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MonJul 28

NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY – July 28, 2025

If there’s one occasion that people in the U.S. look forward to, it’s National Waterpark Day on July 28. Undoubtedly, a trip to the local waterpark is one of the best ways of spending your summer. There are plenty of rides suitable for different ages, so there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. The end of July is synonymous with poolsides, wave pools, and eighty-foot tall slides mounted on steel towers. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a lazy vacationer, waterparks have something for every taste. Nothing beats being in the water to cool off during the summer.

As you splash around the water rides, you’ll experience lots of fun and laughter. It’s the perfect way to stay cool on those sweltering summer days while creating fun memories with your friends and family. What’s more, many water parks these days (even the small ones) are all-in-one resorts, with spas and hotels to boot. Don’t miss out on the fun this summer — there’s plenty of time to make plans for this year’s National Waterpark Day.

History of NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY

Since their introduction in the late 1940s and early 1950s, waterparks have grown immensely in popularity. The United States has been recorded to have the largest and most concentrated waterpark market in the world. More than 1,000 water parks already exist with multiple new parks opening each year in the U.S.

The waterslide was first seen in New Zealand during a display at their International Exhibition in 1906. Ever since, waterslides have quickly evolved, especially in the 1970s. They were built to accommodate larger numbers of people as their love for them grew. In line with the excitement of the public, they were developed to be taller and faster.

Thrill-seekers took to wave pools and rough water rides, while lazy rivers were popular among those who just wanted to chill out. Major organizations involved in the management of waterparks are the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (I.A.A.P.A.) and the World Waterpark Association (W.W.A.), which is the trade association of the industry.

After the innovations and observations of how people loved the waterslides, National Waterpark Day was then founded by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions on July 28, 2017. Travis Nelson, spokesperson for Kalahari Resorts and Conventions once said that “Visiting a waterpark is a quintessential summer experience.” And we agree — a summer without being in the water is one not enjoyed to the fullest.

Travis also commented that Kalahari Resorts founded National Waterpark Day to commemorate the fun and lingering memories families are sure to create at their waterparks every summer. Today, waterparks are found all over the globe. They provide fun for the whole family and many serve as resort destinations.

NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY timeline

2000s
Too Many People

Efforts are made to reduce long waiting lines at waterparks by introducing conveyor belts to lift passengers or using water jets.

1994
The U.S. Gets a Taste

The United States gets its first indoor waterpark.

1977
The Inaugural Indoor Waterpark

The world’s first indoor waterpark is built-in Alpamare, Switzerland.

1923
The Early Form of Aqua Rides

Herbert Sellner designs a ride with water toboggans that would slide down large inclines and skim across bodies of water.

NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY FAQs

Who was the first person to construct a waterpark?

George Millay opened the Wet ‘n Wild in Orlando in 1977.

Where was the first water slide made?

New Zealand had the world’s first water slide on display at their 1906 International Exhibition.

What are the common features of waterparks?

Some of the popular attractions in waterparks include water slides, lazy rivers, splash pools, and wave pools.

NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY Activities

  1. Visit a waterpark

    It would be a crime to miss the main point of this day without good reason. Cool down at your local waterpark or travel across the country to a major water attraction for the ultimate summer fun.

  2. Share on social

    Good things are better when shared. Let your friends know about this day by posting about it on social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalWaterparkDay.

  3. Stay safe in the sun

    We’re all excited to see the sun again during summer, but don’t forget that its U.V. rays are powerful. Use sunscreen and wear a hat while you’re not in the water.

5 Fun Facts About Waterparks And Waterslides

  1. Canada pioneers indoor waterparks

    North America’s first indoor waterpark was built in Canada and named World Waterpark in Edmonton, Alberta.

  2. The largest indoor waterpark

    Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin is the biggest indoor waterpark, measuring 125,000 square feet.

  3. An abandoned waterpark

    Disney World has an abandoned waterpark that is slowly being salvaged by nature.

  4. A deadly waterslide

    Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City was home to what used to be the tallest waterslide, which was 168 feet high, but was shut down when a 10-year-old rider died using the waterslide.

  5. Waterpark H.Q.

    Wisconsin Dells calls itself the waterpark capital of the world as it possesses over 20 waterparks.

Why We Love NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY

  1. It keeps us cool

    Summer heat can get unbearable. Being in the water is a sure bet for keeping ourselves cool.

  2. It’s family-friendly

    Going to a waterpark is something that parents can safely enjoy with their kids. And the family memories from such moments are priceless.

  3. It’s healthy fun

    Being in the sun gives us vitamin D, and we get a burst of ‘feel-good’ hormones: endorphins, dopamine, and adrenaline. Way to stay healthy while having fun!

NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY dates

Year Date Day
2025 July 28 Monday
2026 July 28 Tuesday
2027 July 28 Wednesday
2028 July 28 Friday
2029 July 28 Saturday