safari joe's water park michigan

This 18,000-Square-Foot Indoor Waterpark In Michigan Will Transport You To A Tropical Paradise

Sophie Boudreau

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It’s hard to deny the magic of an indoor waterpark. After all, there’s something special about a water wonderland that can be appreciated year-round, and Michigan is home to several such spots. When you’re in the mood to cool off in one of the most unique splash zones imaginable, venture to this fun-filled waterpark in the Great Lakes State for a day of excitement with the whole family.

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Address: 8258 Arnt Boulevard, Watervliet, MI 49098

Hours: Monday-Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday from 3-10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For additional information about Surfari Joe’s and its accompanying hotel, click here . Have you made the trip to this awesome indoor water park in years past? Share your experiences with us in the comments! Or, if you’d like to learn about another amazing spot in Michigan to beat the heat, click here .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Waterpark

8258 Arnt Blvd, Watervliet , Michigan 49098 USA

• Independent
• Credit Cards Accepted

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“have a great time with your family”

Has your family always dreamed of going on Surfari but just can’t find the time? Well, bring the family to Surfari Joe’s Indoor Waterpark for the next best thing! Our year round, 20,000 square foot indoor waterpark combines all of the benefits of a Surfari without the danger of wild animals or annoying mosquitoes. Surfari Joe’s features two extreme water slides for the adventurous, a lazy river without piranha for a relaxing float. Our Pygmy Pond Play Place is just right for the kiddos, and when you need a break from the outrageous waterslides, then the Radical Game Room will keep the family busy for hours. You might even find dad catching the game in The Water Hole Restaurant & Lounge.

Reviewed by Beth G.

We had my son's first birthday party here and had a wonderful time. The staff was friendly and helpful and all of our guests had a wonderful time. The park isn't super big, but with two slides, it... Read more

Reviewed by Stephanie S.

This spot just reopened and my kids had a blast! We went a few weeks ago. They were still getting the restaurant ready and opened. It was clean and the staff was very attentive. They have a play... Read more

Reviewed by Desiree M.

I packed up my two kids and my mother and drove three hours from Detroit, thinking this would be a nice family vacation. Wrong. The phone in the room doesn't work. The pillows are terrible. There... Read more

View 33 reviews on

• Sun: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Fri: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• Sat: 10:00 am - 9:30 pm

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Michigan (MI) » 14 Best Water Parks in Michigan

14 Best Water Parks in Michigan

Whether you’re planning a getaway for yourself or for the whole family, Michigan offers pristine waters, beautiful scenic areas, great lodgings, and inventive water parks whose cool aqua fun is sure to delight people of all ages.

From high thrill rides to relaxing lazy rivers to innovative play areas for kids of all ages, these water parks have something young and old alike are sure to remember for years to come!

1. Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon

This huge water park has it all! For thrill seekers there are a variety of slides for hair raising adventures.

Visit the snake pit if you dare and choose one of three exciting slides.

For twisting, turning, crazy fun jump on one of the three Slidewinders body slides.

Travel in darkness down a two person raft on the Mine Shaft.

Tube down the Funnel of Fear or the Cyclone Zone.

Ride the waves of the Commotion Ocean and the Tidal Beach or splash around the Lagoon wading pool.

The park also features a lazy river, and a Half-Pint paradise complete with a cave, spraying chandeliers, and small body slides.

For dry fun the park also features tons of amusement rides!

2. Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Boyne Falls

Come enjoy one of the largest indoor water parks in Michigan! At over eighty-eight thousand square feet, Avalanche Bay makes for hours and hours of family fun.

Open year round, the park features thrilling slides and rides, chill pools and relaxing rivers.

For a crazy high thrill adventure, start your day in the enclosed capsule of the Big Couloir.

A trap door drops from below your feet to shoot you down thirty-eight feet per second, around a three hundred and sixty degree super loop, before dropping you down in the pool below.

Tube double down the Vertigo Cannonbowl slide or grab a mat and ride headfirst down the mat racer.

There’s also a surf simulator, lazy river, itty pool, water crossing, activity pool, and huge kid area complete with a dumping bucket!

3. Action Wake Park, Hudsonville

Welcome to Michigan’s first (and only) full size cable park created to give wakeboard enthusiasts a unique experience that isn’t limited to owning a boat.

Whether you’re an experienced thrill seeker or just learning the ropes, Action Wake Park promises to deliver a whole new wakeboarding experience.

Strap on your board and hit the water.

Overhead cables pull you along for the ride of your life.

If you’re unsure how it works, check out the website.

It features videos and tutorials so you’ll know just what to expect!

