Cold weather doesn't mean giving up waterpark fun. Plan a winter weekend escape to one of these indoor waterparks in Iowa.
1. Bridges Bay Resort
Okoboji
'Boji Splash has something for all ages - from a 500-gallon dump bucket to a Lil' Squirt play area. Bridges Bay allows visitors to experience Okoboji year-round by offering individually-owned condominiums for your stay (along with traditional hotel guest rooms).
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby: Take part in a plethora of outdoor activities at the Dickinson County Nature Center, including the new honeybee exhibit and play structure that will delight kids. Visit the updated Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Museum. Coordinate your trip with the events of the University of Okoboji Winter Games and take part in frigid fun!
2. Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
Dubuque
Located steps from the Mississippi River, Grand Harbor Resort features a 25,000 square foot waterpark with slides, tube rides, waterspouts and a four-story Huck Finn tree house that dumps 350 gallons of water every eight minutes. After the water fun, stay in one of Grand Harbor's spacious rooms and dine at Tony Roma's Restaurant and Lounge.
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby: Head over to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium to see the wildlife of the famous river and touch stingrays. Once you're done splashing around, check out Sundown Mountain Ski and Snowboard Resort.
3. Ramada Tropics Resort Waterpark
Des Moines
Ramada Tropics is Des Moines' only hotel with an indoor waterpark, featuring 18,000 square feet of wet and wild fun (and a poolside tiki bar for parents).
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby: Explore the Science Center of Iowa. Get your jump on at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park. Bowl a strike at the underwater-themed Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill.
4. King's Pointe Waterpark Resort
Storm Lake
For an exciting aquatic adventure all year round, visit King's Pointe Resort. Leap on the lily pads, climb through the water playground, zoom down the slides and float the lazy river. After working up an appetite, dine at the lakeside Regatta Grille.
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby: Visit Santa's Castle, a collection of 100+ antique animated holiday figures (through December). Take a cold weather hike around the lake on the Storm Lake Trail. Check out the rotating art exhibits at the Witter Gallery and drop in on storytime at the Storm Lake Public Library next door.
5. All Seasons Center
Sioux Center
Escape the winter cold outside and embrace an indoor paradise at the All Seasons Center. The indoor waterpark includes two large waterslides and two kids' waterslides, a splash-and-play climbing set, splash pad, lily pad crossing, swimming pool, diving boards and a hot tub. Guests can also enjoy the indoor Vernon Arena, an NHL-size ice rink with skate and helmet rentals available for all ages.
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby: Grab a tasty treat at Casey's Bakery, a local Dutch bakery known for their almond patties, stroopwafels, frosted cookies and delicious donuts. Learn more about the area's history by touring the Dutch American Heritage Museum or taking a relaxing stroll through Windmill Park.
6. Honey Creek Resort
Moravia
Located in the serene countryside near Moravia, Honey Creek Resort's Buccaneer Bay indoor water park offers a tropical oasis for all ages. Experience the thrill of zooming down the two-story waterslide and completing the lily pads obstacle course, or unwind by gently floating along the lazy river and relaxing by the pool. There's also a separate area for littles to enjoy two small waterslides and a splashpad.
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby: You don't have to leave the resort to find more fun; Honey Creek Resort boasts a variety of ways to explore its scenic grounds. Borrow a complimentary bike or set off on foot to explore the paved trails that wind through the surrounding forests, prairies and campground. Or, save your legs and hop aboard the resort's miniature train for a guided tour of the grounds. No matter how you choose to explore the trails, you're likely to encounter wildlife, so be sure to bring your camera. For views of Lake Rathbun, schedule a horse-drawn carriage ride that takes you along its peaceful shoreline.
Bonus: Cool Pools
Though these locations may not have indoor water parks, their indoor pools are just as exciting.
Adventureland Inn, Altoona
When the weather turns cold, book a room at Adventureland Inn in Altoona to enjoy its three large indoor pools, two hot tubs and a swim-up bar. The area also features kiddie sprinklers and play features to keep them entertained for hours on end. Not staying overnight? Use the Splash Pass for single-day access to the pool area.
The Warrior Hotel, Sioux City
Enhance your Sioux City adventure with a stay at the Warrior Hotel. While you're there, take a dip in the tranquil pool for a leisurely swim or warm up in the hot tub. The hotel also features four bowling lanes, so be sure to challenge your friends and family to a few games.
The Highlander Hotel, Iowa City
Home to the largest indoor pool in the Iowa City area, the Highlander offers the perfect place to enjoy all seasons. In the summer, the pool area's glass garage doors open up the courtyard to combine the two entertainment areas. Then, when temperatures drop, the doors are closed to create a tropical paradise. The pool area has it's own Snack Shack, so you can enjoy milkshakes, sodas, pizzas, tacos and bowls poolside. Once you're ready to dry off, head to the hotel's arcade to test your skills at classic games like Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger and more.
