Indoor Water Parks in Michigan Make Great Getaways
What to do when you need a quick family vacation spot that everyone will enjoy?
You book a stay at one of the best indoor water parks in Michigan.
Waterparks are great destinations for families.
Kids can play for hours on end without getting bored and Mom and Dad can have some fun, too. (Many have a hot tub with your name on it!)
The weatherproof environment allows you to escape the daily routine and feel like you’re on a mini tropical escape, any time of year.
Indoor water parks in Michigan, with their wide range of activities (water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, hot tubs, etc) are a perfect destination for all ages.
*Feature image courtesy of Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth, MI.
The image below is at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City. 
Children’s Workshop
Featured Partner
The goal of Children’s Workshop is to “Build Better Kids” and to provide a secure environment where young children will share, learn, play, experiment, grow, and develop self-esteem during their first school experience.
Consider a Michigan Water Park Hotel Stay
While it may cost less to visit a waterpark for just one day, consider staying overnight and extending your trip.
Most waterpark hotels will let you check in early and start playing before your room is ready – ask your destination for pool hours and access policies before booking.
Plus, many water park hotels offer family vacation packages that include indoor waterpark day passes, family suites, connected rooms or even free breakfast. This makes it easier to plan an overnight getaway.
Pro tip: Plan ahead and book in advance for peak weeks like spring break as indoor water parks fill up quickly during those times.
Indoor Water Parks in Michigan
Pack your bags, grab your swimsuits and get ready for family fun at these Michigan waterpark hotels!
1 – Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark ★★★★★
3575 N U.S. 31 S, Traverse City, MI 49684
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
Location: Northern Michigan
Good For: Babies, toddlers, elementary-aged kids
Get ready for a splashin’ good time at Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark in Traverse City, MI! We’ve been to a lot of waterparks and we can say that this is one of the best water parks in Michigan, hands down, especially for families with younger kids.
With 39,000 square feet of water fun, the whole family will love twisting and turning down the River Canyon Run raft ride, exploring Fort Mackenzie treehouse, and getting drenched by the massive front-and-center dump bucket. 
Dump Bucket at Great Wolf Lodge
Not to mention the four-story water slides, zero-entry pool and activity pool, plus numerous kiddie slides,
When it’s time for a break, relax in one of several hot tubs (there’s an only-adult whirlpool!) or float down the lazy river. In the summer season, the park also features an outdoor pool and toddler splash pad.
Inside of the hotel, kids and tweens can’t resist honing their wizarding skills in MagiQuest, a unique interactive adventure game. (There is an extra fee for the game and for wands.)
Great Wolf Lodge also puts on craft times and story times by the big fieldstone fireplace in the lobby each day. The paw-stretching activities are included with admission and a big hit with the kids.
Also a big draw: the arcade, creating your own stuffed animal at the Creation Station, the mini bowling alley, ice cream shop, putt putt course, and gift shop with lots of CANDY.
Parents appreciate the bar that is available in the pool area or at the inhouse restaurant.
And for those looking to make a weekend out of it, stay overnight in the lodge themed suites or kid cabin rooms. This is one hotel waterpark that knows how to do it right.
Enjoy onsite dining with donuts, in-room refrigerators, adult whirlpools, and lazy river.
Day passes may be available on occasion, so make sure to check their website for the latest information.
Other Midwest Great Wolf Lodge locations include Sandusky, OH and Gurnee, IL.
See Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark on TripAdvisor.
2 – Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain Resort ★★★★★
31 Boyne Mountain Road, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
Location: Northern Michigan
Good For: Little to big kids and adults
Nestled inside Boyne Mountain Resort, clocking in at 88,000 square feet, Avalanche Bay is the largest of the indoor water parks in Michigan and offers plenty of attractions for all ages.
Plus, this is the Michigan indoor waterpark with the biggest thrill rides, in our opinion, making it great for families with toddlers, young kids, tweens, or even teens.
Our kids love being “flushed” down the toilet bowl the most, and also racing down the belly slide.
I’m terrified of the The Big Couloir – a waterslide with an almost vertical drop – but it’s a popular ride.
Visit and you’ll find six waterslides, a shallow kids pool, a lazy river, kiddie activity pools, a massive arcade, and a surf simulator. 
Day passes are available for both hotel guests and outside visitors and food is available, too. Watch their social media for occasional deals.
This is a great waterpark for kids and adults alike, with a wide range of attractions at different thrill levels.
Waterpark Features: Ski & golf resort with onsite dining, winter wonderland-themed waterpark, downhill mat racer, slides, surf zone, blizzard bay, and glacier hot springs. Toddler splash area in the waterpark as well.
See Avalanche Bay on TripAdvisor.
