Family vacations are starting to gain back popularity, so kids-friendly, family-fun destinations are on the rise. For those looking to spend quality-time with their family and who are not afraid to get a little wet, these water adventures are a great vacation idea to try in 2017:
1. Splashes, Myrtle Beach
Check out Splashes, an oceanfront water park connected to the Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, where you can experience speed slides, kiddie areas and water flumes just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Myrtle Waves, at the popular Broadway at the Beach area, unveiled two new experiences in 2016: the Tsunami wave-riding experience, and Rocking’ Ray, a dual rider, half-pipe-like experience. Many of the hotels have water parks onsite as well — I’d recommend Kingston Plantation’s Splash (accessible to Hilton and Embassy Suites guests), Dunes Village Resort’s 30,000-square-foot indoor water park (perfect for rainy days), and Crown Reef’s The Waterpark (multiple slides, some towering 40 feet.)
2. Niagara Jet Adventures, Niagara Falls
For a wet, thrill-packed adventure head to Niagara Falls, New York for more than a quick look at the majestic waterfalls. Get up close to the Falls on the iconic Maid of the Mist boat ride or traverse the wooden walkways on the Cave of the Winds tour to the famous ‘Hurricane Deck’ where you’ll get a misty-eyed view of Bridal Veil Falls (Warning: You will get wet!). Want to kick the adventure up at notch? Hop aboard a jet boat with Niagara Jet Adventures and get ready to get soaked. During this must-do whitewater experience, the jet boat skims just above the swift waters of the Niagara River, followed by the swirling torrent of the Niagara Gorge Class 5 white water rapids at Devils Hole. With 360-degree spins fueled with 1650HP, the ride will take your breath away as you get closer to Niagara Falls than ever before.
3. Texas Hill Country River Region, Texas
Is the “Lazy River” your go-to ride at waterparks? Then, head down to the Texas Hill Country River Region, a remote destination that features the country’s original Lazy River experience. The region’s three crystal-clear rivers are nestled among a canopy of ancient cypress trees and beautiful chalk cliffs. The Frio River is the perfect place to lay out on an innertube with a cold beverage in hand and watch the day float away. It’s here that you’ll float right passed the largest tree in all of Texas, and is also home to the second largest bat population in the world. Travelers can enjoy swimming, kayaking or canoeing in any of this destination’s three refreshing rivers.