4. Great Wolf Lodge, Traverse City

Enjoy all the normal water park amenities with the comfort of being indoors.

The massive water park features exciting slides, a lazy river, activity pool complete with floating logs and overhead ropes, and great kiddie areas.

A ton of dry adventures also await.

Sink a putt at the mini golf, visit the Ten Paw Alley for bowling and game until your heart’s content at the arcade.

There’s a ton of activities and shows for the kids throughout the day.

The suits at the lodge are quaint and comfortable and the building itself is always spectacular!

5. Safari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness Water Park, Watervliet

With over eighteen thousand square feet of indoor waterpark fun, Safari Joe’s is sure to please! Take a wild ride down one of the two slides.

You’ll actually be outside the building for part of your journey, before a splashy landing back indoors.

Enjoy the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River Run or splish splash around in the Lino’s Lagoon activity pool.

There’s also a massive play area for the kids, complete with a huge dumping bucket.

Dry off and enjoy the hot eats at the Water Hole Grill and Bar or practice your gaming at the Rip Curl Arcade.

6. Splash Universe, Dundee

Experience the beautiful indoor atmosphere of Splash Universe, which is open year round.

With over one hundred thousand gallons of water, twisting turning slides, winding lazy river, giant play structure, and a huge splash bucket, you’ll be kept entertained- and soaking- for hours! If you’ve worked up an appetite be sure to visit the Tree-house Pub & Grub located just above the water park.

7. Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center, Belleville

Beat the heat and enjoy some water soaked family fun at Turtle Cove.

For thrills, the park offers two waterslides. (You have to be 48” or taller to ride.) If you’re just looking to relax, there’s a rambling lazy river.

For tots and adults alike there’s a large lap pool with a zero depth entry.

Experience the splashing sensation that is the three hundred gallon dumping bucket located in the exciting kiddie play area.

Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed into the park but there is a grille located inside.

8. Zehnder’s Splash Village, Frankenmuth

Michigan’s largest indoor water park, Splash Village features over fifty thousand square feet of aquatic fun for everyone.

High thrill slides and rides include four person raft rides, the Super Loop Speed Slide, and the Perilous Plunge Tube Slides.

There’s a zero depth entry activity pool, water basketball and volleyball, hot tub, dumping bucket, a lazy river, huge play area, and even an outdoor pool that is open seasonally.

There’s also a host of dryland activities including great dining options, an arcade, gift shop, and movie nights!

9. Double JJ Resort, Rothbury

Cool off and get wet at the amazing Gold Rush indoor water park.

Thrill seekers will delight in the variety of heart pounding rides.

Raft double style down the Miner’s Plunge, an exciting slide that drops you into a huge bowl to spin round and round before splashing down to the bottom below.

Brave the white waters of the Thunder Canyon.

The four person raft style ride keeps you guessing with racing speeds and quick drops.

Grab a single or double tube and shoot down the twists and turns of the Stallion Falls.

Whoosh down Michigan’s tallest indoor waterslide, the Rustler’s Gulch. (Some rides have height restrictions.) For smaller park goers or for those who would like a more relaxing experience, check out the kiddie area in the pool, the Crazy Lazy River, the hot tub which is half indoors, half outdoors! The Double JJ Resort has a whole host of other activities besides the water park.

Check out the arcade, brush up on your gold swing or go horseback riding! There’s a whole host of dining options to boot! Packages are available so you can try a little bit of everything.

Don’t miss the quaint log cabins when booking your stay!

10. Red Oaks Waterpark, Madison Heights

For a fun filled, water drenched day, visit the sprawling Red Oaks Waterpark.

Slide down the curves and turns of the triple flume slide, the Triple Turn.

Splash in the waves at the Terrific Tides wave pool.

Relax and float down the nine hundred and ninety foot lazy river.

Kids will enjoy the Soak Station complete with sixty-eight fun filled activities including water curtains, jets, slides, and a huge dumping bucket.

For the tiniest water babies there’s the Spray & Play area.

Just for toddlers, this area features fifteen water jets at zero depth.

Most of the pools and kiddie areas are heated so you can enjoy getting wet even when it’s not scorching.

11. Flash Flood Water Park, Battle Creek

Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labour Day, this indoor/outdoor waterpark has something for all water lovers! Zip down the two hundred foot waterslides outside or check out the two one hundred foot slides indoors.

For water lovers of all sizes, there’s cool pools with zero depth entry zones.

Just for the kiddies there’s an exciting water playground.

There’s also a basketball court, a concession and a gift shop.

Summer passes are reasonably priced, so be sure to visit often!

12. Waterford Oaks Waterpark, Waterford Twp

Come relax in the tropical themed wave pool, complete with palm trees near the shore.