3 – Zehnder’s Splash Village Indoor Water Parks ★★★★★
1365 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
General Area: Eastern Michigan
Good for: All ages
Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth offers two distinct indoor water parks connected to each other, one with a retractable roof!
Enjoy a six-story family raft ride and super loop drop slide.
Little ones will love the zero-entry activity pool with water geysers and gadgets. Or enjoy the lazy river or hot tub.
They also have an outdoor waterpark in the summer.
Day and hotel passes are available. Call 844-207-7309 for more information.
Waterpark Features: Hotel rooms, 4 story slides, dumping bucket, hot tub and lazy river.
See Zehnder’s on TripAdvisor.
4 – Bavarian Inn Lodge
1 Covered Bridge Lane, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
General Area: Eastern Michigan
Good for: Babies, toddlers, young kids
Bavarian Inn Lodge helps make Frankenmuth a popular vacation destination.
Kids will love playing on the two waterslides and swimming in one of four indoor pools, including:
– 4 Pools – One for Adults Only
– 3 Whirlpools – One for Adults Only
– The Tower Twister Body Slide
– The Bavarian Blast Tube Slide
Take a break from the water fun and explore the arcade and 18-hole indoor mini golf course adjacent to the pool, complete with a 15-foot waterfall.
Be sure to stop at the restaurant for some of their famous chicken.
On December 13, 2022, the Bavarian Inn broke ground on expanding their indoor waterpark.
When it’s completed in spring 2024, it will be 140,000 sq ft – making the Bavarian Inn Lodge the largest indoor water park in Michigan and family entertainment center.
The current waterpark and family fun center is scheduled to remain open throughout the renovations. Be sure to check their website and social media for any changes.
Call 888-775-6343 for more information.
Destination Features: Hotel, waterslides, hot tubs, arcade, mini-golf, restaurant
See Bavarian Inn Lodge on TripAdvisor.
5 – Soaring Eagle Waterpark
5665 E. Pickard Rd. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
General Area: Mid-Michigan
Good for: Preschoolers, little kids
Big kids can catch a big wave, race down one of three water slides, shoot hoops in “Gizi’s Splash and Dunk,” while little kids will love the water jungle gym designed for the youngest guests.
This resort has iSlide – an interactive experience specialized in making special effects for water slides.
An All-Day Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel Day Pass starts at $33 per person for weekdays.
Waterpark day passes are available and should be purchased in advance online or over the phone due to limited waterpark capacity.
Waterpark Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
This waterpark is geared more toward younger children.
Children 3 and under are FREE. Call for current rates and to purchase day passes: 989-817-4801
Waterpark Features: Hotel, casino, pool, sauna, steam room, little beaver’s bend (river), outdoor sundeck, climbing wall and surf attraction.
Read more about Soaring Eagle Waterpark on TripAdvisor.
6 – Double JJ Resort Waterpark
5900 S Water Rd, Rothbury, MI 49452
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
General Area: Western Michigan
Good for: Preschoolers, younger kids
As far as indoor water parks in Michigan are concerned, Double JJ Resort’s Gold Rush Waterpark is off the beaten path.
Home to West Michigan’s tallest indoor waterslide, families will love the thrill slides, wave pool, lazy river, water fort, water basketball, heated pools and hot tubs.
Visitors with little ones will appreciate the separate toddler pool.
Hotel guests or day visitors will need to purchase a day pass for the waterpark.
Day passes include access to the water park for the day. Adults and children are $35 and young children (under 3 years old) are free. (Overnight guests get a discount.)
In the summer, Double JJ also offers an outdoor waterpark at the Back Forty Swimming Hole. Cactus Jacks is located in the waterpark offering beer, mixed drinks & a variety of cool refreshments.
This park is open to the public and is located in the Back Forty, 1 mile south of the Frontier.
Double JJ resort in Rothbury is also located near Michigan’s Adventure amusement park and waterpark. (Seasonal, summer only).
Overall, guest reviews are mixed. Our last visit was some time ago – the rides were fun but the noise level inside of the waterpark was levels higher than we’ve experienced elsewhere.
Call 231-894-4444 for more information.
Waterpark Features: Hotel, Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark, Snow Tubing, Horseback Riding, and Golf (weather permitting).
Read more Double JJ Resort on Trip Advisor.
7 – Splash Universe
100 White Tail Dr, Dundee, MI 48131
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
General Area: Eastern Michigan
Good for: Ages 12 and under
Splash Universe is a 25,000 sq foot indoor waterpark located in Dundee, MI, about 30 minutes south of Ann Arbor.
As of publication date (February 2023), they have yet to reopen from the COVID-19 shutdown. However, their Facebook page indicates that a reopening is imminent.
Splash Universe is under new ownership since 2020 and they’ve been working hard to renovate and update the water park, including a new ventilation system, water pumps and filtration systems.
The hotel remains open.
