Discover the Waterpark Capital of Michigan + 8 More Awesome Indoor Waterparks
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Indoor waterparks in Michigan bring splash-worthy fun no matter what Mother Nature has in store. Whether it’s a sweltering July afternoon or a frosty January morning, these all-weather playgrounds keep the thrills going strong.
Think towering slides, wave pools, and splash zones – all in a warm, climate-controlled oasis that’s perfect for families. Rain or shine, hot or cold, the adventure never stops. When it comes to year-round fun, Michigan’s indoor waterparks are always in season.
Discover Frankenmuth:
The Waterpark Capital of Michigan
Make a splash in Frankenmuth – home to both Splash Village and Bavarian Blast, the state’s largest indoor waterpark!
Thank you to the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitors Bureau for partnering with Awesome Mitten!
Discover Frankenmuth: The Waterpark Capital of Michigan
Step into a slice of Europe in the heart of Michigan. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, Frankenmuth charms visitors year-round with its Bavarian-style architecture, hearty hospitality, and festive spirit. Here, Christmas magic never ends thanks to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the World’s Largest Christmas Store.
Food lovers flock to Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, two of the largest independently owned restaurants in the country, famous for their all-you-can-eat, family-style chicken dinners. Each offers more than just a memorable meal: both have their own hotel and sprawling indoor waterpark, Zehnder’s Splash Village and Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Bavarian Blast, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark.
From lively festivals and cultural celebrations to relaxing riverside strolls, Frankenmuth makes every visit feel like a special occasion – whether you come for a weekend getaway or simply to experience a taste of “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.”
Bavarian Blast | Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is home to several must-visit lodging spots, including the Bavarian Inn Lodge. This stunning resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience, from luxury rooms and suites to world-class dining and the Bavarian Blast indoor waterpark.
Newly expanded, Bavarian Blast is now Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark and family fun center. Here, visitors can enjoy 16 waterslides, a wave pool, a not-so-lazy river, and plenty of toddler-friendly water features. Plus, Michigan’s first adults-only swim-up bar!
If you need a break from the pool, the Lodge also boasts laser tag, a three-story indoor ropes course, rock climbing walls, and mini bowling, so you will always find something to do, without ever needing to leave the building.
If you’re looking for a unique vacation stay like no other, Bavarian Inn Lodge is a perfect choice.
We absolutely loved our time at Bavarian Inn Blast. What really stood out to us was how much there was to do for both of our kids. My daughter is five and just hits the 40-inch mark, and my son is nine, so sometimes it can be tricky to find a waterpark that works for both. But here, the age gap didn’t matter at all. They were both fully entertained the entire time, and I never felt like one was waiting on the other.
They loved the lazy river, water basketball, lily pad rope challenge, zero-depth pool, and of course, the waterslides. We ended up booking a private cabana for our second morning, and it was such a good call. It gave us a space to dry off, reset, and take breaks throughout the day. It made the whole experience smoother and more relaxed for all of us. We can’t wait to come back.
Amanda Shaffer
Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark | Frankenmuth
Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark is an amazing resort that features not one but two indoor water parks – the Splash Park and Atrium Park – each with a retractable roof so that visitors can enjoy fun in the sun if the weather permits.
At Splash Village, there’s something for everyone. Thrill seekers will love the six-story family raft ride, super loop body slide, and four-story tube slides. Younger children will appreciate the water geysers and lily pads in the activity areas and the huge dumping bucket that empties 400 gallons of water every 10 minutes.
For a more relaxing experience, soak in a hot tub, float along the lazy river, chill in a rentable cabana or explore the resort’s indoor arcade.
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark | Boyne Falls
At Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Boyne Falls, it is always 84 degrees — even if snow is falling outside. This huge indoor waterpark is part of Boyne Mountain Resort, so you can play in the water alongside a ski or golf trip.
Avalanche Bay features four swimming pools for visitors of all ages, as well as an astonishing 88,000 square feet of watery fun. From the surf zone to the “Splasherhorn” (a water fort with sprayers and dumping buckets) and a water obstacle course, there is tons to do.
The biggest attractions at Avalanche Bay are the many waterslides, including the Big Couloir — the steepest waterslide in the state.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City offers an unforgettable experience for families. This indoor waterpark and resort is a fun-filled, summery escape any time of the year, with a wide variety of family suites to accommodate groups of almost any size.
The indoor waterpark is expansive, featuring a lazy river, a four-story water fort with slides, thrilling waterslides, pools, adults-only hot tubs, and toddler-friendly splash pads and lagoons. There’s even an outdoor waterpark to enjoy when the weather permits.
