Best Water Parks in and Around Atlanta: Where to Cool Off and Have Fun

Looking for a water park in Atlanta to beat the Georgia heat? Whether you live in the city or are visiting for a few days, Atlanta has a mix of classic water parks, splash pads, and resort-style pools that work for every age and budget.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta-area water parks, including what to expect, typical features, and tips for planning your visit.

Quick Guide: Top Atlanta Water Park Options

Six Flags White Water: The Classic Atlanta-Area Water Park

While not inside the city limits, Six Flags White Water in Marietta is widely treated as Atlanta’s main water park.

Location:
250 Cobb Parkway N, Marietta, GA 30062
(About 20–30 minutes from many intown neighborhoods, depending on traffic.)

What to Expect

Six Flags White Water typically offers:

• Large water slides: Body slides, tube slides, and multi-person raft rides
• Wave pool: Beach-style entry with rolling waves
• Lazy river: For more relaxed floating
• Kids’ areas: Shallow pools, small slides, and interactive play structures
• Family raft rides: Multi-rider rafts for group fun
• Food stands and shaded seating throughout the park

It’s designed for full-day trips, so many Atlanta families treat it like a mini-vacation without leaving the metro area.

Tips for Visiting from Atlanta

• Traffic planning: Morning arrivals from Atlanta are usually easier via I-75 or I-285; afternoon returns can be heavier.
• Heat prep: North Georgia summers are hot and humid—light clothing, water shoes, and regular shade breaks help.
• Budgeting: Expect separate costs for parking, lockers, and food. Bringing a modest budget for extras can avoid surprises.

Six Flags Over Georgia: Theme Park + Water Rides

If you want roller coasters and water rides in one place, Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell may be a good compromise.

Location:
275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168
(Just west of Atlanta, off I-20.)

Water Attractions Inside the Park

While it’s not a standalone “water park,” Six Flags Over Georgia usually features:

• Water-based rides or flumes
• Splash and soak areas that help cool you down between coasters
• Family-friendly water play zones (availability can vary by season)

This is ideal if you:

• Want a single ticket for coasters and water attractions
• Are visiting Atlanta and don’t want to commit a full day to a separate water park
• Prefer staying closer to the city than Marietta

Indoor Water Park Option Near Atlanta: Great Wolf Lodge

For an all-weather water park experience, many Atlanta families look to Great Wolf Lodge Georgia, located in LaGrange.

Location:
150 Tom Hall Parkway, LaGrange, GA 30240
(About 1–1.5 hours southwest of Atlanta.)

Why It Appeals to Atlanta Visitors

• Indoor water park with slides, wave pool, lazy river, and toddler areas
• Open year-round, rain or shine
• Lodging on-site, making it a weekend “staycation” spot for metro Atlanta residents

Because it’s farther from the city, it works best if you:

• Plan an overnight or weekend trip
• Want more of a resort feel than a day park
• Need a backup for cooler months or unpredictable weather

In-Town Splash Pads and Spraygrounds

If you’re searching “water park Atlanta” but don’t want to leave the city, Atlanta’s splash pads and spraygrounds are a practical option for kids, especially younger ones.

These are typically:

• Low-cost or free
• Located in city parks
• Easier for short, spontaneous visits

Some well-known public spaces with water play features include:

Historic Fourth Ward Park & Nearby Options

• Historic Fourth Ward Park Splash Pad (near the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail)
  Great for families living or staying near Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Midtown. It usually includes ground jets, seating, and nearby green space.

Perkerson Park Splash Pad (Southwest Atlanta)

• Located in the Capitol View/Perkerson Park area
• Often used by local families as a neighborhood-friendly alternative to larger parks

City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation oversees many pools and splash pads across neighborhoods.

Main Office (for general info):
City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30303
General info line often available via the City of Atlanta main number: 404-330-6000

You can contact or visit the department (or your local recreation center) to find:

• Current open locations and hours
• Pool and splash pad rules
• Any fees or passes required

Community Pools and Aquatic Centers

For residents who want more than just a quick cool-off, community pools and aquatic centers can feel like a “mini water park” without leaving Atlanta.

These facilities often feature:

• Large outdoor pools
• Lap lanes plus recreational areas
• Shallow zones or separate kids’ pools
• Sometimes small slides, fountains, or interactive water play

Types of facilities you may find in or near Atlanta:

• City-run pools: Often more budget-friendly, especially for residents
• County aquatic centers (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.): Commonly offer both indoor and outdoor options

If you live intown, calling your nearest recreation center or checking with Fulton County or DeKalb County recreation departments can help you locate:

• The closest pool with family amenities
• Requirements for swim passes or seasonal membership
• Options for swim lessons, water aerobics, or lap swimming

Rooftop and Hotel Pools in Atlanta

Visitors searching for “water park Atlanta” sometimes really mean: “Where can I enjoy a good pool day in the city?”

While these are not true water parks, Atlanta’s hotel and rooftop pools can offer:

• Great skyline views (especially in Midtown and Downtown)
• Loungers, shade, and food/drink service
• A resort-like feel without leaving the core of the city

Consider this option if you:

• Are staying in a Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotel
• Prefer a quieter, more adult-friendly pool scene vs. big slides and crowds
• Want something you can walk or rideshare to without a full-day commitment

Always check directly with the hotel to confirm:

• Guest-only vs. day-pass access
• Any age restrictions
• Seasonal dates and pool hours

Choosing the Right Water Experience in Atlanta

When deciding which Atlanta water option is best, think about:

1. Who’s Going

• Families with young kids:
  • Splash pads and neighborhood pools for short, easy outings
  • Six Flags White Water or Great Wolf Lodge for big “treat” days
• Teens and thrill-seekers:
  • Six Flags White Water for large slides
  • Six Flags Over Georgia for coasters plus some water rides
• Adults and couples:
  • Rooftop/hotel pools for a more relaxed environment
  • Short trips to splash pads or community pools on hot days

2. How Far You Want to Travel

• Stay in the city:
  • Splash pads, community pools, and hotel pools
• Short drive (roughly 20–40 minutes):
  • Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell)
  • Six Flags White Water (Marietta)
• Longer outing (1–1.5 hours):
  • Great Wolf Lodge (LaGrange) for an overnight or weekend

3. Budget and Time

• Lowest cost:
  • City splash pads and some community pools
• Moderate to higher cost (full-day activity):
  • Six Flags White Water or Six Flags Over Georgia
• Higher total cost (lodging included):
  • Great Wolf Lodge or a resort-style hotel stay in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Any Atlanta Water Day 🌊

No matter which Atlanta water option you choose:

• Check hours and seasonality:
  Many outdoor parks and splash pads in metro Atlanta are seasonal, usually opening in late spring and closing in early fall.
• Look at weather and air quality:
  Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons; plans may be affected by lightning or temporary closures.
• Plan for sun and heat:
  Wide-brim hats, UV-protective clothing, and frequent shade breaks are especially helpful in the midday sun.
• Bring essentials:
  • Swimwear and cover-ups
  • Water shoes or flip-flops (surfaces can get very hot)
  • Towels
  • A small bag for dry clothes and essentials
• Know the rules:
  Each park or pool will have its own rules on food, glass containers, flotation devices, and supervision of children.

If you’re in or around Atlanta and searching for a water park, you essentially have three tiers of options: major parks just outside the city, indoor resort-style getaways within a reasonable drive, and a network of in-town splash pads and pools. Matching your choice to your group, budget, and how far you want to travel will make your water day in Atlanta much more enjoyable.