Aside from the beach, Miami has a ton of creative ways to beat the heat. From thrilling drop rides to unique water sports opportunities, these local water parks are at the top of their game when it comes to providing a fun day trip and giving you the rush.
Jungle Island: Parrot Cove
Get ready for a truly unique immersive experience with this ecological-themed adventure spot. Known for live exotic animals, treehouses and a replica of the Florida Everglades, Jungle Island offers much more than a typical water park. Guests can enjoy a private beach experience at Parrot Cove, complete with aquatic obstacle courses within a massive water playground.
Tidal Cove
Located in Aventura, Florida, this mega-park has something for everyone. Their attractions are geared towards all ages. Parents can let their kids explore the Kids Cove — complete with a 4,000 square foot swimming pool — while relaxing at the Oasis Pool, Lazy River or one of several luxurious cabanas. For the more adventurous types, there’s no shortage of crazy water rides. You can check out the Master Blaster, the world’s very first uphill water slide, or drop rides like the Aqua Drop and Boomerango.
Rapids Water Park
This 35-acre site in West Palm Beach is the largest water park in all South Florida. With a 25,000 square foot wave pool and quarter-mile lazy river, bigger really is better at Rapids. Some of their more unique attractions include the Black Thunder slide — a multi-rider raft ride through complete darkness, and the Big Red funnel ride. Something to look forward to in 2024 is the unveiling of a brand-new ride: Mega Mayhem. This water slide allows riders to race each other at up to 22 mph thanks to state-of-the-art jet propulsion technology.
Grapeland Water Park
Not far from the Miami International Airport, Grapeland Water Park is an attractive spot for lovers of art and adventure. Designed by famous pop artist Romero Britto, Grapeland is filled with whimsical cartoon murals and has a very vibrant aesthetic. Their park attractions, including Captain’s Lagoon and Buccaneer River, are family friendly, making this park a great place for the younger crowd. Open seasonally from March to August, Grapeland is a Miami gem worth checking out.
Miami Watersports Complex
If you’re looking to learn a unique and thrilling new skill, Miami Watersports Complex might have just what you’re looking for. The park is situated on the shores of a 90-acre lake in Hialeah’s Amelia Earhart Park. The complex has plenty of room for all kinds of daring water activities for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Here, they offer lessons in waterskiing, wake surfing, cable wakeboarding and much more.
Castaway Island
This water park is uniquely situated in Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, a leisurely spot found outside of Fort Lauderdale. Surrounded by acres of picnic spots, nature trails, and open fields, Castaway Island has a fun blend of water slides and pools for all ages. This Caribbean-themed park also includes water cannons, giant buckets and rain curtains, all while overlooking a scenic lake nearby.
words&illustration_jay moyer.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2024 print issue.
Follow our Social Media:
