Indiana may not have eternal sunshine and warm weather like Florida or California, but Indiana's summers can be just as hot. On a 90 degree day in July there's nothing better than cooling off at one of Indiana's outdoor water parks.  Now I'm going to refrain from discussing the dippy indoor waterparks you may find in a hotel, and stick to the best outdoor ones Indiana has to offer.  Plus if you are on a family vacation in Indiana, a water park is a fun way to keep your kids cool and entertained.

Indiana has three major outdoor water parks: Indiana Beach's Ideal Beach Waterpark, Deep River Waterpark, and Holiday World's Splashin' Safari.

Indiana Beach's waterpark is located four miles north of Monticello, Indiana on the banks of Lake Shafer. It has six slides, an "action" river, a children's play area, and a swimming area partitioned off from the rest of the lake.

Admission to the water park is included with the Indiana Beach Combo Ride-Waterpark pass which currently costs:

• 48” and Over= $35.95
• Under 48''= $25.95
• Children two years and under are free

The IB water park is open every day in June-August from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Deep River Waterpark of Crown Point, Indiana is a county park and is, in my opinion, the best water park in Northern Indiana.  This waterpark has a slew of exciting slides - including "The Dragon" speed slide.  In addition to these slides, Deep River has a wave pool, two lazy rivers, and a children's water play area.

Admission to Deep River Water Park is:

Daily rates: 10am - 6pm:
Regular admission- $18.95
Under 46"- $10.95
12 months & under- Free
Senior* - $15.95

After 2pm rates:
Regular admission- $16.95
under 46"- $8.95
Senior* - $13.95
Indiana resident discount- $2.00 off all of the above rates.

On Tubin' Tuesdays, admission is only $11 for people over 46 inches and $7 for people under 46 inches or over 62.

Visitors to Holiday World get access to the Splashin' Safari water park.  This waterpark is located in Santa Claus, Indiana and caters to the Southern Indiana vacationers.  The park has a relaxing Bahari river, multiple slides, and a giant wave pool.

A feature that you won't find anywhere else is the free unlimited Pepsi products and free sunscreen.  Ticket prices for Holiday World are a bit confusing, so it's best to visit their site for an explanation.