July 28

National Waterpark Day

Get ready to make a splash on National Waterpark Day! With thrilling rides, relaxing pools, and endless fun, it's the perfect way to beat the heat this summer!

Yearly Date
July 28
Observed in
United States
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
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Introduction

Get ready to make a splash on NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY, occurring on July 28! This fun-filled day celebrates the adventurous spirit of waterparks and their ability to bring joy and excitement to people of all ages. The first modern waterpark was built in Texas in the 1940s, but the concept of water-based amusement dates back to ancient civilizations. Today, there are countless waterparks around the world, offering thrilling rides, lazy rivers, and refreshing pools for everyone to enjoy. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for a day of non-stop fun at your favorite waterpark!

National Waterpark Day Timeline

1940s
First Modern Waterpark
The first modern waterpark, called Lake Dolores Waterpark, was built in Texas, marking a new form of recreational activity in the United States.
1960s
Expansion of Waterparks
The concept and the enthusiasm for waterparks spread from Texas to other areas in the US during the 1960s.
1977
Waterpark industry boom
A sudden surge in the building of waterparks in the late 70s led to the robust growth of the industry.
1989
World’s Largest Indoor Waterpark
The World's Largest Indoor Waterpark, World Waterpark, was opened at the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada.
2000s
Global Expansion
The early 2000s marked the rapid expansion of waterparks throughout the world in places like Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
2018
National Waterpark Day Established
The holiday was officially established to celebrate the joy and excitement that waterparks bring to people of all ages.

How to Celebrate National Waterpark Day

1

Plan a waterpark trip

Gather your friends or family and plan a fun day at the waterpark. Look for deals and discounts to make the trip more budget-friendly.

2

Create a DIY water slide

If you have a backyard, get creative and build your own water slide using plastic sheets, tarps, and sprinklers. It's a fun and cost-effective way to celebrate National Waterpark Day.

3

Host a waterpark-themed party

Invite your friends over for a waterpark-themed party! Decorate with beach balls, pool noodles, and other fun water toys. Serve up some summer snacks and drinks to complete the theme.

4

Visit a nearby lake or beach

If you're lucky enough to live near a lake or beach, take advantage of it and spend the day swimming, boating, and soaking up the sun.

5

Try out different water slides

If you have multiple waterparks in your area, make a day out of trying out different water slides and rides. You can even rate them and see which one is your favorite!

Why We Love National Waterpark Day

A

It's a fun way to cool off during the summer

National Waterpark Day falls in the heat of summertime, making it the perfect excuse to head to your local waterpark and beat the heat. With thrilling rides, refreshing pools, and plenty of shady spots to relax, waterparks are a great place to escape from the scorching sun.

B

It's a day to unleash your inner child

Who says waterparks are just for kids? National Waterpark Day is the perfect time for adults to let loose and have some carefree fun. Whether you're racing down slides or floating along lazy rivers, there's something undeniably joyful about spending a day at a waterpark.

C

It creates lasting memories with friends and family

Waterparks are a great bonding experience for friends and family. Spending a day at the waterpark, trying out different rides and laughing together, creates memories that will last a lifetime. National Waterpark Day is the perfect time to make some unforgettable moments with your loved ones.

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jul 28
Friday
2024
Jul 28
Sunday
2025
Jul 28
Monday
2026
Jul 28
Tuesday
2027
Jul 28
Wednesday