Indoor water parks offer summertime-style family thrills year-round, and many are just a car ride away from the New York City metro area. With winter's chill upon us, many families look for ways to escape the city for a warmer locale, but jet-setting to a tropical island might not always be a possibility. Instead, stay a little closer to home and visit one of these indoor water parks in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Hudson Valley, which are sure to help beat the winter blues.

We've found 10 warm and wet indoor water parks nearby, perfect for kids and families, and all are less than 2½ hours from Midtown Manhattan. Most indoor water parks keep temperatures a hot and humid 85 degrees year-round, creating a perfect beach day in any season. So leave the sunscreen at home, dust off that bathing suit, and hit the water.

Check out our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways and Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide for more destination inspiration.

These free destinations are sure to keep kids (and parents) happy and warm!

Looking for a unique way to beat the winter blues? Enjoy some summertime fun even in the coldest months at a multitude of indoor water parks in and near New Jersey, where the temperature is kept at a balmy 84 degrees year-round.

My family especially loves indoor water parks because they are fun for mixed age groups, even grown-ups! We've made a list of indoor water parks near New Jersey that can be reached in 3 hours or less by car, give or take your starting address and traffic, of course. 

So, go dig out your bathing suit from behind your coats and mittens, and get ready to take the plunge at one of these exciting indoor water parks. If you're looking for more seasonal fun, we've rounded up 35 things to do with NJ kids this winter, plus a slew of winter day trips.

Start 2026 by creating special memories with your family with the help of our guide of fun things to do this winter in Orlando. From manatee sightings and strawberry picking, to a theme park festival and Scottish Highland Games, no matter where you are around Central Florida, there is no shortage of fun things to do in winter. 

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Your kids can play for free at these spaces all around Houston. 

If you're looking to escape the elements, an indoor playground is a great option to entertain stir-crazy kids on rainy or snowy days. No need to break the bank—the Philadelphia area has several free indoor play spaces where children can climb, explore, learn something new, or relax with a good book. We've rounded up the best indoor venues in Philly with free activities for kids where you never have to worry about the price of admission.

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