For many of us, a family holiday abroad is the highlight of the year. A chance to spend time together somewhere beautiful and (hopefully) sunny.
While you might already have somewhere in mind for your next break, we'd recommend considering a hotel with a water park. As well as keeping you all cool in the hot weather, water parks are loved by adults and children alike, offering something for everyone to enjoy, whether it's a lazy river or a speedy water slide.
And sure, it might not be as relaxing as reclining on a sun lounger with a cocktail, but you're sure to make lots of memories that you won't forget and what could be better than that?
If you need a little convincing for your 2024 holiday, take a look at our favourite hotels with water parks...
The best hotels with water parks
This family-friendly retreat in Spain combines relaxation and excitement with a vibrant water park, inviting pools, and tasty dining. Stylish and modern accommodations offer comfort and tranquillity after days of adventure. Ideally situated near the beach, the resort boasts a prime location and as part of your stay here, you have unlimited access to the nearby waterpark, Aquopolis, during the summer months. Within a 10-minute walk, you and your family can reach its lazy river, surf machine and collection of slides.
This resort hotel has direct access to one of Europe's largest water parks, Aquaworld Budapest. It's seriously cool and features a replica Angkor Wat temple, suspension bridges and palm trees along with pools, 11 huge water slides, a surf pool and an amusement park. And if you get some time to yourself, be sure to hit the saunas and thermal baths for some relaxation.
When staying at this hotel, you'll also enjoy free entry to the Aquashow Waterpark and Theme Park during your stay. Located on the doorstep of the hotel, the largest wave pool in Portugal awaits you, along with an Aqualandia park just for children, River Slide, a Lazy River and much more.
Pick from a wide selection of dining options and several bars and pools during your time at Laura Beach and Splash Resort. The on-site Paphos waterpark is bound to be a hit with its Float Slide, Multi-lane Mat Racer and Kamikaze Free Fall which adrenaline junkies will adore.
Germany might not be the place that comes to mind when you think of hotels with water parks but trust us, Tropical Islands is most definitely worth a visit. The Waterside Tower (Germany's tallest waterside tower by the way) features four different slides while the Jungle Splash playground offers around 100 possibilities for fun and games from water pistols to an adventure climbing net. And don't miss Amazonia, the outdoor area, which has a 250-metre long wild water channel amongst several swimming pools.
Situated on the Aegean coast, Aqua Fantasy Aquapark Hotel & Spa is a seriously impressive water park resort, dubbed Turkey's number one water park in fact. The expansive water park features thrilling slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and children's play areas. If you're looking for a family hotel in Turkey, this one is bound to hit the mark.
You've probably heard of Siam Park as it's known as one of the world’s most amazing waterparks as well as being Europe's biggest one. While you'll have to take the free shuttle bus to get there from your hotel, you won't mind in the slightest as there's so much to do like the Mhai Tai River and the huge wave pool, the Tower of Power and the Lost City - a fortress that is especially for kids and is teeming with bridges, waterfalls, tipping buckets and nine slides. Hotels in Tenerife are always a hit too thanks to the year-round sun.
You'll head to Bulgaria for this hotel whose water park boasts a whopping 25 slides plus five pools and two lazy rivers for you to while away the hours in the sunshine. There are three restaurants as well as two pool bars for food and drink while a large amphitheatre is home to your evening entertainment.
If you're happy to splurge, the spectacular Aquaventure Waterpark at Dubai's Atlantis The Palm is the world's largest waterpark and offers over 105 thrilling water slides, a lazy river, a private beach, and an aquarium. There are also spectacular experiences you can book with dolphins and sea lions for a truly memorable experience for the whole family.
Prepare for an action-packed stay at Sol Katmandu Park and Resort in Majorca which has everything any kid could want. Adults and children alike will enjoy the high-flying adventures of the 4D Experience, Steambot Laser Challenge and the galloping adventure on Desperados. And don't forget the impressive Katopia Splash Park which has more than 150 interactive water elements along with two drenching buckets that fill and release more than 3,000 litres of water every 3 to 5 minutes.
If you're after a smaller water park, head to this hotel in beautiful Kos where there are slides for the whole family. Plus there are eight restaurants to dine in and interactive parent and toddler sessions that are designed for both parents and little ones made up of music, games and storytelling.
Nestled in the picturesque Ötztal Alps, Aqua Dome combines a stunning thermal spa resort with a water park. The water park features indoor and outdoor pools with warm, soothing thermal waters, water slides, and relaxation areas. After a day of excitement, guests can unwind in the thermal baths surrounded by breathtaking alpine views.
A popular destination for travellers seeking an all-inclusive water park experience, this resort is just 15 minutes from the local airport and boasts a sizable water park with 9 giant water slides, a wave pool, and a dedicated kids club for no extra cost. It's an ideal choice for families looking for sun, sea, and slides.
The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel is a luxurious accommodation attached to a water park and theme park. The water park has an ancient Roman theme, complete with thrilling slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. The hotel itself will be a hit too as it offers fun-filled rooms, numerous dining options, and a private beach.
Set on the beautiful island of Crete, Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort combines a stunning beachfront location with a fun-filled water park that is bound to keep the whole family busy. Guests can enjoy thrilling slides and water fun including the Freefall slide, Kamikaze slide and Black Hole. If you're considering heading to Greece, check out the best family hotels.
This unique hotel in Spain combines an animal park with a water park, making it a popular choice for families. The water park features thrilling rides and attractions, and guests can enjoy up-close encounters with animals. The Polynesian lodge-style accommodations add to the exotic charm of the experience.
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.