Summer in Ann Arbor can be sweltering, but fear not — relief is just a splash away! Make your way to one of the many amazing water parks scattered throughout the Ann Arbor area to cool off — while having a blast all the while. Some are just a short distance away, while others may be more conducive for a family staycation — but all will keep you entertained and cooled off!

Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping slides or serene lazy rivers, these aquatic havens promise endless fun under the sun. So grab your sunscreen and swimsuit as we embark on a journey to beat the heat and make a splash at the coolest spots around town!

 

Rolling Hills Water Park | Ypsilanti

Photo Courtesy of Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti is a summertime oasis, equipped with a lazy river, a wave pool, and water slides. Plus, it has an activity pool with zero-depth entry, a gentle bubbler, geysers, a waterfall, and a kiddie slide for children less than 45 inches tall. After all this activity, relax on the large sun deck with lounge chairs and umbrellas! Guest amenities include first aid services, bathhouses with restrooms, showers, diaper changing stations and coin lockers. If you forgot something, the admissions area has swimsuits, sunscreen, towels, goggles, disposable swim diapers, and pain relief medication for sale. Admission to the Rolling Hills Water Park is $8 for county residents and $13 for non-residents, $11 for residents, and free for children under 36 inches tall.

 

Splash-N-Blast | Milford

Splash around and have a blast at Kensington Metropark’s Splash ‘n’ Blast. The water park has so many exciting features for all ages, including two 240-foot twisted waterslides — one open and one enclosed. Plus, the adjacent spray area has water cannons, palm trees, serpents and a whale! Splash ‘n’ Blast is located on the north end of Martindale Beach within the park and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the summer. A daily vehicle entry permit ($10), a boat pass, or an annual pass is required to access Kensington Metropark.

 

Blue Heron Bay Spray Park | Whitmore Lake

Photo Courtesy of Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

For a day of fun in the sun, head to Independence Lake’s Blue Heron Bay! Our favorite part is the spray park, which is part splash pad, part jungle gym. It has interactive jets, a water jet spider, cattails, buckets and more. In addition to the concession stand with a variety of snacks and refreshments, amenities include coin lockers, diaper changing stations, family changing rooms, first aid services, and showers. Daily admission to the spray park is $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents and free for kids under 2. If you think you’ll be back several times throughout the summer, consider an annual pass, which costs $30 for residents and $40 for non-residents — or for a family of four, $100 for residents and $130 for non-residents.

 

Splash Universe | Dundee

After facing several closures and challenges in the last few years, from a tornado to COVID, we are happy to announce that Splash Universe is open once again! This beloved indoor water park in Dundee features several exhilarating slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, premium cabanas, and other water attractions for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the pool or a thrilling water adventure, there’s something for everyone. Make a whole staycation out of it by booking one of their comfortable guest suites ranging from a double queen suite to a family fun suite with bunk beds. Hotel guests enjoy access to the water park, as well as the arcade, the Snack Shack, the Treehouse restaurant, the workout room, and more amenities!

 

Zehnder’s Splash Village | Frankenmuth

Photo Courtesy of Zehnder’s Splash Village

Nestled in the heart of Frankenmuth, Zehnder’s Splash Village stands as a beacon of aquatic delight, offering an array of attractions that cater to every member of the family. With its expansive 50,000 square feet of indoor aquatic wonderland, including thrilling rides like the six-story family raft ride and super loop body slide, alongside relaxing spots like the Whimsical Whirl Hot Tubs and Crooked Brook Creek Lazy River. Other water attractions include a zero-entry activity pool with water geysers, water basketball and volleyball, an action river, a splash landing play area, a dumping bucket, the Giggling Gorge, and more. For those seeking respite from the water, the arcade beckons with action-packed games, while the Elf Hollow Cafe and Mushroom Grille curb appetites with delectable offerings. A centerpiece of the hotel lobby, a towering 26-foot tree adorned with a gas fireplace, adds a touch of whimsy and warmth. Whether you’re plunging down the Perilous Plunge or enjoying a cozy movie night in the lobby, Zehnder’s Splash Village promises an unforgettable family getaway in Frankenmuth.

 

Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center | Belleville

Lower Huron Metropark contains 1,256 acres of mature woodlands, grassy meadows, hiking trails, and access to the Huron River. And during the summer, families flock to Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center, which has two water slides, a kids’ sprayscape with a 300-gallon dumping bucket, an endless lazy river, and a zero-depth entry pool with lap lanes. Be sure to fuel up after all that activity at the Turtle Cove Grille, which has plenty of food and refreshments. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the aquatic center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays. A daily vehicle entry permit ($10) or an annual pass is required to access Lower Huron Metropark.

 

Lily Pad Springs | West Bloomfield Township

Photo Courtesy of WB Parks

Encompassing 5,500 square feet of watery fun, Lily Pad Springs is the largest splash pad in Michigan! From May 24 through September 3, enjoy the 50+ play features and four water slides at the park, including a giant splash bucket that dumps 55 gallons of water. The facility is ADA and universally accessible, and they host Sensory Friendly Mondays each week for those with sensory sensitivities. Sign up for a two-hour session, choosing your time slot: 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 1:30–3:30, or 4–6 p.m. And from June 11–August 20, they are hosting Tuesday Twilight sessions from 6:30–8:30 p.m.! Pre-purchase your tickets here.

 

Make a Splash!

What water park in the Ann Arbor area is your family’s favorite? Let us know in the comments below!