The first indoor water park in the United States opened in 1994 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. With the introduction of indoor water parks, families are now able to enjoy what was traditionally a seasonal, warm-weather activity, year round. Most indoor water parks are located at themed resorts and can be an entertaining way to spend a winter vacation. As of 2010, there are no large indoor water parks located in the state of Maryland. However, there are several water parks within a few hours' drive.
The Key West-themed Co Co Key Water Resort, located approximately 111 miles from downtown Baltimore, boasts 55,000 square feet of water amusement. The park is housed on the grounds of the Mount Laurel Marriott, where guests can enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel or purchase a day pass to the water park.
Co Co Key features a variety of attractions for the entire family. Younger children will enjoy Parrot's Perch, a shallow water play area featuring water cannons, slides and a bucket that dumps water every few minutes. Other attractions include Shark Slam, Barracuda Blat and Pelican Plunge--three exhilarating body and raft slides. The Pal Grotto Indoor and Outdoor spa features giant whirlpools to suit the needs of family members looking to relax and unwind.
Co Co Key Water Resort
Mount Laurel Marriot
915 Route 73
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
866-754-6964
http://www.cocokeywaterresort.com/
Great Wolf Lodge, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is approximately 194 miles from downtown Baltimore. The Great Wolf Lodge is a themed resort that features a wide range of suite styles that can accommodate up to eight guests. The lodge features a variety of attractions for guests of all ages.
The entire family will enjoy Fort Mackenzie, a four-story tree house, featuring slides, cargo nets, suspension bridges, spray stations and soaker buckets. The lodge's Howlin' Tornado caters to teenagers, with a thrilling drop into a six-story funnel. Tired parents can unwind in the adult-only area of the North and South Hot Springs. Activities are not limited to water; the resort also features non-water related activities such as Story Time and Northern Lights Arcade.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
549 East Rochambeau Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23118
800-551-9653
http://www.greatwolf.com/index.php?q=williamsburg/waterpark
Sahara Sam's Oasis Indoor Water Park is located in Berlin New Jersey, approximately 121 miles from Baltimore. Although Sahara Sam's is not housed on the grounds of a resort or hotel, there are several hotels in the area if guests wish to enjoy the park for multiple days. The park features a wide variety of thrilling water slides and attractions, including Sam's Cyclone, a surf simulation attraction; Mount Kilimanjaro, a raft ride for that the entire family can enjoy; and Snake Eyes, a huge water roller coaster with snake-like curves. Sahara Sam's features a retractable roof to let the warm air in during the summer and keep the cold air out during the winter.
Sahara Sam's Oasis Indoor Water Park
535 North Route 73
Berlin, NJ 08091
856-767-7580
http://saharasams.com/Default.aspx
