When the midwest freezes over in the winter, many of us long for a trip to the tropics.
But let’s face it: vacations can be expensive.
And sometimes, traveling long distances just isn’t feasible due to budget constraints.
But who says you need to go far to have a great time? If you’re looking for an affordable getaway with plenty of fun for the whole family, we’ve got just what you need.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 20 hotels with indoor water parks in Wisconsin, located within a just a few hours of Milwaukee.
Voila! It’s 80+ degrees all year round.
We searched the internet far and wide to put them all in one convenient list for you.
Plus, we’ve included reviews from our readers and deals from the hotels.
Not only will you get to enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, but you’ll also save money on travel expenses by staying close to home.
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to make a splash on your next vacation, keep reading because we’ve got the perfect solution for you.
Let’s dive in!
Wisconsin Hotels With Indoor Water Parks
1. Blue Harbor Resort
725 Blue Harbor Dr., Sheboygan, WI 53081
An hour north of Milwaukee, it’s always a comfortable 84 degrees inside Blue Harbor’s Breaker Bay Water Park 54,000-square-foot entertainment area and waterpark, located inside of a stately resort along the shores of Lake Michigan.
The little ones can head to the colorful Toddler Tides play structure for an age-appropriate waterslide and fun spray features.
Older kids will love the four-story water center with suspension bridges, cargo nets, and four thrilling waterslides. Two of the waterslides are three stories high!
The whole family can head to the recreation pool for water basketball and sea creatures you can climb on. There’s also a leisure river and whirlpool when you‘re ready to relax.
Don’t miss the Riptide, the only double surf simulator in eastern Wisconsin. Use their boards to boogie board and surf on the waves here year round.
If you want to feel like a VIP, rent a private cabana for your family right alongside the water park. Lounge on comfortable furniture, and enjoy a flat screen television and mini-fridge stocked with bottled water.
Head to the Pier Fun Zone Arcade to win prizes, or try your hand at glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. The bright neon balls and decorations make for a memorable experience.
During the summer months, guests have access to Lake Michigan and a beautiful view of it from the outdoor pool. There’s also a lovely walking path along the water.
Reader Reviews:
“Just spent the weekend at Blue Harbor and it was amazing!”
-Instagram follower, March 2023
“Blue Harbor is clean and fun. The lifeguarding is intense and appreciated.”
-Instagram follower, March 2023
Book your stay at Blue Harbor Resort >>
2. Springs Water Park at The Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Rd., Pewaukee, WI 53072
Over 45,000 square feet of water park adventures await you just outside of Milwaukee at Springs Water Park.
Your family will love exploring the high-speed raft and body slides, the relaxing lazy river, an activity pool with water basketball and a lily pad rope walk, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, and an interactive arcade.
Don’t miss the the Triple Dog Dare, a 362-foot-long boat slide for up to three people. Little kids can head to Waukesha Waterworks, a zero-depth entry interactive area with a 600-gallon dump bucket, squirting water cannons, small water slides, water geysers, and more.
Book your stay at the Ingleside Hotel >>
3. Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Moose Mountain Falls is less than an hour’s drive from Milwaukee, and it’s Timber Ridge Lodge’s very own 50,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor waterpark.
If you’re up for a thrill, slide down the 35-foot-high, 300-foot twisting slides. If you’d rather take it slow, the 500-foot Lazy River might be for you. Little kids will be entertained at the Tiny Timbers area with swings, slides, spouts, and a mushroom waterfall.
To find fun for the whole family, head to the activity pool with a rope climb and water basketball court.
Reader Reviews:
“The water is always sooooo warm”
-Review from Instagram follower, March 2023
“Timber Ridge is close and they don’t sell day passes so it’s never super busy.”
-Review from Instagram follower, March 2023
Book your stay at Timber Ridge Lodge >>
4. Tundra Lodge Resort (Green Bay)
865 Lombardi Ave. Green Bay, WI 54304
The Tundra Lodge waterpark — the largest of its kind in Green Bay — is a 30,0000-square-foot aquatic playground of family fun.