The waters are heated so even on cooler days you can still jump in and get wet.

For the kids there’s a huge interactive playground complete with a giant dumping bucket and over thirty fun activities. (The area does have a 56” height restriction and children must have adult supervision). If you’re looking for some exciting thrills and spills, raft down the Ragin’ Rapids.

This group raft ride is three stories tall and features over five hundred feet of swirling twists and turns! Deck chairs and tables are available for all those who want to stay dry and just soak up the sun.

13. Rolling Hills County Park, Ypsilanti

Sprawling over three hundred and sixty aces, Rolling Hills Country Park offers a huge variety of activities sure to pique your interest.

Splash in the waves, zip down the waterslides or relax on the lazy river at the waterpark.

Take in the beauty of nature on one of the many scenic trails in the park or pack a picnic and brings the kids to the playground.

There’s also disc-golf, softball and horseshoes.

The water park is closed in the winter but if you’re visiting in the snowy months there’s still lots to do! Bring a sled or strap on the cross country skies and enjoy the stunning scenery.

14. The Wayne County Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park, Detroit

Get ready to experience all the thrills and spills of the twenty three foot water slides! Grab a tube or just body slide down.

For younger water lovers, check out Splish Splash Land, designed just for toddlers and children.

Cool down and enjoy the swells at the Way Cool Wave Pool.

The park offers affordable family fun at its best! If you’re interested in swimming lessons, check out the website!

Splash n Blast Water Park, Milford

For a great way to beat the heat, bring the family out to Splash n Blast Water Park.

Two, two hundred and fifty foot twisting, turning slides splash down into refreshingly cold waters.

(Slide riders have to be 42” tall to ride). Adventure into the large spray ground which contains cannons, palm trees, serpents, and a ton of other exciting, squirting features.

The park offers great rates so family fun is that much more affordable.

If you’re looking for a great venue, the park is available for private rentals.

14 Best Water Parks in Michigan:

• Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon
• Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Boyne Falls
• Action Wake Park, Hudsonville
• Great Wolf Lodge, Traverse City
• Safari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness Water Park, Watervliet
• Splash Universe, Dundee
• Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center, Belleville
• Zehnder’s Splash Village, Frankenmuth
• Double JJ Resort, Rothbury
• Red Oaks Waterpark, Madison Heights
• Flash Flood Water Park, Battle Creek
• Waterford Oaks Waterpark, Waterford Twp
• Rolling Hills County Park, Ypsilanti
• The Wayne County Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park, Detroit

• Watervliet Tourism
• Watervliet Itineraries
• Watervliet Hotels

Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

• North America
• United States
• Things To Do In Watervliet

Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park

• Address: 8258 Arnt Blvd, I-94 and M-140 Exit 41, Watervliet, MI 49098, United States Map
• Timings: 11:00 am - 06:00 pm Details
• Phone: +1-2694637946
• Time Required: 02:00 Hrs
• Tags: Water Park, Family And Kids

Surfari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness is a famous water park located in Watervliet, USA. The park features several different types of water slides and tunnels which increases the excitement among tourists. You can splash your heart out in this 18,000-square foot huge indoor water park. You can twirl and swirl in the funnel shaped water sliders which is the most entertaining water ride inside the park. The park features pygmy pond park suitable for kids. The depth of water in this park is ideal for kids. You can visit this beautiful and exciting water park during your trip to USA.

How to Reach Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park

• Rented Car/Taxi
• Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park Address: 8258 Arnt Blvd, I-94 and M-140 Exit 41, Watervliet, MI 49098, United States
• Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park Contact Number: +1-2694637946
• Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park Timing: 11:00 am - 06:00 pm
• Time required to visit Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park: 02:00 Hrs
• Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park Reviews & Ratings

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• Berrien County Baptist Church
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Chicago DNC 2024: Live updates on street closures, security, parking, protests and more

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The 2024 Democratic Convention comes to Chicago from Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22 at the United Center and McCormick Place.

Extensive street closures, parking restrictions and security measures are in place as the Democratic Party's most powerful players, thousands of delegates and a host of celebrities make their way to the city. There are also several protests planned.

We have the latest updates on the preparations, protests, festivities and everything else happening around the city.

Key Headlines

• Aug 20, 2024, 8:01 PM GMT Ogilvie Transportation Center entrance closed in anticipation of unpermitted protest
• Aug 20, 2024, 11:50 AM GMT More streets shutdown in Downtown on Tuesday
• Aug 20, 2024, 9:44 PM GMT DNC committee shares list of Tuesday speakers
• Aug 20, 2024, 10:51 AM GMT Chicago police to share updated security plan after protest breach
• Aug 20, 2024, 11:16 AM GMT The Obamas will speak Tuesday night

Ogilvie Transportation Center entrance closed in anticipation of unpermitted protest

A planned protest outside the Israeli Consulate, which has not been issued a permit by the city of Chicago, has prompted officials to close one entrance to Ogilvie Transportation Center early.

