A water park is a fantastic activity for the whole family to enjoy. However, finding a fun family day out in the UK means that you're often at the mercy of the temperamental British weather, which is why it's worth knowing the best indoor water parks in the UK and outdoor ones so that you can have fun regardless of the weather.
Britain's best water parks offer a fantastic way to get active with your little one. With everything from slides to wave pools, there's something for everyone in the family, no matter their age. Most water parks have a special 'baby pool' for the family's youngest members and areas designed for older children. This means everyone can enjoy hours of fun, and your little ones will have a great time burning off some of that endless energy.
Playing in the water naturally helps children learn basic swimming skills, like kicking and floating, in a relaxed and fun environment. Whilst it might not be the best place to teach your toddler how to swim, it's a great way to introduce them to the water. So, whether it’s your child’s first time at the pool or they’re already a confident swimmer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Taking your little one to a water park is not just about the fun—it’s a day filled with learning, growth, and special moments you’ll cherish, making it one of our favourite days out for toddlers. So, if you’re keen to get your cossie or trunks on, keep on reading, as we’ve narrowed down the best indoor water parks and outdoor water parks in the UK for a fun day out.
Best outdoor and indoor water parks UK
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
Under 3’s FREE, Children 3 – 7 years £15.95 per person, Children 8 – 11 years £20.95 per person, 12 years + £24.95 per person
This is the UK’s largest indoor water park located on Blackpool’s famous promenade, with over 18 waterslides and attractions. Kids can enjoy jumping through the waves from the wave machine, shooting down the Master Blaster or having a splash in one of the fun pools. We think this is the perfect way to spend a rainy day, as you can enjoy the pool's tropical 84-degree climate.
It is even home to the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster water slide, which is more than 200 metres long.
Our favourite thing about this water park is, you can book a Tiki Cabana (for an extra cost). This private area is perfect for families with babies or children of different ages, giving you a personal space to relax and take a break without leaving the water park. The cabana has everything you need to unwind, including a TV, a fridge stocked with soft drinks, and a comfortable seating area where little ones can nap. Plus, you’ll even have your very own hot tub!
Features of Sandcastle Waterpark
• Multi-lane slides
• Contactless preloaded wristband - so you don't have to carry cash
• Ride photography
• Life vests are available to use at no extra cost
• Tiki Cabana
• Restaurants within the waterpark
• Annual passes available
• Onsite swim shack has a wide range of swimwear and towels to purchase
Ticket prices and opening times for Sandcastle Waterpark can be found here.
Splashdown Poole, Dorset
Under 1’s £9, Children 1 – 4 years £18 with an adult, Adults £18 per person
Splashdown Poole is an action water park perfect for thrill-seeking families. Along with 13 exciting indoor and outdoor waterslides, there are river tyre rides and an infinity ride. Personally, we love the ride ‘Infinity’, where you slide around a big bowl with music and funky lasers before being plunged into the pool below. There’s also a cafe and sun terrace if you want to top up your tan if the weather’s on your side.
Whilst this waterpark is a great choice for children over one metre, there isn't much for the smaller family members apart from Rickly's Reef, which is relatively small. So we wouldn't recommend this one for toddlers.
Features of Splashdown Waterpark, Poole
• Thrill-seeking water rollercoaster
• Open all year round
• Great children who are 1m tall and confident in water
• Private hires and parties available
• Free parking
Ticket prices and opening hours for Splashdown Waterpark, Poole, can be found here.
Alton Towers Water Park, Staffordshire
Starting admission from £25 (this doesn't include admission to the park)
You can pretend you’re abroad at this cool Caribbean-themed indoor water park located at the Splashing Landings Hotel at Alton Towers. Inside the tropical indoor area, kids can zip down the super speedy ‘Master Blaster’ water coaster, splash in the waterfall in Lagoona Bay or go wild in the Wacky Waterworks, which has water wheels and cannons. The Little Leak area has shallow water and plenty of fun, as well as games for smaller children.
Features of Alton Towers Water Park
• Limited free buoyancy aids available
• Restaurant located in the waterpark
• Individual and family changing facilities
• Lazy river, interactive water features and splash pools
• Alton Towers Waterpark is accessible for disabled guests
• The Alton Towers Waterpark Outdoor Area opens at select times of the year.
• Slightly warmer than average UK pools (29 Degrees compared to the usual 26-28 degree temperature.)
