Thrilling water parks in Estonia

A day at the pool is fun for all ages, no matter the season, no matter the weather. Water parks in Estonia welcome swimmers of all ages. They feature shallow, heated pools for the littlest visitors and high-velocity slides for brave big kids — and their parents! After an afternoon of action and adrenaline, unwind in the sauna or relax in a jacuzzi. These four waterparks are top destinations for family-friendly holidays in Estonia.

Aura Centre, Tartu

After recent renovations, Aura Centre boasts the largest children's area of all waterparks in South Estonia. Big kids will love the brand-new slide; it's 60 meters long with lights and sound effects. As you race down, you can press buttons and collect points before splashing through a water curtain at the end. The green and orange slides are still up and running — one for fans of speed and the other for those who like to take it slow. There is even a small slide for children up to 7 years old. It ends in a pool with a depth of 30 cm, so the little ones don't risk getting in over their heads.

Aura Centre has nine saunas, a jacuzzi, and a 40°C Japanese bath. After heating up in the sauna, cool down by popping into the winter room with a temperature of –7 °C. You can also enjoy the hot tub and Iglusauna huts on the outdoor terrace.

If you manage to pull the kids away from the waterpark, here's what else you should see in Tartu. 

Aqva Hotel and Spa, Rakvere

Aqva Hotel and Spa is located in Rakvere, a town 100 kilometers east of Tallinn. It frequently makes the list of best spas in Estonia. The highlights, besides the luxurious hotel and restaurant, are the waterpark and sauna center. The waterpark features a wave pool, an outdoor heated pool, and wading pools for toddlers. The "Black Hole" slide has light effects for a delightfully dizzying experience.

For slower-paced enjoyment, explore the eight different saunas and relaxation areas, including infrared and aromatherapy saunas. There is also a cold water pool, contrast foot baths, a warm relaxation bench, and jacuzzis. Every Monday, sauna rituals take place in the Sauna Center under the guidance of a master!

Rakvere Castle is a short walk from Aqva. Climb up to the top for great city views or let the kids try their hand at archery in the yard. 

Atlantis H2O Aquapark, Viimsi

At the Atlantis H2O Aquapark in Viimsi, you'll learn about science, energy, and sea creatures through interactive exhibits alongside pools and exciting water slides. Eight water slides, a circular river, and a wave pool await you. You can pose for a digital photo souvenir on the longest slide, which runs 120 meters. Have a need for speed? Try one of the two slides offering inner tube rides. The black slide with lights will leave you wondering which way is up, while the purple slide sends riders into a huge donut-shaped pipe. The water park can accommodate up to 800 people. 

Guests can also visit the adjoining Tallinn Viimsi Spa with seven different saunas, jacuzzis, and pools, for an additional fee. The complex houses a hotel with 115 rooms, a conference center, a sports club, a restaurant, a pub, a beauty center, and a cinema.

Viimsi is a suburb east of Tallinn. Head further east to explore Lahemaa National Park and the north coast of Estonia, or head back into Tallinn if you fancy more time in the city.

Tervise Paradiis, Pärnu

Tervise Paradiis, in the coastal town of Pärnu, is the largest water park in Estonia. Swimmers can explore waterfalls, a winding "mountain river," a climbing wall, a year-round outdoor heated pool, and Aqua Bar, all without leaving the pool. The bravest visitors can jump off a 4-meter diving board. Several twisting slides begin from an 11-meter platform, with the longest slide winding 85 meters and the shortest suitable even for the youngest swimmers. 

The complex houses the sauna center Paradiisi Saunas, a swimming pool, aerobics hall, gym, beauty salon, bowling lanes, various restaurants and bars, seminar rooms and shops, and a 244-seat hotel. Tervise Paradiis can accommodate more than 700 visitors on its two floors simultaneously.

Pärnu is known as the summertime capital of Estonia, so if you time your visit to Tervise Paradiis right, you can enjoy the long sandy beach a short walk from the waterpark. Otherwise, Pärnu is a great base for exploring the bogs of Soomaa National Park, taking a ferry to Kihnu Island, or spending a day at the Lottemaa Theme Park. 

Kalev SPA, Tallinn

Kalev SPA is located steps away from Tallinn's famous medieval Old Town. It opened in 1965, and renovations (most recently completed in 2019) and additions have made it into one of the largest waterparks in northern Estonia. Inside, you'll find fun for all ages, including four slides and a small kiddie pool designed for kids ages 4 to 7. For adults, there is the special Sauna Oasis. Since you must be 18 years old to enter, you can count on a quiet, relaxing, and rejuvenating sauna experience. 

Kalev SPA also has a four-star hotel with 119 rooms, restaurant, a fitness center, and a day spa offering a variety of health and beauty treatments. Plus, you can be assured of a sustainable stay, as the entire complex is Green Key certified. Green Key is an international eco-label that certifies companies employ environmentally friendly practices throughout their business. Kalev SPA is a convenient choice for visitors to Tallinn who prefer to get around on foot or with public transportation — it's a short walk to the ferry, and there's a tram stop nearby.

The weather doesn't always cooperate in Estonia, so spas and waterparks are a perfect addition to any itinerary, especially when you don't feel like spending time outdoors. For example, Kalev SPA is an easy add-on to our two-day itinerary for sightseeing in Tallinn — you might find the sauna is just what you need to relax after a day spent exploring Old Town.