint and questionable hygiene standards.

Top International Water Parks

The five parks below are worth planning a trip around instead of just stumbling into because you're bored on day three. They deliver.

Siam Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Siam Park is often cited as one of the world’s best water parks, and the reputation holds up on the ground. The park is built around Thai-inspired architecture and focuses on a balance between high-speed rides and slower experiences. The Tower of Power remains its most recognisable attraction, sending riders through a clear tunnel inside a shark tank. The Mai Thai River, among the longest lazy rivers globally, runs through much of the park. Private cabanas and reserved seating are available, making it easy to treat the visit as a full-day experience rather than a quick stop. 

Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis Dubai

Aquaventure is less a water park and more a central feature of the Atlantis resorts in Dubai. Spread across Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, it includes more than 100 rides and attractions, along with direct access to a private beach. Some of its most popular slides pass through marine habitats, while quieter areas are designed for longer, slower afternoons. Its scale and integration with luxury resorts allow visitors to build entire holidays around the park rather than slotting it into a single day. 

Meryal Waterpark, Lusail, Qatar

Meryal Waterpark is defined by scale and verticality. Its ICON Tower holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest water slide structure in the world and sets the tone for the park’s emphasis on speed and height. The park features more than 50 slides and rides and is designed to accommodate large visitor numbers without feeling compressed. Located in Lusail, it reflects Qatar’s newer leisure developments and positions itself as a modern, international attraction.

Thermas dos Laranjais, Olímpia, Brazil

Thermas dos Laranjais operates more like a water-based leisure complex than a conventional theme park. It is one of the most visited water parks in the world and uses naturally warm thermal waters across several of its pools. The attraction mix ranges from wave pools and surf simulators to family slides and calmer soaking areas. The variety allows visitors to pace their day, making it well-suited to longer stays rather than short visits.

Rulantica Water World, Germany

Rulantica is built for year-round use and sits alongside Europa-Park in southern Germany. Much of the park is indoors, with heated pools and climate-controlled zones that keep it operational through colder months. Attractions include high-capacity slides, themed areas, and designated relaxation spaces. Nearby resort hotels support multi-day visits, positioning Rulantica as a destination rather than a seasonal attraction.