Summary
One might assume that the title of the world’s largest indoor water park would be a fluid designation, considering the continuous development of larger and more advanced indoor water parks. However, there exists one establishment that unequivocally surpasses all others in size.
Largest Indoor Water Parks in North America
For those on the lookout for a premier water park experience, North America does not host the largest venue. The significantly expansive Water World in the West Edmonton Mall of Alberta, Canada, boasts an astonishing 225,000 square feet, making it the largest indoor water park on the continent.
This facility exceeds the size of the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, which encompasses 173,000 square feet, thus establishing the Kalahari Resort as the largest indoor water park in the United States.
While both of these indoor water parks in North America are sizable, they pale in comparison to the largest in the world.
Largest Indoor Water Parks in Asia
In the 1990s, the title for the world’s largest indoor water park was held by Ocean Dome, a 323,000-square-foot Polynesian-themed facility located within the Sheraton Seagaia Resort in Japan. Ocean Dome featured a colossal indoor beach, palm trees, mechanized parrots, surfable waves, an erupting volcano, and the world’s most extensive retractable roof, ensuring a perpetually blue sky regardless of external weather conditions. The indoor climate was consistently maintained at approximately 86°F. Unfortunately, Ocean Dome ceased operations in 2007.
Largest Indoor Water Park in the World
To experience the largest indoor water park globally, one must make their way to Germany. Tropical Islands Resort, situated near Berlin, overwhelmingly exceeds all other expansive indoor water parks, spanning an impressive 710,000 square feet.
The dome at Tropical Islands is so vast that it could accommodate the Statue of Liberty upright and the Eiffel Tower laid horizontally. This facility is equivalent to the combined area of eight football fields, capable of hosting up to 7,000 visitors simultaneously, and includes a variety of attractions, dining options, and lodging, alongside its water park featuring a beachfront and water rides.
The Tropical Waters Water Park encompasses:
- Tropical Sea: This substantial pool is as large as three Olympic swimming pools, complete with a sandy beach area and a paddling section equipped with water toys for younger guests. It is essential to note that sunlight filters through the transparent roof panels, so sunscreen application is advised.
- Magical Lagoon: This spa-like, themed pool boasts whirlpools, palm trees, Balinese huts, a grotto, and a waterfall, creating an idyllic jungle ambiance.
- Water Slides: Featuring an 81-foot tower, Tropical Islands offers four distinct water slides, ranging from a family-friendly slide to a high-speed turbo slide that can reach speeds exceeding 40 mph.
- Tropino Club: This children’s area provides numerous enjoyable activities, including a large climbing structure, a foam ball shooting arena, a construction zone with oversized Lego blocks, a mini go-kart track, bumper boats, and air hockey tables. It is important to ensure that parents accompany their children, as this space is unsupervised.
Moreover, other notable attractions at Tropical Islands Resort entail:
- Amazonia: An outdoor aquatic area open year-round, featuring the Whitewater River, which boasts a lazy river extending 750 feet.
- Rainforest: A biodome encompassing 2.5 acres, showcasing a 0.6-mile trail where visitors can discover 600 diverse plant species and wildlife, including turtles, flamingos, macaws, peacocks, and pheasants.
- Tropical Village: A collection of traditional structures that replicate architectural styles from various tropical regions, housing restaurants and cafés offering a range of cuisines from barbecue to Thai dishes.
- Mini Golf: An 18-hole miniature golf course that features authentic greens and a unique design catering to players of all skill levels.
- Balloon Rides: Guests may opt for either a tethered or free-floating balloon ride. The tethered balloon accommodates two passengers at a time, ascending to a height of 180 feet, while the traditional free-floating balloon can carry the entire family and reaches approximately 70 feet high.
