Growing in popularity around the world, water parks are the perfect blend of leisure and excitement. Harnessing the power of modern day technology, parks feature an array of activities for visitors of all ages including extraordinary rides designed to thrill. These incredible parks set new standards by taking the term water park to the next level, transforming favorite summer pastimes into memorable adventures.

1. Tropical Islands Resort, Germany
Concealing one of the world’s largest indoor water parks, the dome at the former Brand-Briesen Airfield also houses a hotel, a mini golf course, and a rainforest with over 50,000 plants, as well as flamingos, peacocks, and pheasants. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without its own hot air balloon ride offering sweeping views of the water park beneath it. Since opening its doors to the public in December 2004, Tropical Islands Resort has garnered the attention of people worldwide with its turbo slide that reaches up to 43 miles per hour and 88-foot tall water slide.

While the location of the former airship hangar is nowhere close to a sandy beach with calm waves, the resort has its own version of a beach within the dome that now allows for diving. The Magical Lagoon becomes the main attraction at night when spotlights illuminate the water cascading against the rocks. The resort’s latest addition, AMAZONIA, is an outdoor water park featuring different sporting areas and Germany’s unique Whitewater River pool equipped with a jet stream channel.

2. Siam Park, Spain
Evoking the style of the ancient kingdom of Siam through its Thai-themed architecture, Siam Park hails as one of the greatest in all of Europe. This water park is home to the iconic, daring Tower of Power – a 91-foot, nearly vertical slide that plunges riders through an aquarium before landing in a gleaming pool of cool water. Adrenaline seekers will be drawn toward the Dragon, which creates a zero gravity sensation with its vertical tunnel, and the winding, high-speed water roller coaster of Singha. Families are also encouraged to partake in the fun, whether it be exploring the towers and bridges of the Lost City or racing down the Naga Racer. With an abundance of thrilling rides scattered throughout the grounds, Siam Park also offers a soothing experience for those interested in admiring the scenery of the Mai Thai River, strolling through the Floating Market, or simply relaxing in one of the private cabanas.

3. Aquaventure Water Park, Bahamas
Spread across 141 acres, this Caribbean gem is known for its sparkling pools, rapid rivers, and curvy slides. In the heart of Aquaventure at Atlantis Bahamas is the 120-foot tall Power Tower with four exhilarating water slides: the Abyss, the Drop, the Falls, and the Surge. The Leap of Faith is the most famous slide known for its intense 60-foot vertical drop from the iconic Mayan temple that submerges rides through a tunnel surrounded by the shark filled lagoon. For visitors who want to dial back the adrenaline, meandering along the Lazy River aboard an inner tube is the perfect distraction. On the Current, revolutionary machinery propels guests along water escalators through the lush greenery. The endless number of rides, as well as pools, means that there is something for everyone at Aquaventure.

4. Beach Park, Brazil
Ranked as one of the best in the country, Beach Park boasts family friendly amenities, as well as extreme rides guaranteed to electrify. Whether they spend time wandering through Treasure Island and discovering the life of a pirate or swimming the waves of the Seaquake, kids will have their own fun while adults taste some excitement of the park’s other attractions. Older guests looking to ease their way onto the more intense rides can test the waters with Ramubrinká, where visitors ride the ski float that immerses them into a 500,000-liter pool. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, guests can climb to the top of Insano and take in the 360-view of the entire park as they wait in line for the 14-story drop that formerly hailed as the tallest slide in the world. When in need of a recharge, Beach Park offers private cabins, saunas, and different dining options throughout the estate.

5. Area 47, Austria
It’s all about releasing endorphins at Area 47 and whether it’s diving off a 32-foot high cliff or holding on tight while wakeboarding across the lake, visitors will be amused for hours. This 20,000 square foot park has five different slides to choose from, including a human cannonball catapult. Bouldering at Area 47 requires no helmet or harness, as visitors climb just above the waters and enjoy a free fall when they let go. One of most popular attractions at this outdoor water park is the blobbing station, where a jumper launches the person perched at the edge of a large air cushion into the water. The rich greenery of the Ötztal valley that surrounds Area 47 is best viewed when canyoning through the grounds. The extreme elements of all activities at Area 47 make it one of the most unusual and exhilarating water parks in the world.