California’s sunshine and warm climate make it the perfect place for waterpark hotels where families can splash, slide, and swim to their heart’s content.
These special resorts combine comfortable accommodations with exciting aquatic attractions, creating unforgettable vacation experiences without ever leaving your hotel.
Whether you’re looking for indoor water adventures or outdoor pool paradises, these top waterpark hotels across the Golden State offer wet and wild fun for all ages.
1. Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground: Family Spot Near Disneyland
Nicknamed ‘HoJo Anaheim’ by loyal guests, this retro-cool hotel features Castaway Cove, a pirate-themed water playground that’s perfect for cooling off after a day at nearby Disneyland. Located just an 8-minute walk from the theme park, the water area includes a 30-foot pirate ship, water cannons, slides, and a 200-gallon drench bucket.
Kids squeal with delight as the giant bucket fills and eventually tips, soaking everyone below. For toddlers, there’s a separate wading pool with gentler fountains and mini slides designed for the smallest swimmers.
The hotel rooms received modern updates while maintaining their mid-century charm. Families particularly love the spacious Kids Suites with bunk beds and separate sleeping areas. With free parking and no resort fees, HoJo Anaheim offers tremendous value for families wanting water fun without the premium price tag of larger resorts.
2. Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove: Indoor Waterpark for All Ages
Northern California winters won’t stop the water fun at this massive indoor waterpark resort that keeps a balmy 84 degrees year-round. Great Wolf Lodge boasts 105,000 square feet of water attractions including the thrilling Wolf Tail slide with its near-vertical 20-foot free fall and the six-story Howlin’ Tornado funnel slide.
Families with younger children appreciate the zero-depth entry pools and Fort Mackenzie, a four-story interactive treehouse with a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Beyond the waterpark, the resort offers MagiQuest interactive adventure game, mini bowling, and themed suites with kid-friendly wolf den and cabin sleeping areas.
A wristband system allows cashless purchases throughout the resort, making it easy to grab snacks between splash sessions without carrying a wallet. The waterpark admission is included with your stay, creating excellent value for families seeking an all-in-one vacation experience.
3. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage: Splashtopia with Lazy Rivers
Palm Springs luxury meets family fun at this desert oasis featuring Splashtopia, a two-acre water wonderland with twin 100-foot waterslides twisting down from a rocky mountain feature. The star attraction is the 425-foot lazy river that gently carries tubers through gorgeous desert landscaping and refreshing misting stations.
Adults appreciate the sandy beach entry pool that gradually deepens, making it perfect for toddlers and non-swimmers. When temperatures soar in the summer months, the water features become even more valuable to guests seeking relief from the desert heat.
Beyond Splashtopia, the resort boasts 27 holes of championship golf, a world-class spa, and tennis courts. Rooms feature private patios or balconies overlooking the water features, mountains, or lush grounds. The property’s five restaurants ensure families never need to leave this self-contained paradise during their stay.
4. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort: Large Pools and Waterslides in the Desert
The crown jewel of this luxurious desert resort is HyTides Plunge, featuring the longest hotel waterslides in the Palm Springs area. Thrill-seekers race down the 30-foot-high dueling slides that twist through seven exciting turns before splashing into the landing pool below.
Families with younger children gravitate toward the separate splash playground with smaller slides, water cannons, and spray features. The 450-foot lazy river provides a more relaxed water experience, allowing guests to float peacefully through the beautifully landscaped grounds.
When parents need adult time, the resort offers a separate adults-only pool with private cabanas and cocktail service. Guest rooms and suites feature modern desert-inspired decor with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and golf courses. The recent $8 million waterpark addition has transformed this traditional golf resort into a premier family destination in the Coachella Valley.
5. Camelot Inn and Suites, Anaheim: Retro Vibe With Water Fun
Fairy tale charm meets modern amenities at this castle-themed hotel just across the street from Disneyland. The rooftop pool area offers spectacular views of the nightly Disney fireworks while providing a refreshing retreat from Southern California heat.
Though smaller than massive resort waterparks, Camelot’s aquatic offerings punch above their weight with a heated swimming pool, relaxing spa, and kid-friendly splash zone. Children particularly enjoy the interactive water features with spray jets that shoot arcs of water across the deck.
