Rapids Holdings LLC, West Palm Beach

There's a slide for every mood at Rapids Water Park. Easygoing folks can drift down the Lazy River, while competitive friends can zoom through the Rapid Racer's six lanes headfirst. As for thrill seekers, they can cruise down Big Thunder, go body-boarding on the FlowRider, or thrill to the floor dropping out beneath them on our newest thrill slide The Brain Drain.

But these are only four of the attractions you'll find on the park's 35 acres, which host slides and pools as well as snack bars and private cabanas. Though classic, colorful flumes abound, there are also more modern thrill rides, including Big Thunder's gigantic, raft-ready funnel and FlowRider's simulated wave for body boarding. Each of these zones is overseen by Ellis-certified lifeguards, and families can use the park's life vests free of charge to stay afloat or make it look like they have huge shoulder muscles under their shirt. Little ones even have two play areas to choose from: the Splish Splash Lagoon and Barefootin' Bay.