Climb three-stories to the top of Moosejaw Mountain, rocket down the Alaskan Pipeline or swoosh along 500 feet of whirling, swirling rapids on the Polar Plunge water slides. Or you can chill out on Elk Island River — Green Bay’s only lazy river.
During the warmer months, you can splash in the sun in the outdoor splash pad and Jacuzzi (which stays open as long as the “feels like temperature” is at least 10 degrees above zero).
Even the smallest of swimmers will have fun splashing through Tenderfoot Falls. Once you need a break from the water, slide over to the Gold Rush Arcade, where you’ll find more than 70 arcade games.
Book your stay at the Tundra Lodge >>
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is a family-oriented resort located in the Wisconsin Dells with an indoor water park, arcade, mini-golf, ropes course, and other activities designed for families.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations options, from standard rooms to multi-bedroom suites, which can provide a comfortable and convenient base for your family’s stay.
The indoor water park includes a variety of water slides, wave pool, lazy river, activity pool, hot tubs, and play areas for young children.
Some of the notable water slides include the Howlin’ Tornado, a six-story high funnel that sends riders on a wild ride, and the River Canyon Run, a multi-person raft ride that features twists and turns.
There’s also a large interactive play structure called Fort Mackenzie, which includes suspension bridges, water guns, and tipping buckets.
In addition to the indoor water park, the resort also features an outdoor pool and splash pad, which is open during the summer months.
Book Your Stay at Great Wolf Lodge >>
5. Wilderness Resort
511 E Adams St, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
wildernessresort.com
Located in the water park capital of the world, Wilderness Resort is the largest of the resorts, home to four massive indoor waterparks and four outdoor waterparks.
With more than a dozen other attractions, three arcades, an 18-hole championship golf course, an outdoor hot tub, a spa, and onsite dining options, it has something to offer the entire family.
They are now offering newly renovated rooms, updated areas like the Wild West Waterpark, a brand new show in the Take Flight Theater, and more.
Reader Reviews:
MKE With Kids team member Jessie visited with her family to experience all they have to offer and take current photos of the amenities. Read about it here.
“We’ve been going to the Wilderness, but I’ll only go if we get a condo! Way better set up!”
-Instagram follower, March 2023
“We love the Wilderness because of the variety right there in the resort.”
-Instagram follower, March 2023
Book your stay at Wilderness Resort >>
6. Kalahari Resort
1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
kalahariresorts.com
Kids of all ages will love the Kalahari, one of the most popular indoor water parks in the Dells.
Check out Crocodile Cove, a 3,000 square foot swimming pool with water activities, Elephant’s Trunk, a tandem tube slide that’s almost 300 feet long, a five foot wave simulator for older children to practice their surfing skills, a 920 foot lazy/torrent river, an indoor/outdoor spa, a swim-up bar, and more.
To get a peek inside, check out the recent reel we created on Instagram. We also posted a photo gallery of our recent visit.
The Master Blaster is a 570 foot waterslide meets rollercoaster, and Leopard’s Lair is a multi-level water tree fort that’s great for kids of all ages. It has a zero-depth entry pool, slides, water cannons, and more.
Waterpark admission is included with your stay, as is free wi-fi, fitness center access, and tickets to Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, an interactive science center with over 175 exhibits.
Our kids loved the surfing simulator and playing games together in the Big Game Room Arcade, complete with a high ropes course, laser tag, and more.
Specials & Packages: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/wisconsin/special-offers/
8. Mount Olympus
655 N Frontage Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Also located in the waterpark capital of the world is Mount Olympus, with an indoor and outdoor theme park, an indoor and outdoor water park, and home to “Medusa’s Slidewheel”.
Mt. Olympus Resort Rooms are located on the famous Wisconsin Dells Strip.
There are five roller coasts, including Hades 360 with an upside-down 360-degree roll and a 65-degree drop, 7 go-kart tracks, dozens of slides, Poseidon’s Rage Surf Pool – with waves up to 9 feet tall, kiddie play areas, and more.
