Summer is officially upon us. For most of us, the word conjures up images of sandy beaches, flip-flop tans, and sweltering hot days spent splashing around in the water. For thrill seekers, sometimes the best part of summer is the feeling of plummeting down a waterslide into a chlorinated wonderland. Whether you’re a daredevil or you just like to chill, hopefully this list of 5 of the world’s wildest waterparks will help you beat the summer heat.
* Aquaventure Water Park Guests of the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas can access this 141-acre water park that contains over twenty million gallons of water. Those with a sense of adventure will appreciate the “Leap of Faith,” a 60-foot slide that propels riders down a replica of a legendary Mayan Temple and through a transparent tunnel in a shark-filled cove.
* AdalandThis water park is truly a Turkish delight. There are more than 20 rides to choose from on the park’s 25 acres, including a tube slide called “Yellow Python” that rotates as riders speed down it.
* Star BeachBeach resort meets water park at this Cretan hotspot. Visitors can ride on banana boats in the ocean, float down a river on inner tubes, and even go bungee jumping.
* Splashin SafariYou better be on the nice list if you want to ride the world’s longest water coaster in Santa Claus, Indiana. This interesting water park is located right next to a theme park called Holiday World that has themed rides based on several great American holidays.
* Blizzard BeachYou won’t need a parka to play in this “icy” water park. The story says that the park came into existence after a freak snowstorm blanketed the Florida water park in snow. Visitors can participate in toboggan races and even free fall down a 12-story “ski jump.”