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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!

Tuesday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 28

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYTravel

SUBCATEGORYAdventure

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

National Waterpark Day Timeline

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.

Expansion of Waterparks

The concept and the enthusiasm for waterparks spread from Texas to other areas in the US during the 1960s.

Waterpark industry boom

A sudden surge in the building of waterparks in the late 70s led to the robust growth of the industry.

World’s Largest Indoor Waterpark

The World's Largest Indoor Waterpark, World Waterpark, was opened at the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada.

Global Expansion

The early 2000s marked the rapid expansion of waterparks throughout the world in places like Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

National Waterpark Day Established

The holiday was officially established to celebrate the joy and excitement that waterparks bring to people of all ages.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Waterpark Day

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.

CREATE

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.

HOST

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.

VISIT

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.

TRY

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 THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Waterpark Day

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.

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.

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.