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

Atlanta summers are hot and humid, which makes water parks in Atlanta, GA a big part of how locals and visitors stay cool. Whether you want big-thrill slides, a laid-back lazy river, or a place to let younger kids splash safely, you’ll find solid options both inside the city and within a reasonable drive.

This guide focuses on water parks that are realistic day trips from Atlanta, plus a few spraygrounds and pools inside the city that feel like “mini water parks.”

Quick Guide: Top Water Parks Near Atlanta

For most people actually staying in or near Atlanta, the primary, full-scale water park option is Six Flags White Water in Marietta, with Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and Spivey Splash as strong alternatives.

Six Flags White Water (Marietta): Atlanta’s Main Water Park

If you’re searching for “water parks in Atlanta GA” and want the largest, most traditional water park, this is the one most locals mean.

Location:
250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062
(about 20–30 minutes from Midtown Atlanta in light traffic)

What to Expect

Six Flags White Water is a full-day destination with:

• High-thrill slides – multi-story drop slides, speed slides, and body slides
• Family raft rides – large rafts that fit multiple riders
• Wave pool – a central hangout spot with rolling waves
• Lazy river – gentle current, good for relaxing between rides
• Kids’ areas – shallow pools, mini slides, interactive water play structures

Because it’s a major regional park, it feels more like a theme park than a neighborhood pool: big parking lot, multiple food stands, locker rentals, cabana rentals, and long operating hours in summer.

Pros for Atlanta Visitors and Residents

• Closest large-scale water park to most Atlanta neighborhoods
• Variety of rides for different ages and thrill levels
• Easy to combine with a short trip to Marietta Square for dinner

Things to Plan For

• Crowds build on weekends and holidays, especially midday
• Lines can be long for the most popular slides
• You’ll want to factor in parking, entry cost, and food prices when budgeting

💡 Tip: Many Atlanta families try to arrive near opening time to secure seating and ride the major attractions before lines grow.

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands: Water Park + Lake Day

If you’re willing to drive a little farther, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands combines a water park with a lake resort setting on Lake Lanier.

Location:
7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518
(around 45–60 minutes northeast of Atlanta, depending on traffic)

What Makes It Different

Instead of being landlocked, this water park is on the shores of Lake Lanier, so you can:

• Ride large water slides and tube rides
• Enjoy a wave pool and kids’ play areas
• Access lake-related activities like boat rentals (often separate cost)
• Hang out on a beach-style lakefront

For Atlantans, this can feel more like a mini vacation than just a park day.

Who It’s Best For

• Families and groups wanting a water park + lake experience
• Visitors looking to stay overnight at Lanier Islands or nearby hotels
• Locals planning a day trip out of the city

Because it’s a resort-style property, many people check schedules and pricing ahead of time and treat it as an all-day or weekend outing.

Spivey Splash at Clayton County International Park (Jonesboro)

For a somewhat smaller, more municipal-style water park close to Atlanta, Spivey Splash is a popular option in Clayton County.

Location:
Clayton County International Park
2300 Highway 138 SE, Jonesboro, GA 30236
(about 25–35 minutes south of downtown Atlanta)

Features

Spivey Splash typically offers:

• A lazy river
• Water slides (fewer than larger commercial parks, but still fun)
• A kids’ play area with sprays and smaller slides
• A wave pool or large leisure pool (offerings can vary by season)

Because it’s part of Clayton County’s parks system, entry costs are often more budget-friendly than big commercial parks, especially for county residents.

Why Atlantans Choose It

• Short drive for many south-side neighborhoods
• Often less overwhelming than giant theme-park-style locations
• Feels more like a community water park, with a family focus

If you live or are staying on the south side of metro Atlanta, this can be more convenient than driving up to Marietta or Lake Lanier.

Cherokee County Aquatic Center (Canton): Indoor/Outdoor Option

If you’re looking for a water experience that’s part pool, part mini water park, the Cherokee County Aquatic Center is another metro-area choice.

