Innovative Water Park Designs for 2025: Key Features

Innovative Insights into Water Park Design for 2025

So, you’re in the midst of planning a water park. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to access a variety of water park plans to see what others in the industry are doing? What innovative ideas are emerging? What features are being added, and what should you consider incorporating?

Let’s take a closer look at the diverse water park plans that come my way from a range of designers. A fundamental aspect of these plans is the necessity to approach Water Park Design sustainably for 2025 and beyond. This is no longer just a preference; it has become essential. Building codes globally now reflect a commitment to constructing better facilities.

Regardless of whether the park is indoor or outdoor, the main categories typically found in water park plans include water slides, lazy rivers and wave pools, splash pads (often called kid zones), cabanas, and relaxation areas, which also encompass food and beverage options. In Europe, an additional category often includes wellness zones, which may be adult-only and feature hot tubs, relaxation pools, and seating areas.

Water Slides

While I won’t delve into the specifics of the slides themselves, the trend we are observing is towards larger, more varied slide packages featuring vertical multi-level towers, hybrid slides (which combine elements from multiple rides), and high-tech immersive accessories such as lighting and sound.

Currently, slide packages almost invariably include family raft rides. Previously, there was some hesitation regarding these due to the costs associated with the rides, rafts, conveyors, and the space they require. However, this concern has been overshadowed by the undeniable enjoyment these family or group rides provide. They have become immensely popular, and operators have discovered that including them in their offerings often leads to them being the most sought-after attractions in the park. We are witnessing a surge in immersive experiences, including vibrant lighting and music, stunning colours, clear fiberglass for rider visibility, and vertical stacking of slides.

Modern ride towers now typically feature entry platforms at various heights. The days of single-platform towers are behind us; now, towers boast multiple entry heights for the water slides, along with ride egress on various levels, such as mezzanines or below ground.

The exciting advancements in tower design, theming, colours, platforms, and egress points continue to make them a focal point of most water parks. Rides are becoming more technologically advanced and energy-efficient, conserving more water, lasting longer, and, most importantly, enhancing safety. Thus, while they may be larger, they represent a worthwhile long-term investment.

Lazy Rivers and Wave Pools

Large water bodies, whether in the form of rivers or pools, or even larger man-made lagoons, are essential components of new Water Park Design for 2025 and beyond. These features allow for a significant volume of guests to be entertained simultaneously. Parks typically include either one or both, depending on their size.

What’s new are the thrilling crazy rivers and advanced wave generators for wave pools, which enhance the excitement at the push of a button. Additionally, the theming has evolved, incorporating lighting packages, audio, beautiful landscaping, grottos, sandy beaches, and more. Naturescapes, particularly around man-made lagoons, along with zero-entry access, are transforming these lagoons into sought-after “beachfront” destinations.

Splash Pads

Traditionally, water parks focused on “big slides for big kids.” However, operators and parents have driven a shift in the market, recognising that younger children require more than just water spray features.

Enhancements and a greater emphasis on children’s slides, improved flooring materials, wading pools, shade structures, and areas for parents are now crucial. While a simple spray of water may suffice for the littlest guests, those transitioning out of the kid’s zone but still too small for the “big” rides need better attractions.

Attractions that incorporate technology, edutainment, learning, and games are excellent additions that keep children engaged. Happy kids lead to happy parents, so open sightlines, easy access, and nearby viewing or seating areas are essential. Immediate access to toilets, food, and changing facilities is also beneficial.

Seating and Food/Beverage

Cabanas equipped with all the luxuries, including hot tubs, TVs, and personalised service, continue to be a prominent feature, increasingly offered on a larger scale. Dedicated cabana service in various sizes, along with VIP amenities, is becoming more common.

The standard 10 ft or 3m cabanas are now expanding to 15ft or 5m areas and larger. Elevated or separated premium seating zones, dedicated towel service, VIP toilets, and more are part of the new Water Park Design trends we are witnessing. These areas may also feature dedicated pools or attractions to encourage guests to opt for cabana rentals on future visits, providing additional revenue opportunities for operators.

In general, seating remains a premium in all water parks, large and small. The consensus among operators is clear: “You can never have enough seating.”

Alongside a diverse range of seating options, food and beverage services have also seen significant improvements. Healthier choices catering to a wider array of consumer tastes and dietary restrictions are increasingly available. This shift in design translates to a broader variety of food service areas, different styles of concessions, and retail-style food service options, such as food courts and coffee shops or sports bar atmospheres within water parks.

Moreover, swim-up bars are becoming a popular addition in some North American jurisdictions, mirroring their success in the all-inclusive hotel market and European water parks. They are now making a more significant impact on North American Water Park Design for 2025.

Utilising AI and other advanced technologies, water park operators can now ensure shorter food lines, increased ROI, faster service, and more efficient operations, all enhanced by larger and more accessible food and beverage zones within new water park plans.

What Else is New in Water Park Design for 2025?

Other features emerging in plans of all shapes and sizes, both indoor and outdoor, include:

Indoor surfing – a standard for most new water park plans
Water coasters – experiencing a resurgence in popularity and reappearing in new park designs
Improved wayfinding – addressing the common issue of poor signage
Enhanced guest service amenities – such as easy access lockers distributed throughout the park
Large format LED screens – often positioned over stationary attractions like surfing, hot tubs, or swim-up bars
Immersive attractions – leveraging sound, feel, smell, and lighting
Sensory-friendly zones – providing space for guests needing a break from the crowds
Improved retail options – featuring themed and branded products
Adult-only zones – tailored to specific market needs
Wellness features – a staple in European parks, now making their way into the North American market

Some options being added as short-term or seasonal features to activity pools include:

VR swimming/snorkelling
Inflatables
Obstacle courses

In summary, while Water Park Design has not undergone drastic changes in recent years, the focus on catering to a broader audience remains paramount. Whether designing an indoor or outdoor park, the use of improved materials and construction styles that incorporate corrosion-proof materials and vibrant, sustainable finishes is essential.

The water park industry is experiencing a transformative shift towards more sustainable solutions that cater to a wider audience. By offering compelling attractions, improved circulation, ample seating, and a broader range of features aligned with sustainable initiatives, water parks can solidify their market position.