Guest rooms maintain the medieval theme with castle-inspired headboards and regal color schemes, while providing modern amenities like mini-fridges and microwaves perfect for family snacks. Budget-conscious families appreciate the free continental breakfast and reasonable rates compared to Disney-owned properties. The hotel’s location within walking distance of both Disneyland and California Adventure makes it a practical home base for theme park adventures.
6. LEGOLAND California Hotel in Carlsbad: Themed Stay with Waterpark Access
Everything is awesome at this colorful LEGO-themed resort where water adventures extend beyond the hotel pool to include access to the adjacent LEGOLAND Water Park. Imagine racing down Twin Chasers, dual 130-foot water slides, or building your own LEGO raft to float down Build-A-Raft River.
Kids squeal with delight under the giant LEGO-themed dumping bucket that releases 300 gallons of water every few minutes. Toddlers have their own dedicated area called Splash Zoo with smaller slides and gentle spray features designed for the tiniest guests.
Back at the hotel, themed rooms transport families to pirate ships, royal castles, or adventure realms with separate sleeping areas for kids featuring bunk beds and LEGO building stations. Each room includes an in-room scavenger hunt leading to hidden treasure. The hotel’s entertainment includes nightly children’s activities, character meet-and-greets, and a disco elevator that gets everyone dancing between floors.
7. Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge: Riverfront Pools for Families
Northern California’s natural beauty takes center stage at this upscale hotel situated alongside the Sacramento River and the architectural marvel of the Sundial Bridge. The outdoor pool complex features a large main swimming area with spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Children splash in the adjacent wading pool while parents relax in the whirlpool spa. The hotel’s location within the 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park creates a unique blend of water fun and educational opportunities, with the McConnell Arboretum and botanical gardens just steps away.
Guest rooms feature river or mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing the stunning landscape indoors. Families appreciate the hotel’s proximity to water adventures beyond the pool, including river rafting, kayaking, and fishing excursions on the Sacramento River. The property serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural water wonders of Northern California while enjoying resort-style amenities.
8. Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance: Waterpark Right by Disneyland
Surfside Waterpark crowns this family-focused hotel located just a five-minute walk from Disneyland’s main entrance. The rooftop water playground features six different water slides ranging from mild to wild, ensuring aquatic fun for every age group and thrill level.
Kids love the 400-gallon tipping bucket that creates squeals of anticipation as it slowly fills before drenching everyone below. The splash pad area offers gentler water fun with spray jets and smaller fountains perfect for toddlers still finding their water confidence.
The hotel rooms stand out from typical Courtyard properties with family-friendly layouts featuring two queen beds plus twin bunk beds, accommodating up to six guests comfortably. Each room includes two bathrooms, solving the morning rush problem that plagues most family vacations. After a day of theme park adventures or water slide fun, families gather on their private balconies to watch Disneyland’s spectacular fireworks display.
9. The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach: Pools Overlooking the Ocean
Surfer’s paradise meets luxury accommodations at this oceanfront Hilton property featuring Drift, a multi-level pool complex with spectacular Pacific views. The water playground includes three waterslides of varying heights and speeds, ensuring aquatic thrills for all courage levels.
Families particularly enjoy the zero-entry pool that gradually deepens like a natural beach, making it perfect for toddlers and non-swimmers. Private cabanas surround the pool deck, offering shaded retreats with dedicated service for families wanting a VIP experience.
The resort’s location across from Huntington Beach creates a unique opportunity to enjoy both pool and ocean swimming during your stay. Rooms feature private balconies with ocean or coastal views, premium bedding, and upscale bathrooms with marble accents. When hunger strikes, guests can enjoy poolside service from the Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge without ever leaving their lounge chairs or interrupting their water fun.
10. Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells: Family Pools and Water Features
Desert elegance meets family fun at this upscale Palm Springs area resort featuring a sandy beach pool that creates a true oasis experience. The zero-edge entry pool gradually slopes from sand to water, allowing children to build sandcastles at the edge before wading into the refreshing water.
Water lovers enjoy racing down the 100-foot waterslide that curves through desert landscaping before splashing into the main pool. The separate children’s pool features playful spray features and shallow waters perfect for younger swimmers still building confidence.
Adult guests appreciate the separate 21-and-over pool area with cabana service and craft cocktails from the poolside bar. The resort’s 36 holes of championship golf, world-class spa, and tennis center provide plenty of non-water activities. Recently renovated rooms feature desert-inspired decor with modern amenities and balconies overlooking the pools, mountains, or meticulously landscaped grounds.
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