Patch Parents: CA Water Parks Celebrate National Waterpark Day With Deals, Discounts And New Attractions

As families look to squeeze in one more summer getaway before school starts, California water parks are marking National Waterpark Day with special events, limited-time savings and a look ahead at new attractions coming next year.

National Waterpark Day, observed annually on July 28, celebrates water parks across the country and often brings special announcements, giveaways and promotions. This year, several California destinations are offering incentives for visitors or unveiling what's next for 2027.

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In San Diego County, Sesame Place San Diego is celebrating the holiday Tuesday with a one-day event featuring giveaways, prizes and a water park challenge that invites guests to explore the park's water attractions.

In Orange County, Knott's Soak City used National Water Park Day to announce two major attractions scheduled to open in 2027.

The new raft slides, Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, will replace the existing Shore Break slide complex. Park officials said Coral Craze will be the West Coast's first triple Family Flying Saucer attraction, while Kelp Kraze will become North America's first double Family Hive slide and the longest Family Hive ride in the U.S. Both are designed for up to five riders per raft.

"These exciting new attractions combine the thrills our guests crave with the shared experiences families love," said Raffi Kaprelyan, park president of Knott's Berry Farm. "We are thrilled to celebrate National Waterpark Day by announcing two of the industry's most innovative slide experiences are headed to Soak City, giving guests new ways to ride, splash and make memories together."

The additions are expected to debut during the 2027 season. The water park remains open on select days through Sept. 7.

Families planning a late-summer or fall getaway can take advantage of a nationwide promotion from Great Wolf Lodge, which has resorts in Northern California and Southern California.

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On Aug. 4, the indoor water park resort chain will hold a one-day-only flash sale offering rooms starting at $84 per night. The special deal is a nod to the resort's signature 84-degree indoor water park.

The rate, available with promo code 84DEGREES, is valid for select stays between Aug. 4 and Dec. 17, subject to availability and blackout dates. The rate covers two guests, with a $20 fee per person for any additional guests. The overnight stay includes unlimited access to the indoor water park.

Great Wolf Lodge has locations in Manteca in San Joaquin County and Garden Grove in Orange County.

Elsewhere in California, other water parks are keeping the summer season going with special deals and extended operations. Golfland Sunsplash in Roseville remains open through early September with its Sunsplash daytime hours and Nite Slide nighttime events, while Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord continues its seasonal operations as the largest water park in the Bay Area.

Wild Rivers in Irvine remains open daily through the peak summer season, while Raging Waters Los Angeles in San Dimas continues offering themed events, including its popular Foam Zone Fridays, as families look for ways to beat the heat before school starts.

Whether it's planning an overnight stay at an indoor water park or spending a day floating a lazy river outside under the sun, California families have no shortage of ways to celebrate National Waterpark Day. And with many parks operating into early September — and Knott's already looking ahead to 2027 — the summer splash season is far from over.

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.