Enjoyably float down the top lazy rivers in the United States without worrying about falling into a waterfall
There is no better place to be on a hot day than in a pleasant body of water, whether it be a man-made pool or a natural hot spring. But a lazy river might be the most unwinding activity of all. And we’re not talking about white water rapids in the wild; rather, we’re talking about artificial rivers that allow you to effortlessly float along a winding current in a tube while relaxing in the sun.
The best lazy rivers in the United States are a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway where you can literally be lazy or an exciting family outing. From the glitz of Vegas to the mountains of Colorado, to the biggest water parks in the country, we’ve compiled the best man-made, meandering streams. Prepare yourself for a more interesting and restorative way to enjoy the water, no matter which lazy river you choose.
The best lazy rivers in the US.
Picture of Rob Henson
1. Waco Surf, Waco, Texas
According to the website, this nearly mile-long lazy river is claimed to be the longest in the world. To ride the lazy river, you must buy a Wedge waterslide pass, but that just adds to the enjoyment. You can also try wakeboarding cable park, where overhead cables pull you around the water without using a boat, or you can surf on a two-acre lake separately.
Photo credit: Sam Aronov/Shutterstock
2. Portland, Oregon’s East Portland Community Center
This short but sweet indoor lazy river for swimmers (no floaties required) ends in a strong whirlpool you must kick your way out of. To spend a few hours here in the two pools with a water slide, you can purchase a cheap day pass ($6 for adults) and then go outside to the lush city park it is located to have a picnic.
Courtesy of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, the image
3. Glenwood Hot Springs Hotel | Glenwood, Colorado
The outdoor tube ride Shoshone Chutes, which mimics the Colorado River with cascading tiers that take you “downhill” with quick turns, offers more thrills than most lazy rivers. On this three-minute ride, your floatie will probably spin around backward due to the force of the water. Despite being on the grounds of a storied resort hotel with well-known hot springs, it is open to the public. The red rocks of the nearby mountains are an added bonus in this breathtaking natural setting.
Image courtesy of Tahiti Village
4. Tahiti Village, Nevada, Las
Although this lazy river may not be the longest in Las Vegas, it does have a respectable eight miles (660 feet) of it. In addition, it has other appealing features like tiki torches and a romantic ride through a palm-tree-lined path that passes four stunning waterfalls. In the winter, it is heated to over 80 degrees, and in the summer, to around 70 degrees. A pool with a sand entry is also close by for making sand castles. The resort is a few miles away from the Strip and you must be a guest to use the lazy river.
Featured Image: Camelback Resort
5. Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Tannersville, Pennsylvania
The Camelback Resort’s indoor waterpark, located deep in the Poconos, features a lazy river that descends underground and passes through a darkened “grotto” beneath other waterslides for a moodier experience. A transparent roof covers the 125,000-square-foot waterpark, which is enormous. Stay until nightfall to see the gorgeously lit interior! The world’s longest indoor water coaster slide will be available to you as a bonus. A night at the resort includes access to the waterpark, or you can purchase a day pass.
Image courtesy of Geyser Falls
6. Choctaw, Mississippi’s Geyser Falls Water Theme Park
The Roundabout River, a 1,200-foot lazy river that pulls you through the park on calm currents as you cool off by floating under waterfalls, is located in the middle of this massive waterpark. After you’ve finished relaxing, ride the two-person waterslide and roller coaster Backsplash to get your heart rate back up. Or explore the 23 acres of the park’s wave pool and 11 additional waterslides.
Image courtesy of the Marriott Marquis Houston
7. Marriott Marquis Houston, Houston, Texas
A tranquil river that resembles the state of Texas? Indeed, why not? From this sixth-floor rooftop pool, float around the state’s border while taking in the city skyline. You can exit the river after passing under a few footbridges to try the heated infinity pool nearby. If you want to go swimming without staying the night, a day pass can be purchased at resortpass.com for as little as $75.
Featured Image: Ocean Breeze Waterpark
8. Virginia Beach’s Ocean Breeze Waterpark
The 1,000-foot Adventure River drenches you as it flows past waterfalls and under-tipping buckets with waves and a strong current. For a ten-minute ride, it begins and ends at a lagoon and sand-free beach. Swap your free tube for a more modern “recliner” if you really want to up the calming effects. While you’re there, check out the 45-foot Hugh Mongous statue of a gorilla and other attractions, including the million-gallon wave pool.
Image courtesy of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
9. Powell, Ohio’s Zoombezi Bay
Croctail Creek is a 21+-only lazy river, which may come as a relief to some. The optional alcoholic beverage makes the 700-foot glide even more relaxing. Start your ride at the swim-up (tube up? ) bar called Sandbar and get into a cozy two-person floatie to float away. Single floaties are also available. The 1,500-foot Roaring Rapids Action River, which has its own wave generator and is kid-friendly, is another attraction. Zoombezi Bay also has a ton of other water-related activities, such as a wave pool and numerous slides. On the same day, admission also grants access to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Image courtesy of Stacie Stauff Smith Photos on Shutterstock
10. Danvers, Massachusetts’ Water Park of New England
The indoor, 986-foot Coconut Grove Adventure River (which also has an outdoor portion) takes visitors on a leisurely tour of the Parrot’s Perch Play Area, complete with splash surprises. Your day pass to the water park will grant you access to the 65,000 square feet of additional water-based play areas, including rides on transparent donuts and slides, water cannons, and a swim-through tunnel to an outdoor whirlpool.
Courtesy of Holiday Inn Club Vacations, this picture
11. Orlando, Florida’s Orange Lake Resort
Ride the 1,200-foot-long lazy river, which has a pool at each end and lovely views of River Island Village. Rent some tubes and explore the hot tubs and slides. Golf putt-putt is also close by. The name of the well-known theme park next to this Holiday Inn Club timeshare resort escapes us, but we know it has something to do with a cuddly rodent.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
12. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Gardiner, New York
Stay at this park with a view of the Wallkill River in an RV or a cabin and enjoy the lazy river, which has buckets, cannons, and water sprayers to make the ride exciting. Additionally, there are conventional swimming pools, mini golf, and Yogi Bear’s Water Zone with slides and a fort. Along with a ton of other activities, the Wallkill offers fishing. Even weekends and weeks have a theme. In addition, day passes are available in place of overnight stays.
Photograph: Artem Voropai/Shutterstock
13. Gilroy Gardens, Gilroy, California
We must mention the Rainbow Garden Boat Ride despite the fact that it is geared toward families and involves sitting in a dry, round, four-person boat. Listen to recorded frogs croaking as you float down the laziest of rivers (no white water here) in a shaded vessel while passing by lovely display gardens. You must purchase a park pass, but that’s great because this is essentially a miniature Disneyland for young children, complete with clean, fancy rides with minimal wait times.
We hope you enjoyed this virtual tour, and be sure to let us know in the comments which place you’re most excited to visit. Follow our latest post at tourfinity.net and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
