Sun blazing, temps soaring, sweat pouring? We’ve all been there. When summer turns up the oven, it’s time to head indoors for maximum fun and zero sunburn. From water slides that loop through the ceiling to skydiving without leaving the ground, these epic indoor spots are bringing the chill (literally).
Here’s where to stay cool and still have a blast:
🌊 Water You Waiting For? Dive In.
DreamWorks Water Park — East Rutherford, NJ
The biggest indoor water park in North America? Yeah, it’s a thing—and it’s drenched in DreamWorks magic. Zoom down Thrillagascar & Jungle Jammer, a set of 14-story trap-door slides, or hang with Shrek and the Madagascar crew as you float along the world’s largest indoor wave pool. Bonus: it’s inside American Dream Mall, so after you dry off, there’s shopping, dining, and even more entertainment to explore.
Kalahari Resorts — Round Rock, TX
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including this 223,000-square-foot indoor waterpark. From the Barreling Baboon (yes, that’s a real slide name) to the country’s longest lazy river under a roof, Kalahari brings serious splash. Your stay includes water park access starting at noon on check-in day, and you can stay until close on checkout. Don’t miss the Grotto Swim-Up Bar for poolside cocktails with a cave vibe.
Epic Waters — Grand Prairie, TX
Meet Lasso Loop, the tallest indoor AquaLoop slide in the U.S.—and just one reason to visit this 80,000-square-foot Texas gem. The retractable glass roof lets in natural light, while kids tackle the four-lane mat racers, FlowRider, and a massive play structure. Want a little sun? Step out to the seasonal 10,000-square-foot outdoor wave pool.
Great Wolf Lodge — Garden Grove, CA
Always 84°F, always a good time. Great Wolf Lodge packs 105,000 square feet of slides, treehouse dump buckets, and water playgrounds into a cozy indoor retreat. When you’re waterlogged, pick up a wand and start a MagiQuest scavenger hunt through the resort’s hallways—it’s like Harry Potter meets hide-and-seek.
Wilderness at the Smokies — Sevierville, TN
Summer in Tennessee can feel like swimming in the air, so head to the Wild WaterDome—a transparent-roofed indoor oasis where you can soak up sunshine without breaking a sweat. Daredevils should line up for Storm Chaser, a 55-foot drop into zero-gravity oscillations. Still got energy? There’s laser tag, a ropes course, and mini-golf waiting outside the pool zone.
🎢 Thrills, Chills, and A/C-Powered Screams
Nickelodeon Universe — East Rutherford, NJ
Right next to DreamWorks Water Park, this slime-soaked spot is an eight-acre haven of pure, cartoon-fueled adrenaline. The headline act? TMNT Shellraiser, the steepest roller coaster in the world, dropping you at a record-breaking 121.5°. For little ones, there’s Dora, Blue, and plenty of pint-sized rides to keep them grinning.
Adventuredome — Las Vegas, NV
Five acres. One giant pink-glass dome. And enough thrills to make you forget you’re in the desert. Time to head to Circus Circus. The Canyon Blaster coaster loops through the air-conditioned chaos, while mini-golf, VR zones, and midway games round out the old-school-meets-modern fun.
Galaxyland Powered by Hasbro — Edmonton, Canada
Yes, Canada gets summer heat too—and Galaxyland is the massive escape route. Sitting inside the West Edmonton Mall, it’s the biggest indoor amusement park on the continent at 400,000 square feet. Expect Monopoly rides, My Little Pony theming, and a whole lineup of Hasbro-fueled fun for kids (and grown-up kids).
🏃♂️ Cool Moves Indoors
iFLY Indoor Skydiving — Nationwide
Always wanted to fly? iFLY makes it happen—no plane (or parachute) required. These vertical wind tunnels let you feel the rush of free-fall, whether you’re three or sixty-three. Just a heads up: there’s a 300-pound weight limit, and summer dates book fast.
Urban Air Adventure Park — Nationwide
One building, a dozen ways to defy gravity. Think trampolines, ropes courses, ninja warrior setups, and the Sky Rider indoor zipline. Perfect for high-energy kids—and grown-ups—who need to work out the wiggles without braving the sun.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games — Orlando, FL (and more)
Buckle up: Andretti’s got the world’s longest indoor multi-level electric kart track—with 25 feet of elevation change and zero gas fumes. Toss in laser tag, VR, bowling, and a mega arcade, and you’ve got a full-blown indoor amusement park in one sleek package.
Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill — Hamilton, OH
Welcome to 650,000 square feet of sports-lover heaven. Basketball? Volleyball? Rock climbing? It’s all here, inside North America’s biggest indoor sports complex. Bonus: There’s a hotel onsite, so you can turn your game day into a weekend getaway.
