Five of the Best Great Lakes Indoor Waterparks. Let the snow fly while you take your kids sliding & surfing in a domed tropical island where snow gear and sunscreen will not be needed but flip-flops are essential; a place where being all wet is part of the experience plan and wave pools, tunnel slides, and lazy river floating is part of the fun. 

I have enjoyed adventures in several indoor waterparks and it was chaotic fun complete with splashing, squeals of joy, and laughter prevails. I never miss a chance to speak with parents or grandparents even if I am all wet. The adults I spoke with all agreed waterpark getaways are effortless and basically carefree. Once stop where all the fun is just steps from your hotel room. It isn’t always size that matters but the quality of the space which allows children of different ages to have fun with very little conflict.

 
With feedback from our readers and my own research I have identified a few spring break options Great Lakes region as well as waterpark locations across the US, in Canada, and mid-Atlantic area. 

Kalahari Waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells.  At Kalahari, one of the largest indoor waterparks in the Great Lakes area, the spirit of “ubunto” thrives.  It is home to the wave machine known as FLOWRIDER®. The family-friendly water complex contains plenty of interactive water fun, lazy river floats, a water rollercoaster, Tufani Falls 60-foot water drop, indoor looping waterslides, 5,000 square foot kids play area, lily pad jumps, a spiral pipe flume ride, five whirlpool spas, and a swim up bar. Bonus Points: Adjacent to all the water fun is an adventure center spanning 100,000 square feet. You will find a six-story Ferris wheel and an African-themed carousel plus ropes course, climbing walls, mini golf, laser tag,  arcade games, 24 lanes of bowling, and a high-definition golf simulator plus go cart racing under a  dome. (1305 Kalahari Drive Baraboo, WI 53913. (608) 254-5466, toll-free 1-877-KALAHARI FREE (525-2427) or www.KalahariResorts.com).

Water Park of America in Minnesota. The Twin Cities is home to Mall of America and the tallest waterpark slide in the world framed by 70,000-square-foot waterpark.  It is home to Hobey the Bear and is most famous for its 10-story-high waterslide tower which weaves and slides more than a mile. Add to that a surf simulator the FLOWRIDER® and a wave-maker creates plenty of water action. Family raft rides, hot tubs, tube slides, complete the mix. For smaller children there is the Fort Snelling activity pool, down sized body-slides and several activity pools. Bonus Points: If water play is not enough there is an arcade with more than 100 games.  (1700 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN, (952) 698-8888 or www.waterparkofamerica.com).

Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park at Boyne Mountain Resort in Michigan. Avalanche Bay is the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan. Spanning 88,000 square feet, the tropical vacation pod maintains a balmy temperature of 84 degrees all winter long. The Splasherhorn wet and wild mountain is at the heart of the waterpark and surrounded by extra watery thrills including a vertigo tube slide, a Super G slide, a surf simulator floating icebergs, plus a vertical climbing wall. The facility also has an arcade with more than 100 of the most popular video games. Bonus Points: Boyne is known for downhill skiing, and snowmobiling.  (Boyne Mountain Resort 1 Boyne Mountain Road Boyne Falls, MI 49713. Toll-free 1-855-688-7046 or www.avalanchebay.com).

Lost Paradise Waterpark at KeyLime Cove Resort in Illinois.  Reminiscent of the Florida Keys, KeyLime’s waterpark is bright, cheery domed island not far from Chicago or Milwaukee. The 65,000-square-foot complex has an array of ways to entertain and thrill guests of all ages from lazy river floating and special space for tykes to thrilling body slides and the famous Hurricane Vortex which speeds rafts into a swirling bowl culminating with a 44-foot drop. Bonus Points: For dry moments there’s an 8,000 square-foot arcade, and D.W. Anderson’s Eatery and Ice Cream Parlor. (1700 Nations Drive Gurnee, IL 60031. (224) 717-3311 or www.keylimecove.com)

 
Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark in Ohio. Great Wolf Lodge in Mason operates one of the largest indoor waterparks in Ohio. The 78,000 square-foot indoor water park maintains six pools and 11 water slides, two exciting body slides, three tube slides, four kiddie slides and a thrilling  water rollercoaster ride. The Lodge’s Cub Club™ keeps the imagination of kids afloat with a variety of arts & crafts, while the Northern Lights™ Arcade lets them play all the new or classic video games. Grab your wand and let your family adventure of slaying dragons and discovering pixies begin with MagiQuest - the first live-action fantasy adventure game of its kind. Bonus Points:  The perfect complement to any family getaway – spa time and Great Wolf Lodge is home to The Elements™ Spa, a place for adults to relax after enjoying all of the water related activities and Scooops™ Kids Spa, an ice cream-themed spa for the younger ones. (2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason 45040. Toll-free 1-800-913-WOLF FREE or www.greatwolflodge.com).

 
 

For more terrific spring break vacation ideas browse waterparks in the US, waterparks in Canada or locations in the mid-Atlantic US.