Attractions at Splash Universe include a lazy river, water slides, zero-entry depth kids pool, and a multi-level interactive water play structure.
For adults, there is an exclusive hot tub to relax in away from the kids.
The resort also offers a restaurant, bar, gift shop, and video arcade.
Season passes as well as day passes available.
Call 734-529-5100 for more information.
Waterpark Features: Hotel, Goldmine Adventures Indoor Waterpark, Arcade.
8 – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel Waterpark
6569 Clay Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
General Area: West Michigan
Good for: Toddlers, preschoolers, little kids
Perfect for Grand Rapids locals to spend the day or an overnight away from home. The indoor splash pad is best for younger kids.
Room rates begin at $90. Call 616-871-9700 for more information.
Destination Features: Hotel room, indoor splash pad (3-story water slide now permanently closed), breakfast available, and free wi-fi.
9 – Bridge Vista Beach Hotel
1027 South Huron, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Michigan
General Area: Northern Michigan
Good for: Younger kids
This indoor water park in Michigan is right near the Mackinac Bridge.
Find this waterpark hotel on the shores of Lake Huron and overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. It’s very close to Mackinac Island.
The hotel offers a heated indoor pool and oversized spa as well as a 250 foot long lazy river.
The waterpark and pool are closed seasonally September 26th through May 1st.
Call 800-576-2842 for rates and reservations.
Waterpark Features: Hotel, over-sized spa, lazy river, three story slides and a water walk.
Read more about Bridge Vista Beach Hotel on Trip Advisor.
10 – Kalahari Resorts – Sandusky & Wisconsin Dells
7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870
1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Ohio and Wisconsin
General Area: Midwest, near Michigan
Good for: All Ages
Kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy this 174,000-square-foot indoor water park which features a lazy river, multiple waterslides, a hot tub, water basketball and water walk, wave pool and family raft ride.
There are also a number of other activities to enjoy including flow rider and mermaid lessons for an additional cost.
These indoor water parks also have mini golf, arcades and swim up bars.
Call 800-576-2842 for rates and reservations.
Waterpark Features: Hotel, lazy rivers, kiddie pools, water slides, and swim-up bars
Read about Sandusky Kalahari Resort on Trip Advisor.
Read about Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Resort on Trip Advisor.
11 – Castaway Bay – Sandusky
2001 Cleveland Road, Sandusky, OH 44870
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Ohio
General Area: Midwest, near Michigan
Good for: Ages 12 and under
Located in the Cedar Point amusement park complex, Castaway Bay is an elaborate enclosed waterpark with a five-story structure.
It features a vaulted wood ceiling that covers a natural setting of palm trees, huts, inland lagoons and plenty of wet and wild water adventure.
Kids will also love gaming in the arcade or making a cool project in the child activity center. Plus three restaurants and retail shops on-site!
Day passes and Cedar Point combination packages available.
Call 800-576-2842 for rates and reservations.
Waterpark Features: Hotel, restaurant, wave pool, water slides, toddler play areas, video arcade
Read more about Castaway Bay – Sandusky on Trip Advisor.
12 – Great Wolf Lodge – Sandusky
4600 Milan Road, Sandusky, OH 44870
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Ohio
General Area: Midwest, near Michigan
Good For: Babies, toddlers, elementary-aged kids
Head to Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark for 42,000 square feet of splish splash excitement in Sandusky, OH.
Great Wolf Lodge has nine waterslides, three pools and a four-story treehouse waterfort.
Families can twist and turn down the Alberta Falls raft ride while littles explore Soak’n Oak Springs.
They also have several hot tubs and a lazy river.
While on the property, try out MagiQuest® or Compass Quest™, the arcade, bowling, or their stuffed animal Build a Bear for an additional fee.
An outdoor pool and toddler splash pad is available in the summer.
Day passes available for the waterpark. Dry land activities not included.
Other Midwest Great Wolf Lodge locations include Traverse City, MI, and Gurnee, IL.
Water Park Features: Hotel rooms and themed-suites, onsite dining, in-room refrigerators, gift shop, MagiQuest game, four-story water slides, zero-entry pool, activity pool, kiddie slides, adult whirlpools, lazy river.
See Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark on TripAdvisor.
13 – Grand Bear Resort
2643 IL-178, North Utica, IL 61373
Category: Waterpark Hotels in Illinois
General Area: Midwest, near Michigan
Good for: Ages 12 and under
Grand Bear Falls within the Grand Bear Resort is a 24,000 square foot indoor waterpark with play zones, slides, wave pool, lazy river, and 15 person hot tub.
Splash all day in the wave pool, slip and slide down a rushing water slides, float down the lazy river, or wade in the kiddie pool with your little ones.
Catch a round of the Ducky Derby or just kick back and relax in the hot tub area.
Concessions are available on-site.
