That's right, find the most fun places to cool down and make a splash this summer. Both in the Valley and in neighboring counties, we found the most tricked out water parks and even some secret wet destinations near you.
Wildwater Kingdom at Dorney Park
One half of Dorney Park's famous “two parks for the price of one” slogan, Wildwater is actually one of the largest waterparks in the country. Now, it has over 20 water rides, slides, play areas and pools, and the water “kingdom” is scattered with an assortment of snack stands offering everything from smoothies to the summer time favorite—Dippin' Dots—to cheesesteaks and fry platters. It's one of Pennsylvania's top summer attractions, and it's right here in the Valley. Send your kids to splash around in three aquatic play lands, a water funhouse and two wave pools. For adults yearning to enjoy some water fun, there are 22 water slides—including a six-lane, mat-racing slide, two lazy rivers and the Wildwater Cove wave pool with cabanas to take a break in and soak up the sun.
3830 Dorney Park Rd., Allentown | 610.395.3724 | dorneypark.com
Leaser Lake
This quaint, scenic little lake in northwestern Lehigh County is known for tranquil fishing and relaxing water activities like canoeing and kayaking. Leaser Lake Boats, Bikes & Bait has everything you need to make it a fun day on the lake; all rentals are dropped off and picked up lakeside. A Leaser Lake representative will even direct you to the correct launch site! Fishers don't fret—bait and tackle are available as well.
8912 Levans Rd., Kempton | 484.221.1522 | leaserlake.com
Runaway Rapids Waterpark
Not even an hour outside the Valley is this Keansburg Amusement Park water destination. Not too big, nor too small, Runaway Rapids is great for kids spanning all ages. There's a great balance between large, thrilling water slides and smaller slides that are best suited for the little ones. With that small town feel, plenty of Keansburg staff and lifeguards are there to help, keep the charming park clean and keep your family safe. Bring your own food to picnic!
275 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ | 732.495.1400 | keansburgamusementpark.com
Beltzville Lake
Right outside the Valley, this 949-acre lake in Lehighton is fed by the trout-filled Pohopoco Creek, and features fine, sandy beaches, several picnic spots, 15 miles of scenic hiking and walking trails as well as boat and kayak rentals. It's also one of the only lakes near the Valley that permits water-skiing. Whether you're searching to swim and enjoy the sun or seek a day of waterside adventures, Beltzville won't disappoint.
2950 Pohopoco Dr., Lehighton | 610.377.0045 | stateparks.com/beltzville
Knoebels
This famous, countryside amusement park is more known for its rides, food, shops and kid-friendly activities, but after expanding its local swimming hole to a full-blown water park, Knoebels' Crystal Pool and slides now encompass a variety of attractions, including its expansive crystal pool with a climbing net, a kiddie pool, four exhilarating water slides and a sunbathing deck where guests can “chill” out and grab a snack or refreshment. Head to the park on one of these hot summer days and cool off at Knoebles' wet attractions, which is all fed by mountain stream water.
391 Knoebels Blvd., Elysburg | 570.672.2572 | knoebels.com
Land of Make Believe
Here's a summer hot spot located just about a half hour outside of Easton. It has rides for kids and grown-ups alike, but also a slew of fun attractions that make a splash. Dare to soar down Pirate's Plunge family water slide. Relax or play on Blackbeard's River Ride or Pirate Fort. Experience the downhill waterslides at Pirate's Peak. And don't forget to check out one of America's largest wading pools at Pirate's Cove. Land of Make Believe is your ideal, summer-fun day trip with the kids.
354 Great Meadows Rd., Hope, NJ | 908.459.9000 | lomb.com
Lake Nockamixon
With a designated area for swimming, prime boating areas and limitless fishing opportunities, some would say this less popular lake deserves more attention. There's a boat rental concession booth with canoes, motorboats, rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and pontoon boats during the entire summer season. For lazy lakeside day with the family, the pool at Lake Nockamixon has lifeguards on duty and picnicking pavilions. For those venturing for a more bold experience, Nockamixon has six public launching areas that are favorable for most motorboats, kayaks and even inflatable watercrafts.
1542 Mountain View Dr., Quakertown | 215.529.7300 | stateparks.com/nockamixon
Camelbeach
It's been crowned the biggest water park in Pennsylvania, and it's only a short drive from the Valley. Camelbeach has almost 40 rides, slides and other attractions that are making waves—pun intended. The park is nestled within the spectacular Pocono Mountains; upon entrance, your jaw might drop at the sheer amount of valiant water contraptions on the mountainside. There are numerous mat, tube and body slides for those thrill-seekers, loads of family-friendly water rides, a kid's “splash” area featuring three interactive play zones and a host of places with all varieties of food and refreshments—including a full Tiki Bar.
309 Resort Dr., Tannersville | 570.629.1662 | camelbeach.com
Split Rock H2O
On the Split Rock Resort overlooking Lake Harmony, one of Pennsylvania's few indoor water parks awaits you and your family this summer. “H20oooh,” as it's expressed on Split Rock's website, is a rare combination of water slides and leisurely summer activities. Imagine various body and tube slides—some that drop four stories—surrounded by a wave pool and kid's play area, but also Jacuzzis, snack and refreshment bars littered throughout. Book a stay that'll be fun for the family or plan a memorable party at the water park with customizable packages.
100 Moseywood Rd., Lake Harmony | 570.722.9111 | splitrockresort.com
Mauch Chunk Lake
Looking for a beach trip without the long drive? Mauch Chunk is a quick—and close—solution. Its large, sandy beach and swimming areas are what draw in visitors the most. Over 150,000 flock to the lake every summer. Picnic areas and concession stands supplement the beach experience, but there are also fishing, camping and boating opportunities as well.
625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe | 570.325.3669 | carboncounty.com
Dutch Springs
Home to “the blob,” that infamous inflatable device that allows you to launch your friend to a splashy finish, Dutch Springs calls Lehigh Valley its home. The park offers scuba diving lessons and tours, but is better known for its aqua park strewn water attractions big and small, simple and complex. Young or old, it's truly a fun way to cool off in the summer—and it's affordable, too.
4733 Hanoverville Rd., Bethlehem | 610.759.2270 | dutchsprings.com
