Lazy rivers are more fun than pools, so forget about them. As an added bonus, you can cool yourself on hot days while experiencing the excitement of white water rapids (although modest ones) without worrying about crashing into underwater stones or tumbling down a massive drop-off waterfall.
A calm river is a perfect pit break on a road trip, and let’s be honest: is there any better sensation than floating peacefully downriver while basking in the sun and pondering what lies beyond the bend? As such, we have compiled a list of the finest man-made estuaries and man-made brooks (also known as the finest lazy rivers in the USA) for your perusal.
Here are The Best lazy Rivers in the US
Waco Surf | Waco, TX
Nearly a mile in length, this “lazy river” is promoted as “the world’s longest” (the website uses the word “allegedly”). The lazy river is much more exciting if you have a Wedge waterslide pass, which you must purchase in order to use it. Surfing on a two-acre lake is an option, as is wakeboarding through cable park, which uses overhead lines to drive riders around the water without the need for a boat.
East Portland Community Center | Portland, OR
This is an indoor lazy river for swimmers (no floaties required) that is short yet delightful since it terminates in a strong whirlpool that requires kicking to exit. A day admission will only set you back $6 for an adult, so you can splash around in the two pools and on the water slide for a few hours before moving your picnic to the adjacent green municipal park.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort | Glenwood, CO
The Shoshone Chutes outdoor tube ride is more exciting than your average lazy river since it is designed to look like the Colorado River, complete with cascading levels that lead you “downhill” with rapid bends. In this three-minute ride, you can admire the scenic surroundings while your floatie spins around backward thanks to the force of the water. It is located on the grounds of a prominent hot springs resort but is available to the general public. In addition to the stunning scenery, the red rocks of the nearby mountains are an added benefit.
Tahiti Village | Las Vegas, NV
The length of this lazy river, while not the longest in Las Vegas, is nonetheless respectable at 660 feet. It has tiki torches, a tropical forest, and four stunning waterfalls along the way. The temperature is kept at or above 80 degrees year-round, dropping to the mid-70s in the summer. A sand-entry pool is also available for those interested in making sandcastles. The resort is a few miles from the Strip, and the lazy river is only available to guests.
Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark | Tannersville, PA
The Camelback Resort in the Poconos features an indoor waterpark with a lazy river that winds its way beneath the floors of the main building and into a darker ‘grotto’ under other waterslides for a more mood-inspiring experience. Stay till dark to enjoy the gorgeously lighted interior of the 125,000-square-foot waterpark, which is housed behind a translucent dome. As an added bonus, you can use the world’s longest indoor water coaster slide. If you don’t plan on staying at the resort overnight, you can still go into the waterpark by purchasing a day pass.
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park | Choctaw, MS
The Roundabout River, a 1,200-foot lazy river located in the heart of this incredible waterpark, is the perfect way to unwind as you drift lazily under the park’s many waterfalls. After you’ve had your fill of chilling out, rev your engines on the Backsplash, a two-person waterslide that doubles as a roller coaster. The park’s 23 acres include a huge wave pool and 11 water slides.
Marriott Marquis Houston | Houston, TX
A slow-moving river in the shape of Texas? Certainly, why not? From this rooftop pool on the sixth floor, you can float around the state line as you look out over the city. This 80-degree river goes under a few footbridges, and then you can climb out and try the hot infinity pool close. If you want to swim but don’t want to stay the night, you can get a day pass at resortpass.com for as little as $40.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark | Virginia Beach, VA
The 1,000ft Adventure River has waves and a strong stream. It goes by waterfalls and under buckets that tip and soak you. For a ten-minute ride, it starts and finishes at a sand-free beach and lake. Swap your free tube for a $5 “recliner” if you really want to feel more relaxed. Check out the million-gallon wave pool and other things to do there, like the 45-foot-tall figure of a gorilla named Hugh Mongous.
Zoombezi Bay | Powell, OH
Some people are glad that Croctail Creek is only for people over 21, and the fact that you can bring a drink with you makes the 700-foot glide even more relaxed. Start your ride at Sandbar, a swim-up (tube-up?) bar, and grab a comfortable two-person floaty (there are also single floaties) to float away. There is also a 1,500-foot Roaring Rapids Action River that kids can ride. It has its own wave maker, and Zoombezi Bay has many other water-based activities, like a wave pool and many slides. Admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on the same day is also included in the price of admission.
Water Park of New England | Danvers, MA
The 986-foot indoor/outdoor Coconut Grove Adventure River is a relaxed trip around the Parrot’s Perch Play Area with a few splashy treats along the way. You can ride on clear donuts, and a day pass to the water park gives you access to 65,000 square feet of water-based fun, like slides, water guns, and a swim-through path to an outdoor whirlpool.
Orange Lake Resort | Orlando, FL
Ride this long lazy river, which is 1,200 feet long and has pools and nice views of River Island Village at both ends. You can rent tubes for $9 and check out the hot tubs and water rides. There is also putt-putt golf close. This Holiday Inn Club is a timeshare resort, and it’s right next to a popular theme park whose name we can’t remember but which has something to do with a friendly rat.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park | Gardiner, NY
You can stay in an RV or a house at this park that looks out over the Wallkill River. The lazy river has water sprayers, guns, and buckets to make the ride fun. There are also standard pools, mini golf, and Yogi Bear’s Water Zone, which has slides and a fort. In the Wallkill, you can fish and do many other things. There are even weekends and weeks with themes, like Wildlife Week, which runs from August 19 to 25. If you don’t want to stay the night, you can also book a day pass.
Gilroy Gardens | Gilroy, CA
The Rainbow Garden Boat Ride is for families and takes place in a dry, round boat that can hold four people. However, it is so charming that we have to mention it. Float down one of the calmest rivers (there are no rapids here) in a shaded boat while listening to taped frogs croak and passing by beautiful gardens. You have to buy a parking pass, which is great because this is basically Disneyland for little kids, with rides based on veggies and short lines.
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