Atlanta Indoor Water Parks: Where to Splash, Slide, and Swim Year-Round

Looking for an indoor water park in Atlanta so you can swim and splash no matter the weather? Atlanta doesn’t have a giant stand‑alone indoor water park like you might see in some resort cities, but there are several indoor aquatic centers, hotel water playgrounds, and nearby destination resorts that offer a similar experience.

This guide walks through the best Atlanta-area indoor water options, what to expect at each, and how to choose the right spot for your family, staycation, or rainy-day plan.

Is There a True Indoor Water Park in Atlanta?

In the strictest sense—huge slides, wave pools, lazy river, all fully indoors—Atlanta itself does not have a major, dedicated indoor water park resort.

However, you have three main choices:

1. Indoor community aquatic centers in Metro Atlanta (slides, play structures, lap pools, some with lazy rivers).
2. Atlanta hotels with indoor pools and small water features (better for casual splashing than all-day water-park play).
3. Full-scale indoor water park resorts within a reasonable drive of Atlanta (often part of larger resorts or entertainment complexes).

The rest of this article focuses on what you can realistically enjoy in and around Atlanta, plus top nearby indoor water park destinations.

Quick Comparison: Indoor Aquatic & Water Play Options for Atlantans

Indoor Aquatic Centers in Metro Atlanta

If you’re local or staying for more than a day or two, indoor public aquatic centers are often the best balance of fun, cost, and access. Many feel like a “mini water park,” especially for younger kids.

1. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation & Aquatic Center (City of Atlanta)

Address: 110 Hilliard St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: 404-658-1139

Located near downtown, this City of Atlanta facility usually offers:

• Indoor lap pool
• Leisure / recreation pool with shallow areas
• Swim lessons and fitness programs
• Locker rooms and spectator seating

While it’s more of a community pool than a theme-style water park, it’s a solid option for indoor swimming in the city limits, especially if you live in or near downtown.

Best for:
Residents wanting a reliable indoor pool for year-round swimming, exercise, and lessons.

2. C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center (City of Atlanta – Southwest)

Address: 3201 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Phone: 404-505-3189

This is one of Atlanta’s main indoor aquatic facilities, with:

• Large indoor pool suitable for laps and general swim
• Recreation programming and swim instruction
• Community-focused environment

Like other city pools, it isn’t a themed water park, but it’s a weather-proof place to swim on cold or rainy days.

Best for:
Southwest Atlanta families and individuals looking for structured swim time and open recreation.

3. Natatoriums in Surrounding Counties

Several nearby counties operate indoor natatoriums that feel more like indoor water playgrounds, especially for younger children. These can be great options if you’re willing to drive a bit outside the city.

Cobb County – Mountain View Aquatic Center

Address: 2650 Gordy Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30066
Phone: 770-509-4925

Common features include:

• Indoor competition pool
• Indoor leisure pool with sloped entries and play features
• Slides (may vary by season and programming)
• Water play suitable for families with kids

Cobb County – Central Aquatic Center

Address: 520 Fairground St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: 770-528-8465

Often offers:

• Indoor lanes and diving wells
• Recreational swim hours (check schedule)
• Lessons and aqua fitness

Gwinnett County – Bogan Park Aquatic Center

Address: 2723 N Bogan Rd NE, Buford, GA 30519
Phone: 678-277-0850

Known for:

• Indoor competition pool
• Indoor leisure pool with water slide, lazy-river style sections, and play structures
• Family-friendly environment

This is one of the closest things to a small-scale indoor water park in the broader metro area.

DeKalb County – North Lake or Other Indoor Pools

DeKalb County sometimes operates indoor pools in recreation facilities. Program offerings can include:

• Open swim
• Lessons for children and adults
• Limited water play features

Because offerings can change, it’s smart to call the specific facility or check the DeKalb County Recreation website for current indoor options.

What to Expect at Metro Atlanta Aquatic Centers

Most indoor aquatic centers around Atlanta focus on fitness and community recreation. Typical features:

• Lap lanes for exercise
• Shallow leisure areas for families
• Sometimes small slides, fountains, or a lazy river
• Lifeguards on duty during open-swim times
• Modest daily fees or resident discounts

They usually do not have:

• Large, multi-story thrill slides
• Massive wave pools
• On-site hotels or resort-style amenities

For a true all-day water-park experience, you’ll generally need to visit a destination resort outside the city.

Atlanta Hotels with Indoor Pools

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want indoor swimming where you stay, some hotels feature indoor pools or indoor/outdoor combo pools. These are usually better for relaxing swims than for water-park-level excitement.

