Buzz
When summer arrives, it's all about basking in the sun, swimming, and having a blast. Families across the globe flock to water parks to enjoy these pleasures, all while staying safe. Whether it's a nearby pool or a high-speed waterslide, these water-based attractions never fail to deliver thrills and fun. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) reveals that water parks in the US alone contribute over $50 billion to the economy annually and provide jobs for more than 2.3 million people.
Although most water parks are designed to be family-friendly, they also offer experiences for those seeking extreme thrills. Some of these high-intensity rides come with significant risks, including injury or even fatalities. The following list will stoke your desire for watery adventures (pun intended), while also offering an escape from the intense heat and blazing sun of the summer months.
10. The Tallest Waterslide in the World
At an astounding 51.4 meters (168.6 feet) high, the Guinness World Record-holding Verruckt waterslide lives up to its name, meaning ‘crazy’ or ‘insane’ in German. Located at Schlitterbahn in Kansas City, Kansas, the slide was first announced in late 2012. After some delays due to construction issues, it finally opened to the public in July 2014. Designed by Jeff Henry, the co-owner of the park, the ride accommodates three riders and drops them 17 stories at speeds reaching 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph). This breathtaking slide is taller than both Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty (excluding the base). The ride’s controversial design requires visitors to ascend hundreds of steps before reaching the top.
In a tragic event that occurred in August 2016, Caleb Schwab, the son of Republican state representative Scott Schwab, sustained a fatal neck injury while riding Verruckt and passed away instantly. His death devastated the community and led to the eventual (yet still planned) demolition of the slide. According to the Associated Press, Kansas is known for its relatively lax regulation of amusement park rides. Sadly, it seems that the slide's extreme nature led to this heartbreaking incident.
9. The Longest Waterslide in the World
Located at Action Park in Vernon, New Jersey, the world’s longest waterslide stretches an impressive 602 meters (1,975 feet), making it over one-third of a mile long! The unnamed slide is made up of 20 sections, each 30 meters (100 feet) in length. Constructed from polyvinyl chloride, the same material used in inflatable bounce houses, the slide is, in fact, inflatable. It takes over two hours to inflate and uses around 3,800 liters (1,000 gallons) of water every hour, offering rides that can last up to 90 seconds.
Certified by Guinness World Records in 2015 as the longest waterslide, this ride was never opened to the public. With no established weight limit, its safety risks were largely unknown. Additionally, the slide was delayed by the lengthy state certification process. Nonetheless, a select group of employees was permitted to experience the record-breaking ride.
8. The Longest Water Coaster in the World
It’s more than just a slide – it’s a water coaster! Mammoth, located at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, combines slides with a conveyor belt, offering riders a thrilling experience similar to a roller coaster, all while being soaked with water. The ride, which debuted in May 2012, surpassed its record-holding predecessor, Wildebeest, at the same park. With its incredible twists, turns, and climbs, Mammoth spans a total length of 537 meters (1,763 feet).
The coaster is designed for rafts that can hold up to six people, arranged to face inward so families can experience the excitement together. Riders will encounter six drops along the way. As they twist and turn down the track, which provides a view of the expansive Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, this ride offers the ultimate thrill for adrenaline seekers.
7. The Tallest Water Coaster in the World
MASSIV, the water coaster at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, lives up to its massive name. Located in Galveston, Texas, this ride reaches a height of 24.9 meters (81.6 feet) and was created to celebrate the park’s tenth anniversary. The coaster features several uphill climbs and a dramatic triple drop near the end. It holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest water coaster.
While riders simply enjoy the thrilling slide, the design process involved intricate scientific calculations. Emily Colombo, Schlitterbahn’s lead designer, emphasized the importance of balancing 'g-forces, ride dynamics, and velocities' to ensure the ride’s success. With its varying speeds and intensity, this coaster appeals to everyone. The park’s general manager noted that this versatility is a key factor in their attraction designs.
6. The Longest Lazy River in the World
Serving as a peaceful retreat for thrill-seekers and a haven for those seeking relaxation, the lazy river at BSR Cable Park in Waco, Texas, stretches just under 1.6 kilometers (1 mile). This impressive length earns it the title of the world’s longest lazy river. The river features both sun-drenched sections and shaded areas, making it perfect for all kinds of riders.
While it may not be radically different from other lazy rivers, its massive size more than compensates for its lack of novelty. This river is welcoming to both adults and children, offering the perfect escape for a summer cool-down, especially in the scorching heat that Texas often experiences.