The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a TV. All rooms include a private bathroom with free toiletries. Rooms will provide guests with a microwave. All rooms include WiFi.
Book your stay at Mount Olympus >>
9. Chula Vista Resort
1000 Chula Vista Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Chula Vista in the Wisconsin Dells has 200,000 square feet of waterparks, a world class spa, an award-winning chophouse, and relaxing views of the Wisconsin River.
It’s just a short drive from all that the Dells have to offer – roller coasters, boat rides, natural beauty, shopping, and dining.
Book your stay at Chula Vista >>
9. The Waters of Minocqua
South 8116, US-51, Minocqua, WI 54548
The Waters of Minocqua offers the rustic charm of northern Wisconsin, but with plenty of modern comforts.
It offers indoor and outdoor pools, slides, a kiddie play area, and a fun waterpark that is the largest in the Northwoods, complimentary for all guests.
There is also an arcade, a pub, a complimentary breakfast, and wifi throughout the resort. The coffee shop serves Starbucks coffee.
Book your stay at The Waters of Minocqua >>
10. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Appleton
130 Patriot Drive, Little Chute, Wisconsin 54140, United States
Right outside downtown Appleton is a convenient hotel with a water park serving the Fox Cities area.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is just five miles from downtown Appleton, which is home to attractions like the Trout Museum of Art, the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, the Fox River Mall, and more.
The hotel’s water park offers a slide, jungle gym, and hot tub. They also offer a complimentary hot breakfast.
Book your stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson >>
11. Atlantis Water Park Hotel & Suites in the Dells
1570 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Atlantis Family Waterpark Hotel has on-site waterparks that are open year-round, geared towards kids under 11.
There are toddler slides, tube slides, water basketball, lap pools, spray and water features, and a hot tub.
There’s also a redeption game room, and they offer free passes to Knuckleheads Adventure Park.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Dells, and you can walk to Noah’s Ark, Big Foot Zip Line, Grateful Shed Truckyard, restaurants, and more.
12. Grand Lodge Water Park Resort
805 Creske Ave, Rothschild, WI 54474
Website
The Grand Lodge Hotel Wausau – Rothschild is located just outside of downtown Wausau, WI in the cozy neighborhood of Rothschild.
The hotel and conference center sits near the Granite Peak Ski Area and has a reputation as one of Wausau’s best hotels.
The hotel has a cozy north woods decor perfect for families, and there is an indoor water park and game room on site.
Here’s a recent review from Beyond the Tent.
Book your stay at the Grand Lodge Hotel Wausau >>
13. Metropolis Resort
5150 Fairview Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701
metropolisresort.com
The Metropolis Resort is a family owned business featuring 107 unique hotel rooms, a trampoline park with ninja warrior courses, an indoor water park with a lazy river and aquatic playground, and a fun center with indoor and outdoor go-karts, laser tag, and more all under one roof.
Book your stay at the Metropolis Resort >>
14. Americinn Ashland
3009 Lake Shore Dr E, Ashland, Wisconsin 54806
Website
If you’re headed north and need a hotel to stay with your kids, Americinn Ashland might be a good option to consider.
Located off Highway 2 on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, AmericInn Ashland is located close to Lake Superior, Copper Falls State Park, and the Apostle Islands.
The hotel boasts bayside views, and a small indoor water park that’s perfect for year-round family fun.
But beware, water park hours vary and recent review on Trip Advisor warn that the slides are not open during the weekdays.
In the summer, they host outdoor games, paddle boating, and bonfires with complimentary s’mores.
Book your stay at the Americinn Ashland >>
15. Three Bears Resort
701 Yogi Cir, Warrens, Wisconsin 54666, United States
Three Bears Resort is located about an hour north of the Wisconsin Dells in the Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin. It’s near hiking trails, state parks, and beautiful lakes.
It features a 60,000 square foot indoor waterpark with body and tube slides, wave and activity pools, fountains, hot tubs, and a lazy river. It’s great for kids of all ages.