Common areas to check:

• Downtown Atlanta hotels (near Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, or the Georgia World Congress Center)
• Midtown properties serving Georgia Tech and corporate travelers
• Airport-area hotels near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, many of which offer indoor pools for layover guests and families

When booking, look for terms like:

• “Indoor pool”
• “Heated pool”
• “Indoor/outdoor pool”

If a water slide or children’s splash area is important, call the property directly and ask what is currently available. Features can change with renovations and rebranding.

Best for:

• Families who want the kids to burn off some energy in the pool after sightseeing
• Winter or rainy-day backup plan without leaving the hotel
• Travelers who want to maintain a swim routine

Full-Scale Indoor Water Park Resorts Near Atlanta

If you’re looking for big slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and multi-level play structures, your best bet is to plan a short drive from Atlanta. Several well-known indoor water park resorts operate within a few hours’ drive, typically in neighboring states or resort areas.

While specific names and branding can shift, these resorts commonly offer:

• Large indoor water complexes open year-round
• Tube slides and body slides
• Wave pools and splash zones
• On-site restaurants, arcades, and family activities
• Bundled pricing with overnight stays

Many Atlanta families treat these as a weekend or school-break getaway. If you’re planning from the city:

• Expect 1–3 hours of driving, depending on the resort.
• Compare day-pass options versus overnight packages.
• Book earlier during holiday breaks and long weekends, as they often fill up quickly.

Check for resorts in regions such as:

• North Georgia / Appalachian areas
• Central or Eastern Alabama
• Upstate South Carolina or western North Carolina
• Tennessee mountain or resort areas

Even though they’re not inside Atlanta city limits, they function as the closest true indoor water park experiences for residents.

Tips for Choosing the Right Indoor Water Option from Atlanta

When you’re deciding between a local aquatic center, hotel pool, or destination resort, consider:

1. Your Goal

• Quick swim or exercise?
  A nearby city or county indoor pool is usually enough.
• Kid-focused water play for a few hours?
  Look for an aquatic center with a leisure pool, slide, or lazy river (such as Bogan Park Aquatic Center).
• All-day water park adventure?
  Research indoor water park resorts within driving distance of Atlanta.

2. Age and Swim Level of Your Group

• Toddlers and young children often enjoy shallow leisure pools, gentle slides, and splash features.
• Teens and strong swimmers may prefer access to deep water, diving boards, or larger slides (more common at big resorts).
• For non-swimmers or new swimmers, look for shallow zero-entry areas and confirm lifeguard coverage.

3. Budget

• Community pools are generally the most affordable, with resident discounts or passes.
• Hotels: The pool is usually bundled with your room rate, but might not have big attractions.
• Resorts: Expect higher costs, including room, food, and potential resort or parking fees.

4. Distance and Travel Time

For Atlanta residents, it helps to decide how far you’re willing to drive:

• Within the city: City of Atlanta centers like the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation & Aquatic Center or C.T. Martin Natatorium.
• Metro area / suburbs: Options in Cobb, Gwinnett, and other counties with more elaborate leisure pools.
• Weekend getaway: Indoor water park resorts a few hours away in neighboring regions.

Practical Planning Tips Before You Go

✅ Call ahead
Ask about:

• Current open-swim hours
• Age or height restrictions for slides
• Fee structure (resident vs. non-resident rates)
• Any special rules (swim caps, lock requirements, outside food policies)

✅ Bring essentials

• Swimsuits, towels, and flip-flops or water shoes
• A small lock for lockers, if available
• Swim diapers for little ones (many facilities require them)

✅ Check parking and entry

• Some city and county facilities have free parking; others may share lots with larger parks or community centers.
• For resort getaways, verify parking fees and check-in times.

✅ Watch the schedule

• Lap swim, lessons, and team practices can limit free-swim times.
• Holiday schedules may differ from normal hours, especially in winter or around school breaks.

If You Live in Atlanta and Want More Indoor Water Options

Because Atlanta doesn’t yet have a large, dedicated indoor water park within city limits, many residents:

• Rotate between different county aquatic centers to keep things new for kids.
• Plan one or two short resort trips a year to a larger indoor water park.
• Choose hotels with indoor pools for local staycations, especially around birthdays or long weekends.

If you’re specifically looking for a big indoor water park to open in Atlanta in the future, it can help to:

• Watch local news and city planning updates for announcements of new entertainment or resort developments.
• Follow Parks & Recreation departments for updates on expanded aquatic facilities or renovations.

In Atlanta today, your best indoor water fun will come from a mix of city and county aquatic centers, hotel pools, and nearby resort getaways. With a little planning—checking schedules, distances, and what each facility offers—you can find an option that fits your group, your budget, and your idea of the perfect splash day.