5. The Largest Outdoor Wave Pool in the World
The first international location on our list is Siam Park City, a water park (not a city) in the Khan Na Yao district of Bangkok, Thailand. It holds the title of Asia’s largest water park and is home to the world’s largest wave pool, according to Guinness World Records. Spanning an impressive 13,600 square meters (146,400 square feet), this massive pool attracts both young children and thrill-seekers alike. It can generate waves as high as 1.5 meters (5 feet), though the wave height is carefully controlled to remain under 60 centimeters (24 inches) to maintain the safety of all visitors.
Despite the safety measures in place, wave pools still present a danger, particularly to children. If children wade into the pool to a depth greater than their height, the continuous flow of water and unpredictable conditions create a perfect storm for potential drowning. For many, however, this wave pool provides an enjoyable middle ground between the relaxed current of a lazy river and the intense excitement of a water coaster.
4. The World’s Largest Indoor Wave Pool
Crossing the globe back to the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, we find the World Waterpark, which is home to the world’s largest indoor wave pool, known as Blue Thunder. This pool features four active wave bays, each powered by two panels run by a 1,500-horsepower hydraulic system. There are also two inactive wave bays, a result of injuries caused by the extreme intensity of the waves. When all panels were operational, the waves were so large and powerful that even the most experienced swimmers found them too challenging to handle.
With waves crashing above a swimmer’s head, the result is often a daunting experience. As a result, Blue Thunder now generates waves between 1.5 and 1.8 meters (5–6 feet), using only the inner wave bays. This immense pool can hold a staggering 12.3 million liters (3.2 million gallons) of water. After hours, Blue Thunder is frequently used for private surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other activities. The waves are adjusted to a more intense level for these private sessions.
3. The World’s Largest Indoor Water Park
Next on the list, we head back to Germany to the vast Tropical Islands Resort, situated in Krausnick, southeast of Berlin. This remarkable indoor water park spans more than 16 acres and has the capacity to host up to 6,000 visitors at once.
Tropical Islands Resort offers something for everyone. With paddling areas and appropriately-sized waterslides for children, as well as larger attractions and a Bali-themed lagoon for adults looking for adventure and relaxation, this resort caters to all ages. The park is climate-controlled and topped with a glass roof, allowing visitors to enjoy sunlight year-round, no matter the weather outside.
2. The Largest Outdoor Water Park in the United States
Noah’s Ark Water Park, located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is the largest outdoor water park in the United States, covering a sprawling 70 acres. Although it doesn’t boast any world-record attractions of its own, the park’s 51 rides come together to establish Noah’s Ark as the centerpiece of Wisconsin Dells, often called the 'water park capital of the world.' Despite the town's modest size, it is home to 28 water parks, with Noah’s Ark undoubtedly being the main draw.
For thrill-seekers, Noah’s Ark offers intense rides, such as those with near-vertical drops where the floor disappears beneath the riders, or a 400-meter-long (1,300 ft) water coaster filled with surprising twists and turns. On the other hand, visitors looking for a more leisurely experience can take a ride along the lazy river or enjoy a dip in the wave pool, where waves are activated every ten minutes.
Some of the park’s extreme rides have occasionally malfunctioned. For example, it’s not uncommon for riders on the Scorpion ride to get stuck while completing a loop, much like a roller coaster. This serves as a reminder of the thrilling yet risky nature of water entertainment. With Wisconsin's weather varying from sweltering summers to freezing winters, Wisconsin Dells also features a variety of indoor water parks, ensuring aquatic fun for thrill-seekers year-round.
1. The Longest Inner Tube Waterslide in the World
Located in Erding, Germany, the Magic-Eye at Galaxy Erding water park is an impressive 356.3 meters (1,169 feet) long, making it the longest inner tube waterslide worldwide. This incredible ride was recognized by Guinness World Records in November 2010, and no other ride has yet managed to surpass the record-breaking length of Magic-Eye. The waterslide debuted in May 2007 and was constructed by Klarer Freizeitanlagen AG from Switzerland, an expert in waterslide design and construction.
In addition to its extraordinary length, the Magic-Eye also towers at a height of 22 meters (72 feet). Its unique tube design features glowing, continuous lines that provide riders with a mesmerizing visual experience. However, the strobe-like effect can be too intense for some, and it could pose a serious risk to riders with epilepsy, potentially making it dangerous if ridden alone.