There’s also a seasonal outdoor water park at this resort.
Book your stay at Three Bears Resort >>
16. Holiday Inn (Crawdaddy Cove)
1109 Fourier Dr, Madison, WI 53717
Website
If you’re heading to Madison with your kids and need a hotel, the Holiday Inn may be a good options for you.
Crawdaddy Cove is located inside, and it’s the only indoor water park in Madison.
While small, it’s great for little kids with a zero-depth entry pool, mini-fountains, small slides, an open body water slide, a large whirlpool, and a pool bar.
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Crawdaddy Cove >>
Illinois Hotels With Indoor Water Parks
17. Great Wolf Lodge (Gurnee)
1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 623-9653
greatwolf.com/illinois
Tons of water fun awaits just over the Illinois border at this 80,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor waterpark. Great Wolf Lodge (formerly Key Lime Cove) opened its Gurnee, Illinois, location in 2018, and its been a hit ever since.
Fort Mackenzie is an interactive four-story water fort full of slides and toys for the littles. Younger children love to wait while the giant bucket at the top fills up with gallons of water and then comes splashing down on them.
Thrill seekers will love the Double Whirlwind, a family raft ride that whirls through two vortexes before splashing down into the landing pool. In Coyote Cannon, drop four stories before spinning down a water jet-fueled vortex.
Other things you won’t want to miss: Alberta Falls (tandem tube ride), River Canyon Run (family raft ride), a water playground with basketball hoops, a wave pool and a lazy river. There is also a kiddie pool with gentle fountains and small water slides.
We have visited this water park a couple of times and it has been well-kept, clean, and very fun for the kids.
Book your stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee >>
18. Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
2643 IL-178, North Utica, IL 61373
grandbearresort.com
Grand Bear Resort is located in the beautiful setting of Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois.
The recent reviews on Trip Advisor are consistently glowing.
It offers an indoor water park, a miniature golf course, an arcade, crafts, family movie nights, outdoor bar, and more.
Grand Bear Falls is the 24,000 square foot indoor waterpark featuring several play zones, a variety of slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and 15 person hot tub. The arcade also has 60 interactive games that all ages will love.
Book your stay at Grand Bear Falls >>
19. Pirate’s Cay
2558 N 3653rd Rd, Sheridan, IL 60551
Website
Pirate’s Cay at the Holiday Inn in Sheridan has a small water park with winding tubes, a lazy river, dump buckets, shooting water guns, and Parrot’s Perch, a pirate ship playscape for tiny tots.
There are tubes, pool toys, swim accessories, and life jackets throughout the park, as well as an arcade nearby for post-swimming fun.
Recent Trip Advisor review suggest that while it may not be meant as your main destination, it’s a great hotel for families who are passing through the area.
Book your stay at Pirate’s Cay >>
A water park vacation is a sure-fire hit for kids of all ages, and it’s a great way to make memories and bond on your family trip.
The indoor parks on this list will give you that tropical vibe you’re looking for in the depths of winter without breaking the bank on a faraway beach vacation.
We hope this list helps you as your plan for your next family vacation or getaway.
If you’re interested in more travel tips and recommendations, be sure to check out our other related posts.
We recommend visiting the destination’s website to ensure that you can access to most up-do-date information, special, and protocols.
Thanks for reading, and we can’t wait to hear about your Wisconsin adventures!
Related Posts:
9 Best Indoor Water Parks in Wisconsin
5 Indoor Water Parks Near Milwaukee
11 Best Campgrounds with Water Parks in Wisconsin
13 Best Indoor Water Parks in Illinois and Wisconsin
5 Wisconsin Dells Hotels with Indoor Water Parks
The Ultimate Guide to Water Parks & Pools Around Milwaukee
25 Most Unique Places to Stay in Wisconsin
5 Best Indoor Amusement Parks in the Wisconsin Dells
mkewithkids
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place. In 2019, she published "Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids", a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids. She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6's 'Real Milwaukee', B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News. Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