Entry to the theme park isn’t included in the ticket price. However, you can pay a little extra to add this on.
Ticket prices and opening hours at Alton Towers Water Parkare availablehere.
The Wave, Bristol
Play sessions from £12, Surf lessons from £60
Every surfer knows that catching the perfect wave is half the battle, and of course, this is considerably harder in a country like the UK. But The Wave in Bristol has created the perfect inland surfing lake, which uses the latest wave technology to generate quality waves while still providing an authentic surfing experience. The crystal clear water is perfect for the whole family, and even the smallest family members who aren't quite ready to reach for their surfboards can opt for body boarding or just splashing around in the crystal clear shores.
This outdoor waterpark doesn't have the slides and splash pools that some of the others on our list have, but it does offer a safe environment for little ones to enjoy the water. We think this is an amazing way to enjoy a sunny day, and it's one of our favourite outdoor water parks in the UK.
Features of The Wave, Bristol
• Beginner surfing lesson for children aged 4-9
• One-hour play sessions for children of all ages (an adult must accompany children under eight).
• Children can bring bodyboards to the play sessions
• Wet suit hire is included in the session price (Children under six must bring their own).
• Limted bodyboards available for hire
• Professional surf photographers on site
• Onsite restaurant serving great quality food
• Glamping available on site
Ticket prices and opening hours for The Wave, Bristol, can be found here.
Calypso Cove Waterpark, Barnsley
Under 3’s £4, Children 3 – 10 years £10 with an adult, Adults £12 per person
Let your little one hunt for buried treasure at this fantastic pirate-themed indoor water park, which features a massive skull and a huge pirate ship. Kids can walk the plank, zip down one of the many slides or flumes, or relax in the Still Waters Pool, the Hideout or the Sunken Galleon.
This is one of our favourite indoor waterparks for toddlers because it has an interactive, fun small pool, especially for children under 1.2 metres. Little ones will love going down the mini water slides and having fun in the splash pool.
Features of Calypso Cove Waterpark, Barnsley
• Interactive small pool for children under 1.2 metres
• Four-lane slides, which are perfect for families to race down.
• Diving boards
• Gentle slides as well as the UK's fastest slide
• Accessible swim sessions are available
• Family bowling also at the venue
• Onsite restaurant
You must book your tickets beforehand. Ticket prices and opening hours for Calypso Cove Waterpark, Barnsley can be found here.
Lagan Valley Leisure Pool, Lisburn
Under 3’s £4, Children 3 – 10 years £10 with an adult, Adults £12 per person
Lagan Valley is much smaller than traditional swimming parks, but we had to include it because it’s great for small children. There are waterslides to splash down, a lazy river, and many little waterfalls. If you have older children with you, why not pay a little extra for them to have a go on Mission Inflatable, an assault course featuring demolition balls, slides, and rollers? There’ll be smiles all around all day.
However, it is worth noting that the leisure pool is not recommended for pregnant women.
Features of Lagan Valley Leisure Pool
• Sessions specifically for toddler-aged children with the larger slides turned off
• Armbands and swim nappies available for purchase at reception
• Online bookings are available from seven days in advance at 7 am
• Gentle slides as well as the UK's fastest slide
• Accessible swim sessions are available
Ticket prices and opening hours for Lagan Valley Leisure Pool, Lisburn can be found here.
Coral Reef Water Park, Bracknell
Under 3’s £4.50+, Children 4 – 11 years £5.50+ with an adult £5+
Another pirate-themed water park is Coral Reef. However, this is one of the largest water worlds in the UK, so you and your tot can expect to have an amazing aqua adventure. There are some brilliant features, such as the giant pirate ship that squirts water and lots of water slides. There's also the little coral children's area, and, don't worry, adults, there's also a spa area for a bit of relaxation.
Features of Coral Reef Water Park
• Sessions specifically for toddler-aged children with the larger slides turned off
• Armbands and swim nappies available for purchase at reception
• Online bookings are available from seven days in advance at 7 am
• Gentle slides as well as the UK's fastest slide
• Accessible swim sessions are available
Tickets and opening hours for Coral Reef Water Park, Bracknell,can be found here .