Great Wolf Lodge also offers a range of additional amenities to keep the whole family entertained. Try your hand at MagiQuest, an interactive adventure game, or create a cuddly keepsake at the Build-A-Bear Workshop.
For family bonding and relaxation, participate in activities like yoga sessions, bedtime stories, and lively dance parties. No matter how cold it gets outside, Great Wolf Lodge guarantees endless fun and memorable experiences all year round.
Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel | Mt Pleasant
Is RV camping more your style? Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel in Mt Pleasant has options for every preference, including a hotel and an adjoining RV park for camping. Of course, the star of the show is the indoor waterpark, which is available to hotel guests and visitors.
It features a three-story waterslide, lazy river, pools with games, a hot tub, a flow rider, and a waterside rock climbing wall. Soaring Eagle Waterpark has also been designated an autism-friendly location, so you can find accommodations for visitors with special needs as well.
Fairview Beachfront Inn | Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City is a popular tourist destination, but its indoor waterparks prove that it isn’t just a spot for summer fun. At Fairview Beachfront Inn, you can enjoy being on the beach and having time in the pool — even when the temperature is starting to fall outside.
This stunning hotel offers beachfront views of Lake Huron, as well as easy access to Mackinac Island. Of course, the biggest attraction is the indoor waterpark, Emerald Cove, which is available to all guests. It features all of your favorite waterpark attractions, including a lazy river, heated pools, and waterslides.
Pirate’s Adventure at Crown Choice Inn & Suites Hotel | Mackinaw City
Pirate’s Adventure is considered the “sister park” of Emerald Cove. Visitors have access to both waterparks while staying at the Crown Choice Inn & Suites Hotel, which means that they have more chances for poolside fun than ever before.
The waterpark features a huge variety of indoor attractions, including waterslides, pools, a whirlpool sauna, water guns, climbing nets, and a splash pad. The hotel offers a selection of family-friendly rooms and suites, as well as access to an on-site exercise room, arcade, and outdoor pool.
Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark at Double JJ Resort | Rothbury
When you stay at Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, you get instant access to the 66,000-square-foot indoor water park. Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark features one of the tallest waterslides in West Michigan, as well as pools for visitors of all ages, a lazy river, a wave pool, water fort, and hot tubs.
If you’re just visiting for the day, you should know that kids ages 3 and under get in for free, making this the perfect Michigan day trip for your littlest kids. The resort has an indoor golf course and an arcade too.
Splash Universe | Dundee
Splash Universe in Dundee isn’t one of the best-known indoor waterparks in Michigan, but this hidden gem is still an unmissable destination. No matter the temperature outside, it is always 84 degrees in this wilderness-themed indoor waterpark.
The park features a lazy river, twisty waterslides, a log walk, and a treehouse. Of course, there is also a splash pool for toddlers and hot tubs for adults looking to kick back and relax away from the chaos.
The accompanying resort offers rooms and cabanas for guests, as well as shopping and dining opportunities.
Lakeside Resort and Conference Center | Houghton Lake
Looking for something a little more low-key that is still fun for the whole family? Lakeside Resort on Houghton Lake has a small waterpark that offers tons of indoor fun.
This resort is quieter than many of the larger ones that you will find throughout the state while still featuring a high-end, luxury experience. You will find everything from family suites to executive suites, all of which offer amenities galore and lakeside views.
The waterpark, meanwhile, includes a three-story waterslide, a toddler-friendly splash pad, and a pool and hot tub. There is even a lazy river and a kid-safe hot tub to warm up after swimming.
FAQs About Indoor Waterparks in Michigan
What is Michigan’s biggest indoor waterpark?
The biggest indoor waterpark in Michigan is Bavarian Blast, located in Frankenmuth. This enormous waterpark covers a total of 170,000 square feet.
When are Michigan indoor waterparks open?
The availability of Michigan’s indoor waterparks varies from location to location. Some are open throughout the year, while others close their doors during the summer to allow guests to move the festivities outside.
Some are only open for a few key months of the year, so be sure to check ahead when making your booking.
Visiting Indoor Waterparks in Michigan
Rain, snow, or sunshine – Michigan’s waterparks keep the fun flowing all year long. Sure, the state shines in summer with its outdoor slides and sandy beaches, but its indoor waterparks bring the thrills no matter the season or weather.
From epic slides to relaxing lazy rivers, these year-round escapes offer the perfect splash of adventure for families, friends, or couples looking to trade gray skies for warm waters and endless fun.