The main entrance on West Madison Street will close at 5 p.m., city officials said. Union Pacific commuters looking to board their trains should enter the station through the French Market doors on Clinton Street, and allow extra time getting to and from the station.

The Israeli Consulate is located inside the Accenture Tower on Madison.

DNC committee shares list of Tuesday speakers

The Democratic National Convention Committee confirmed who will speak on Tuesday.

-Former President Barack Obama -Michelle Obama -Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff -Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders -IL Gov. JB Pritzker -New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham -IL Sen. Tammy Duckworth -Mayor of Mesa, Arizona John Giles -Former Trump Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham

See the full schedule here | Tuesday DNC speaker schedule: Obamas, Bernie Sanders, JB Pritzker headline 2nd night of convention

Protesters begin march in the Loop to Grant Park

Protesters are beginning to march through the Loop Sunday evening.

The group had gathered at Michigan and Wacker and are now heading to Grant Park.

The permitted protest will take demonstrators from Michigan to the Logan Statue by East 9th Street into Grant Park. The demonstration will be about 1.5 miles from their starting point.

It is the first of two permitted demonstrations.

The protest is called the March for Bodies Outside Unjust Laws. Demonstrators said they are protesting the Democratic Party's failure to live up to its rhetoric in favor of reproductive and LGBTQ rights. They plan to rally along with those calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Delegates arrive in Chicago for DNC Eve events

It has been more than a year of buildup, and the Democratic National Convention is now less than 24 hours away from officially getting started.

But on Sunday, delegates are arriving in Chicago for a number of parties on DNC Eve.

Security around the city is tight, but city and state leaders say Chicago is ready.

A gathering at Rainbow Push headquarters to honor the Rev. Jesse Jackson got underway at about 6 p.m.

The reverend will will take the DNC stage with his son, Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson by his side, on Monday, a spokesperson said. Jackson also spoke at the DNC in 1984.

The event is all part of the DNC kickoff celebrations taking place in many places in Chicago on Sunday night as the Democratic leaders look to ramp up the excitement for the convention and the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

The United Center is all decked out for the DNC as Chicago takes center stage in the political world from now through Thursday night.

"So, I'm very pleased with all the coordination, the planning that's been done for almost a year and a half now to make sure that this can be a safe and secure convention," said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

The stage is set not only for the nomination of Harris as the Democratic nominee for president, but also for Chicago to showcase itself to the world and the 50,000 delegates, guests and journalists who are here for the DNC.

"I want them to experience and see the soul of Chicago, one of the most diverse places in America, but also want them to recognize that this is the best place to do business," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Liz Shuler, the president of the AFL-CIO will be speaking to delegates Monday night during the convention to highlight the importance of labor's relationship with the Democratic Party.

Chicago being such a big union town was one of the reason the convention is being held here.

Shuler plans to talk about the starkly different choices the election presents for workers.

"People are really starting to pay attention to this election and they're seeing themselves in it, where they know that the work of this administration that they've seen over the last three and a half years, investments in infrastructure, investments in good union jobs will continue if we elect Kamala Harris," Shuler said.

Inside look at center for around-the-clock communication during DNC

ABC7 got an inside look at the Joint Information Center, where nearly two dozen city, state and federal agencies are communicating around-the-clock during the Democratic National Convention.

The Secret Service is leading operations at the JIC, located inside the Office of Emergency Management and Communications building right down the street from the United Center.

Media inquiries to different agencies will come right to this room, and it is also where agencies will work together to put out information if an unplanned situation begins unfolding.

Secret Service Public Affairs Specialist Joe Biesk said putting out accurate information is crucial.

"You know, it's really vital that we get accurate information out quickly to the public. Especially if there's a situation developing, we want there to be accurate information that the public gets," Biesk said.

How Chicago police, federal agencies work to keep city safe during DNC

DNC or not, Chicago police are in charge of protecting residents, protesters, property, businesses and neighborhoods.

There will be some backup from departments outside Chicago, including Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention was held, but law enforcement officials told the I-Team there are not many outside police, and that CPD is on 12-hour shifts to cover the Democratic National Convention and regular community beats.

The U.S. Secret Service is in charge of securing convention venues, delegates, party officials and candidates, employing hundreds of federal officers from specialized teams at other agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' bomb-detecting canine units and explosives technicians on standby.

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