The top-rated water parks in Florida to hit up before it's too cold

Get your waterpark endeavors in while it's still warm! With winter right around the corner you will soon be finding yourself on the sidelines enjoying the beaches and waterparks from a far. So, before the season is over and it's too chilly to dip your toes in the blue waters, check out these top rated water parks in Florida open now.

Oh, and by the way, this list is shorter than normal since a few waterparks in the state are already closed for the season (or in the case of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon -- just hasn't reopened since the pandemic) so don't be too shocked if your favorite park isn't mentioned this time around! 

One more thing, don't forget that just because it's getting cold out that doesn't mean you shouldn't be wearing sunscreen! Take it from me, I would know. 

1. Disney's Blizzard Beach - Orlando

Fit for the times, Blizzard Beach is open all year around and that's totally okay because they heat most of the pools! If you fancy yourself an icy getaway minus the actual cold, I highly recommend this impressive theme park featuring Mt. Gushmore—noted as being "one of the tallest, fastest free-fall body slides in the world!" Currently, it is open daily from 11a.m. to 6p.m. and tickets start at $64. Grab your tickets here! 

2. Aquatica - Orlando

Located next door to SeaWorld, Aquatica is the sister-park the theme park giant featuring only water rides - which is great because you can get one ticket for entrance to both parks! Currently, tickets to Aquatica are as low as $39.99 for a day pass, and for the rest of the season you can get unlimited entry to this water park for less than $100. Get your tickets here! 

3. Discovery Cove - Orlando

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Florida Travel Blog (@sunburntblogger)

Another sister-park to SeaWorld is the very immersive Discovery Cove park. You can get up close and personal with marine life including dolphins, sting rays and they even have a lazy river that floats right into an aviary full of friendly birds waiting to sit on your shoulder. As an animal person, this is hands down my favorite water park in the state. Now, I must admit the downside to this park is the price - starting at $199 per person it's certainly the most expensive option on the list (and that's not including the dolphin encounter). You can check out the ticket options here. 

4. Adventure Island - Tampa Bay

Busch Garden's Adventure Island deserves a mention on this list, especially for people in the Tampa Bay area who don't want to spend a ton of money and time getting to Orlando for a day at the water park. Adventure Island is currently only open on the weekends and Monday & Friday. Tickets start at only $27.99! Grab yours here. 

5. Epperson Lagoon - Wesley Chapel 

@datcassdoeee Who wants to go? □‍♀️ #florida #drone #eppersonlagoon #travel #lifestyle #beach ♬ Ocean - MBB

A great alternative to the larger water parks is Epperson Lagoon, a sprawling 7-acre man-made lagoon located in close proximity to Tampa featuring tons of water activities for a very reasonable price of $25/adult. If you want to learn more about this place and everything it offers, click here.

Honorable mention: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

While the "water park" at Weeki Wachee State Park is closed for the season, the main swimming area and mermaid shows are still open for the public to enjoy. Renting a kayak can buy you a chance to swim farther downstream from the bustling headspring -- which I argue is better than any man-made water park. Click here to find out more! 

If you love Florida travel content and want to see more like this, be sure to check out our "Travel" topic.