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Splashdown Quaywest, Devon
Anyone aged 9+ £30, Children aged 5-8 £25, Dry Spectator £10
Yep, that's right - there are two Splashdowns! This Splashdown water park in Devon is right next to the gorgeous Goodrington beach and is the UK's biggest outdoor waterpark, so well worth a trip. While reviewers commented there isn't anywhere to swim, there are plenty of rides. Thrill seekers will love Wild Kamikaze and Devil's Drop, which are rated 'severe', while there are also milder rides for younger ones, plus a new giant aqua play structure with interactive water features.
It's important to note that users of the main waterpark must be at least one metre tall to ride the flumes. Therefore, it might not be the best value for families with toddlers and babies.
Features of Splashdown Quaywest, Devon
• Captain Lewey's Shipwreck Island is a giant aqua play structure with interactive water features, tipping buckets, slides and sprays tailored for children under eight.
• Group prices and discounts available
• Online bookings are essential
• Gentle slides as well as the UK's fastest slide
Ticket prices and opening hours for Splashdown Quaywest, Devon can be found here.
Let's Go Hydro, Belfast
£15 Per Child (under 9)
Let's Go Hydro is an amazing inflatable experience for the whole family to enjoy. Rain or shine, your little one can have a blast at Puddle Park, an inflatable area designed for kids under 9. Here, they can enjoy an hour of fun bouncing on the inflatable paddling pool and bouncy castle or unwind in the beach area with a bucket and spade. Plus, we love that adults get in free in this area!
For older kids (aged seven and up), Let's Go Hydro offers 60 minutes of excitement with a large tower, floating trampoline, wiggle disks, climbing wall, and seven-foot-high slides.
If you’re up for an overnight adventure, you can stay in a glamping pod, houseboat, or Viking hut at the resort!
Features of Let's Go Hydro, Belfast
• Glamping onsite
• Sandpits, inflatable pool, inflatable bouncy castle
• Play areas
• Spa facilities
• Beach area
• Onsite dining
Ticket prices and opening hours for Let's Go Hydro, Belfast, can be found here.
Alpamare, Scarborough
Family ticket (based on two adults, two children or one adult and three children) £55+
Alpamare Water Park may have just four slides, but with the thrilling SnowStorm and the exhilarating double-tube Olympic Run, there's no chance of getting bored! The park also features an enormous wave pool that erupts every 30 minutes and a relaxing outdoor infinity pool. While the slides aren't suitable for children under six, the indoor and outdoor swimming pools are heated to a cosy 35 degrees, making them perfect for the whole family.
The splash and play area, complete with water features and a gentler slide, is perfect for little ones.
Features of Alpamare, Scarborough
• Wellness and Spa facilities coming soon
• Four thrill-seeking slides
• Indoor and outdoor heated pools
• Splash and play areas for children of all ages
• Car parking
• Onsite dining
• All of the changing rooms and shared areas are accessible to disabled users and are pushchair-friendly.
Ticket prices and opening hours for Alpamare can be found here.
What is the largest indoor water park in the UK?
Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK's largest Indoor Waterpark, with more than 18 slides and attractions. It offers something for children and adults alike, which is why it's at the top of our list of the best water parks in the UK.
Safety Ratios for taking children to a water park
Each water park will have its own ratio specifications for taking children to the water park. This information can usually be found on their website in the FAQs section. It is essential to check this before booking to avoid disappointment. However, as a rough guide, we suggest that a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio is ideal for children under four years old.
For children aged 4–6, we recommend a ratio of 1:2 (one adult for every two children). For older children, the ratio can be 1:3 or 1:4, depending on the child's swimming ability and the park's environment.
What are the safety guidelines for young children in water parks?
Safety is paramount, especially around water. While there are usually lifeguards and staff on hand to help in the unfortunate event of an emergency, there are some basic guidelines to follow to ensure that your family has a fun-filled, safe day out.
• Always watch your child, even in shallow areas and splash pools.
• Make sure your child is wearing a life jacket if they are not strong swimmers.
• Brightly coloured swimwear are the most visible in the water. Try to opt for neon colours, oranges, yellows and greens.
• When you arrive, make sure you read the park rules to your child. You may need to remind them of certain rules, such as not running near pools.
• Stay close to your child at all times.
Are there age or height restrictions for certain attractions?
Most water parks have age or height restrictions for certain rides and attractions. These rules ensure the safety of everyone, and the park will not make exceptions. Before visiting, check the park's website for specific restrictions. Prepare your child in advance so they understand why they may not be able to go on certain rides.
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer at Mother&Baby. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.