Cool Off (and Have Fun!) at These Water Parks Near Sacramento

School’s out, sun’s out, and there’s no denying it — summer is here! This time of year, many people are looking for ways to cool off — and have some fun while they’re at it. Before the summertime boredom sets in, why not head out to one of the many water parks in and around the greater Sacramento area? Not only will the kids have a blast, so will mom and dad, and anyone who’s a kid at heart for that matter.

The greater Sacramento area has plenty of water parks to choose from, whether you’re looking for top-tier water slides for the ultimate rush or simple splash pads for the youngest children. There are even spots dedicated to adrenaline-fueled water sports such as wakeboarding and paddle boarding. And, if you’re looking for a family vacation centered on water play, there are a few water parks in Northern California where you can stay overnight!

So grab your sunscreen and your swim goggles and check out the following water parks in and around the Sacramento region.

Golfland Sunsplash | Roseville

Photo courtesy of Roseville Golfland Sunsplash

This water park in Roseville has everything you need for an exciting day on the water, including water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and a kids’ play zone. Not interested in getting wet? Landlubbers can play miniature golf, race around a track on go-karts, play laser tag, or hit the arcade.

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Velocity Island Park | Woodland

Photo courtesy of Velocity Island Park

Located in Woodland, this massive aqua park has plenty of attractions to keep you busy! For starters, they have a 25,000-square foot inflatable obstacle course with slides, swings, trampolines and more. They also have a cable park where riders experience the thrill of wakeboarding, complete with rails and ramps for tricks. Those looking for low-key fun can rent a paddle board or chill out on the beach.

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Wake Island Waterpark | Pleasant Grove

Photo courtesy of Wake Island Waterpark

Just west of Roseville, this water park is a good bet for those looking for fun in the sun. As the name implies, wakeboarding is the main draw, with a huge cable-operated wakeboard park. They also have a Ninja Race Course, inflatable aqua park, hamster wheels, paddle boards and a zipline. You can even rent an inflatable cabana on the water for some down time.

Aquatic Centers in the Sacramento Area

In addition to full-fledged water parks, the Sacramento area is also home to city-run aquatic centers that offer all the fun of a private water park at a fraction of the cost. These complexes typically have several pools (including those designed for small children), waterslides, play structures and snack bars, all at one low price. Some also offer season passes.                                                                                                                 

Steve Milkos Aquatic Center | Folsom

With three pools, an interactive play structure, diving boards and a giant inflatable obstacle course, this public aquatic center in Folsom is like a mini water park! There are plenty of lounge chairs for relaxing as well as an onsite café/snack bar.

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Elk Grove Aquatics Center | Elk Grove

Photo courtesy of Elk Grove Aquatics Center

This massive complex in Elk Grove is home to the region’s largest competition pool, as well as a recreational pool, water slides and a lazy river. There’s also a zero-entry pool and a play area with spray features and inflatables. The nearby Wackford Aquatic Complex also has inflatables and a spray structure for the little ones.

West Sacramento Aquatic Center | West Sacramento

Photo courtesy of West Sacramento Aquatic Center

Water slides, diving boards, a lazy river and splash zones are just a few of the attractions you’ll find at this popular spot in West Sacramento. Plus, it’s part of a larger city-operated recreation complex so you can also practice yoga, take a spin class, or play a round of tennis.

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North Natomas Aquatics Complex | Natomas

With two lap pools, a zero-entry splash pool, a play structure, and spiral waterslides, this aquatic complex in Natomas makes for a fun day out with family or friends. They also have shaded picnic tables and cabanas for parties and celebrations.

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Roseville Aquatics Complex | Roseville

Photo courtesy of Roseville Aquatics Complex

Best known for their Olympics-sized competition pool, this aquatics complex in Roseville is also popular for recreational swim come summertime! There’s a zero-entry pool, a 150-foot water slide, inflatables, and a children’s interactive spray ground. They also have dedicated hours for lap swims and family night swims during the week.

Antelope Aquatic Complex | Antelope

Whether you’re looking for the thrill of a waterslide, the whimsy of a spray ground or just a relaxing place to take a dip, this aquatic center in Antelope fits the bill. In addition to recreational swim, they also host special events such as Friday night family swim and summer movies at the pool.

Sacramento Parks with Splashpads

For parents of younger kids, water parks and aquatic centers may be a bit too chaotic. If you’re looking for a spot to keep the little ones busy (and cool!) on a warm summer day, consider one of the many public parks with splashpads or spray grounds in the Sacramento region. Best of all, most of these spots are low-cost and, in many cases, free!

• Crabb Park, Roseville
• Swanston Park, Sacramento
• White Rock Splash Park, Rancho Cordova
• Bridgeway Lakes Park, West Sacramento
• Promontory Community Park, El Dorado Hills
• John Slaven Park, Woodland
• Johnson-Springview Park, Rocklin

Water Park Getaways from Sacramento

If you love water parks, why not turn that love into a memorable family vacation? There are several places within just a few hours of Sacramento where you can stay overnight and take advantage of a multi-day splash fest! These Northern California water parks have everything you need for a great family getaway: lodging, dining, and plenty of attractions for kids of all ages.

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Great Wolf Lodge | Manteca

Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

Just an hour from Sacramento, this massive indoor water park has everything you’d expect: multiple water slides, a lazy river, a vertical water chute, a quarter pipe, and a rafting adventure. The water is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees, so you can take advantage of Great Wolf Lodge any time of year. In addition to the indoor water park, they also have an outdoor pool, bowling, a ropes course, mini golf, and an arcade. As far as lodging, they offer family-focused suites that include water park passes. There are also plenty of dining choices available, from a steakhouse to a pizza parlor, even a Dunkin’. Not interested in lodging? They also offer day passes.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park | Lodi

Photo courtesy of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Similar to Great Wolf Lodge, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park offers a waterpark, amusement park-style attractions, and lodging. Overnight options include luxury and rustic cabins (some with hot tubs!) as well as camping sites for RVs and tents. The water park has numerous pools, a water playground, a lazy river and giant spa tubs. Other attractions include laser tag, mini golf, and outdoor sports. You can also rent a boat and explore the California Delta! There are also day passes available.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor | Concord

Photo courtesy of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Although there is no lodging onsite at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Concord, there are several hotels nearby, some of which offer discounted admission tickets. The park features all types of water attractions, from water slides and play areas to a lazy river and wave pool. There are several snack bars scattered throughout the park, as well as gift shops so you can take home that perfect souvenir.

Coming Soon

In case you haven’t heard, the popular Raging Waters at Cal Expo is closed and is scheduled for renovations. A new operator plans to offer a wave pool, a surfing attraction, a lazy river, and of course — waterslides! The new park, to be called Calibunga, is scheduled to open in 2025.