Holiday World & Splashin' Safari Named World's Best Water Park, Water Coasters, and Wooden Roller Coaster

SANTA CLAUS, Ind., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The best water park, wooden roller coaster, and top three water park rides in the world are all in Santa Claus, Indiana, according to the voters of Amusement Today. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari accepted three highly coveted titles in the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards from Amusement Today at a ceremony in Austin, Texas this weekend. The Awards are chosen by a panel of experienced voters who travel the world visiting parks.  

This was the first year Splashin' Safari claimed the title of Best Water Park in the world. Splashin' Safari covers nearly 40 acres of Holiday World's 125-acre property with two massive wave pools, a lazy river, kids play areas, dozens of slides, and a famous lineup of water coasters. Known as the Water Coaster Capital of the World, Splashin' Safari is free with admission to Holiday World during the summer season. Both parks offer Free Unlimited Soft Drinks, Parking, and Sunscreen.

"This is a dream come true," says Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Director of Communications and Fourth-Generation Owner. "When our dad, Will Koch, first opened Splashin' Safari in 1993, he had big dreams of building the best water park in the world. We've been ranked #1 in plenty of lists, but now that we hold the Golden Ticket Award, we can truly say he did it. This is a testament to how incredible our maintenance and operations teams are at keeping the rides moving, the walkways clean, and the free soft drinks stocked."

For the first time ever, Splashin' Safari's three water coasters claimed the top three spots for Best Water Park Ride. Mammoth was named #1, Wildebeest #2, and Cheetah Chase #3. This is the sixteenth year in a row that Splashin' Safari water coasters have taken home the top spot.

For the first time in 15 years, The Voyage reclaimed its title as the #1 wooden roller coaster in the world. Over the past five years, the park has invested approximately $2.5 million in more than 3,000 feet of track replacements.

"The Voyage is 20 years old this season," says Lauren Crosby, Director of Entertainment and Events and Fourth-Generation Owner. "We've had our sights set on bringing this award home for the last decade. We couldn't have done it without our roller coaster maintenance teams and outstanding ride operators."

During the ceremony, Amusement Today announced that Holiday World & Splashin' Safari will be the official host park for 2027. This will be the fourth time the park has welcomed leaders from across the world in the attractions industry for the ceremony.

Splashin' Safari is closed for the season, but the park is open Saturdays and Sundays for family-friendly Happy Halloween Weekends, which begin September 19. Friday Night Live! continues every Friday from 5 – 10 pm through October 30. The full 2026 calendar is available online.

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari announced Cannonball! Water Roller Coaster on July 1, 2026. The record-breaking attraction will open in spring of 2027.

Leah Koch-Blumhardt, [email protected]

SOURCE Holiday World & Splashin' Safari