Catch A Wave At Top 5 US Water Parks

By Steve Thompson, Contributing writer

Why simply endure the heat when you can escape from it and still have fun in the sun?

Summer time is the perfect opportunity to take a family vacation to a water park, where you might spend several days eating from food stands, riding the rides and bobbing gracefully up and down in the wave pool. The following five water parks are some of the best in the country.

Schlitterbahn

With four locations, Schlitterbahn is one of the most popular water parks in the U.S. -- and also one of the most exciting.

The flagship location in New Braunfels, Texas, has water slides and water coasters, more than 3 miles of tubing river and even a surfing machine. It also has children's water playgrounds and a hot tub to soothe those tired muscles.

Schlitterbahn is divided into three sections: Blastenhoff, Surfenburg and Schlitterbahn West, each of which has numerous activities and opportunities to get wet. And if you want to save money, bring your own picnic to enjoy under one of the many umbrella-shaded picnic tables.

Typhoon Lagoon

If you'll be visiting Disney World anyway, or even if you're just interested in water parks, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in is a must-visit. A 300-foot water slide, several body slides and a beautiful beach are just a few reasons to visit.

You'll also find the Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon, which is a one-of-a-kind underwater adventure where "big kids, teens and adults" can swim with all types of saltwater wildlife. From huge fish to sting rays to leopard and bonnethead sharks, you won't forget this experience for a long time.

Noah's Ark

Located in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Noah's Ark is one of the largest water parks in the United States. It features Black Anaconda, which is the world's longest water coaster, and Time Warp, the world's largest bowl ride.

Also found in Noah's Ark are lazy rivers, wave pools, water coasters, water playgrounds and kiddie bumper boats. It is an adventure for the whole family and can easily occupy a week of non-stop water fun. Make sure to visit the Web site for coupons so you can save money on your vacation.

Raging Waters

With locations in San Jose, Sacramento and San Dimas, Calif., Raging Waters is another of the best water parks in the U.S. The flagship San Jose location covers 23 acres and contains 1 million gallons of water. Unique rides such as Dragon's Den mean kids and adults alike will experience something new during their visit.

Raging Waters is also one of the best water parks for kids' water playgrounds. There are several at each location, and adventures include walking lily pads, dumping buckets of water, swooshing down gang slides and riding an alligator's back.

Water World

Denver's Water World is the last on our list of best water parks, and offers some of the most exciting water rides in the world. Rides and activities are rated low, mild, medium and high so families can carefully select the ones they want to visit.

Water slides, water coasters, a "storm" attraction and other activities abound at Water World. Ride your tube down the Raging Colorado River, plunge six stories down the Pipe Line or confront your fear of the dark on Bermuda Triangle.