Waterpark Features: Hotel, restaurant, wave pool, water slides, toddler play areas
Read more about Grand Bear Resort on Trip Advisor.
Community Center Indoor Water Parks in Michigan
Not all indoor water parks are hotel waterparks. Several community aquatic centers offer amped up waterpark experiences, with amenities like water slides, lazy rivers, water playgrounds, and more.
Holland Community Aquatic Center Waterpark ★★★★★
550 Maple Avenue, Holland, MI 49423
Category: Community Center Waterpark in Michigan
General Area: West Michigan
Renovated in 2021 and reopened in January 2022, the play area at the Holland Community Aquatic Center includes a children’s play area, circular slide and lazy river. Plus a zero entry wading pool for the littlest splashers.
Day passes are $11 for ages 3-61. Membership packages that include the indoor water park are also available.
*Children age 2 and younger receive free admission.
*All guests entering pool side will be charged admission (including non-swimmers).
Call 616-393-7595 for more information.
Waterpark Features: Zero entry splash zone, water slide, lazy river, zip line, obstacle course, swimming lessons, fitness room
Read our review.
Allegan Aquatics Center
1560 M-40 North, Allegan MI 49010
Category: Community Center Waterpark in Michigan
General Area: Southwest Michigan
In addition to a competition pool, Allegan Aquatics Center also has an indoor Leisure Pool.
This pool is a warm water swimming pool, complete with a zero depth entry shallow area, small water slide, fountains, lazy river and a 10 yard lap pool.
Kids will love the blow-up obstacle course (only available on certain dates).
This indoor waterpark offers Family Fun Time during the week for an hour.
Check out their Facebook page for additional information and updates to the schedule.
Waterpark Features: Lazy river, kiddie pool, obstacle course
The Salvation Army Kroc Center Water Park ★★★★★
2500 S. Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Category: Community Center Waterpark in Michigan
General Area: West Michigan
The Kroc Center is an easy day trip for Grand Rapids families.
Spend time in the large pool, ride the lazy river or warm up in the hot tub. Afterward, kids will want to test their strength on the indoor climbing wall in the lobby (shoes required).
Free for members. Day passes are $8 for ages 0 – 11 and $12 for ages 12 and over.
Call 616-588-7200 for more information.
To enjoy the 28 foot slide and more, look for the “full features on” times in their drop-in recreation guide.
Waterpark Features: Indoor waterpark, climbing wall, zero entry pool, lazy river, childcare, special activities like Parents’ Night Out.
Romulus Athletic Center
35765 Northline Road, Romulus, MI 48174
Category: Community Center Waterpark in Michigan
General Area: Eastern Michigan
Kids will enjoy the splash pool complete with splash bucket and kiddie slide, a lazy river, and a two-story water slide.
Adults can enjoy a lap pool and hot tub/spa. There is also an outdoor splash pool in the summer.
Individual All-Day Passes are available:
~Residents (must show valid ID): $10 per person
~Non-Residents: $15 per person
•Children under the age of 18-years old must be chaperoned by a paying adult.
Call 734-942-2223 for more information.
Waterpark Features: Zero entry splash pool, kiddie slide, lazy river, hot tub, sauna, outdoor splash pad
Summit on the Park
46000 Summit Parkway, Canton, MI 48188
Category: Community Center Waterpark in Michigan
General Area: Eastern Michigan
The Aquatic Center is a fun-filled water environment for people of all ages!
Practice swimming in the 5-lane lap pool or float down the lazy river. Don’t forget to relax in the sauna or steam room after all that fun!
Parent/Tot Swim Times: These special timeslots are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM and are ideal for children 5 and younger
Call 734-394-5460 for more information and to confirm the schedule.
Waterpark Features: 5-lane, 25-yard lap pool, zero-depth leisure pool with play features, a lazy river and slide, spa, steam room and sauna room.
Spring Lake Community Fitness & Aquatic Center
16140 148th Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456
Category: Community Center Waterpark in Michigan
General Area: West Michigan
At the Spring Lake Aquatic Center waterpark, visitors can go for a ride down the 100 ft spiral water slide, walk across the rope bridge or float down the lazy river.
Young kids will love the splash zone and family pool that is kept at 86 degrees.
As of January 2023, the SLFAC is not selling day passes.
Call 616-847-5858 for more information.
Waterpark Features: Water slide, lazy river, zero entry pool, hot tub, steam room, swimming lessons, fitness center
Map Indoor Water Parks in Michigan
Holiday Inn GR says it removed the 3 story water park structure and replaced it with just a splash pad.
Just sending along this picture of the Holland Community Aquatic Center for those wondering what the Splash Zone looks like!
Great list – thanks for putting it together! But one thing – Soaring Eagle needs to be moved to the 1-3 hr category. Unless you have a jet plane, you’re not going to make it to Mt. Pleasant in an hour…