Location:
1200 Gresham Mill Pkwy, Holly Springs, GA 30142 (Canton area)
(about 40–60 minutes north of Atlanta, depending on your starting point)

What You’ll Find

• Indoor competition and instructional pools (good for lap swim and lessons)
• Indoor leisure pool with play structures and small slides
• Outdoor seasonal features, which may include slides and splash areas in warmer months

It’s geared more toward aquatics and recreation than pure thrill rides, so it’s especially helpful if you:

• Want a reliable place to swim even in cooler or rainy weather
• Have younger children who don’t need huge slides
• Live in or near Cherokee, North Fulton, or North Cobb

Family-Friendly Splash Pads and Spraygrounds in Atlanta

If you don’t need major slides and just want kids to cool off and run around, Atlanta has several splash pads that feel like small-scale water parks—especially for younger children.

These are more about spray features, fountains, and shallow play areas than big rides, and they’re often low-cost or free, depending on the location.

Popular Spots in and Near Atlanta

• Historic Fourth Ward Park Splash Pad
  800 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Near the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, with a modern playground and green space.

• Perkerson Park Splash Pad
  770 Deckner Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
  A good option for southwest Atlanta, with sports fields and picnic spots.

• Grant Park Splash Pad
  Near 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Walkable from many Grant Park homes and near Zoo Atlanta.

• Chastain Park Playground & Splash Area
  140 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
  North Atlanta option with lots of open space.

These spaces are excellent if you:

• Want a quick outing without a full-day commitment
• Have toddlers or young kids who don’t need big slides
• Prefer staying in-town instead of driving to the suburbs

💡 Tip: Many splash pads are seasonal, often operating roughly from late spring through early fall. Hours and opening dates can change each year, so it helps to check the City of Atlanta’s parks information or the specific county parks department before heading out.

City of Atlanta Pools: Affordable Ways to Beat the Heat

While not true “water parks,” Atlanta’s public pools can meet many of the same needs if you just want space to swim and cool down.

Public pools may include:

• Shallow play areas for kids
• Lap lanes for exercise
• Occasional small slides or water features, depending on the facility

Because these are run by local governments or recreation departments, they tend to be:

• More affordable than private water parks
• Spread across different neighborhoods, which makes them convenient if you don’t want to drive far

Pools inside the city change occasionally, so for the most current locations and hours, Atlantans often check with:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (main line, subject to change): often listed under “Parks and Recreation” on the city’s main directory

How to Choose the Right Water Park Experience in Atlanta

When you’re deciding between the different water options in and around Atlanta, it helps to think through a few key questions:

1. How far are you willing to drive?

• Shortest drive, big-park feel: Six Flags White Water (Marietta)
• Lake + water park combination: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
• South side convenience: Spivey Splash (Jonesboro)
• Stay in-town: City splash pads and pools

2. Who’s going with you?

• Teenagers and thrill-seekers: Look for tall slides, drop slides, and wave pools (White Water, Lanier Islands).
• Younger kids or toddlers: Splash pads, city pools, and smaller municipal parks are usually less intimidating.
• Mixed-age groups: Larger parks with a variety of zones (kids’ areas, lazy rivers, thrill rides) work best.

3. What’s your budget?

Factor in:

• Admission price per person
• Parking fees
• Locker/cabana rental (optional, but common at big parks)
• Food and drink costs inside the park

Municipal parks and splash pads are usually lowest cost, while full commercial parks and resort-style locations tend to be higher.

4. What time of season is it?

• Most outdoor water parks near Atlanta operate from late spring through early fall.
• Some facilities, like the Cherokee County Aquatic Center’s indoor pools, can be used year-round.
• City splash pads usually follow a warm-weather schedule and may shut off in cooler months or for water restrictions.

Practical Tips for Visiting Water Parks Around Atlanta

A few common-sense steps can make your water park day smoother:

• Check operating hours and calendar before you go; some days may have special events or adjusted hours.
• Look at weather forecasts; storms can close outdoor attractions temporarily.
• Arrive early if you want a good seating spot and shorter early ride lines.
• Review each park’s rules about outside food, coolers, and flotation devices.
• Plan your route and traffic; Atlanta’s peak traffic can add significant time, especially on weekdays and around rush hours.

Whether you’re a local planning multiple outings over the summer or a visitor looking for a single day of water fun, Atlanta gives you several solid choices—from full-scale water parks to neighborhood splash pads. Choosing the right option comes down to how far you want to drive, who’s in your group, and how big you want the experience to be.