2023 Southern California Water Park Survival Guide & Season Dates
Get ready for a splashing adventure as we dive into the ultimate guide to Southern California’s most thrilling water parks. From heart-pounding slides to lazy rivers, we’ll dive into everything these parks have to offer.
Discover their unique attractions, season dates, and find insider tips to make the most of your trip. So grab your sunscreen and let’s make a splash!
**Note: Most water parks do not allow swim attire with exposed metal buttons, rivets, zippers, or snaps. Be sure to check each park’s guidelines or FAQs for more details.
Buena Park – 15 acres
Season Dates: May 20 – October 1, 2023
Located right next to Knott’s Berry Farm is their water adventure park boasting 23 different speed, tube, and body slides!
Carlsbad
Season Dates: May 27 – October 29, 2023
Not just an ordinary water park! LEGOLAND Water Park is located inside LEGOLAND California and combines water fun with LEGO fun! The water park features more than seven slides, sandy beaches, and the unique Build-A-Raft River, plus Pirate Reef and LEGO Legends of CHIMA water park.
Newport Dunes’ Inflatable Aquatic Park
Newport Beach
Season Dates: May 26 – September 23, 2023
One of the largest fleet of inflatables and watercraft rentals inside a secluded, tranquil bay. This water attraction features 15 large inflatables including a 17-foot slide, two trampolines, two climbable icebergs, monkey bars, bouncers, and teeter-totters. Pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards, Duffy boats, and kayaks are also offered.
San Dimas – 60 acres
Season Dates: May 20 – September 24, 2023
This 60-acre waterpark is home to more than 50 world-class attractions for all ages to enjoy, including Aqua Rocket, the state’s only hydromagnetic water coaster! The park also features a wide variety of tube and body slides ranging from mild to wild, the FlowRider surf simulator, a million-gallon wave pool and a lazy river. Step up into their newest 300-foot slide, Bombs Away!
Chula Vista
Season Dates: May 26 – September 4, 2023
A 17-acre theme and water park where Sesame Street comes to life. Guests can spend their day in heated pools and on water slides, plus Big Bird’s Beach, a family-friendly, 500,000-gallon wave pool surrounded by a sandy beach. The park also features Big Bird’s Rambling River, a relaxing, inner-tube adventure with waterfalls. Don’t miss the all-new Count’s Splash Castle, a multi-level water play attraction with 111 play elements opening this season.
Sesame Place is a Certified Autism Center and offers specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs.
Valencia – 25 acres
Season Dates: May 27 – September 17, 2023
Enjoy over 25 unique slides and attractions for the entire family next to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Attractions and slides include River Cruise, Forgotten Sea Wave Pool, Bonzai Pipelines, Bamboo Racer, and more.
La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center
Season Dates: May 27 – September 4, 2023
A water park perfect for families and kids! The park features a flowing river channel, three water slides, children’s interactive play structure, zero-depth beach entry, and two spray pad areas. This park is perfect for families who aren’t ready for extreme rides and deep wave pools normally found at bigger water parks.
Anaheim
Season Dates: May – October 31, 2023
One of the largest floating aqua parks featuring obstacle course inflatables and kid’s zone with water trampolines, slides, pedal boats, and water sea-saws. Other activities include water volleyball, paddle boarding, kayaking, and bumper boats.
Irvine
Season Dates: May 6 – October 1, 2023
Ride the waves in a giant wave pool, take a float on more than a quarter-mile long lazy river, or get your adrenaline pumping on wild water slides and rides, including the largest collection of family raft rides in the region.
Other Water Parks
Great Wolf Lodge, Garden Grove
Dropzone Waterpark, Perris
The Cove Waterpark, Riverside
The Wave Waterpark, Vista
What to Pack for the Water Park
- Electronics
- Waterproof Phone Case/Pouch
- Waterproof Watch
- Waterproof Camera/GoPro
- Portable Charger / Battery Pack
- Clothes/Accessories
- Water Shoes / Sandals
- Swim Diaper
- Goggles
- Sunscreen
- Hats / Visors
- Quick-Dry Towels
- Floaties
- Swimsuit Coverup
- Bag for Wet Clothes & Towels
- Sunglasses w/ Strap
- Dry Clothes
- Extras
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Book or magazine (for lounging parents)
- Headphones
- Cooler
- Reusable Water Bottles
- Deodorant
More Tips:
- Lost Child: Find a way to leave your phone number on your child in case they get lost (example: wristband, temporary tattoo, etc.) Consider having your child wear an AirTag (these handy devices are already water resistant, but a waterproof case is best).
- Water Safety: Opt for bright, neon colored swimsuits to enhance visibility of your child in the water (making it easier for lifeguards and parents).
- Swimwear Restrictions: Most water parks do not allow swim attire with exposed metal buttons, rivets, zippers, or snaps (it could damage the slides/attractions).
- BYO: Most water parks let you bring in your own food and drinks.
- Save Some Money: Look for special deals and promotions on their website and social media.
- Know Before You Go: Be sure to check each water park’s guidelines and FAQs for more details.
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide
