This Southern Waterpark Is Officially One of the World's Greatest Places to Visit

Every year, TIME releases its highly anticipated list of the “World’s Greatest Places,” highlighting standout destinations across the globe, from luxury hotels and cultural attractions to unique travel experiences. In 2026, one surprising U.S. destination earned a spot on the list: OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City.

While the American South and Midwest might not be the first places travelers think of for world-class waterparks, OKANA is quickly changing that reputation. With massive water attractions, a resort-style experience, and a focus on immersive design, it’s being recognized as one of the most exciting new travel destinations in North America.

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A Massive Indoor Waterpark You Can Visit Year-Round

At the heart of the resort is its 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, a massive attraction designed for families, thrill seekers, and casual visitors alike. 

Inside, guests will find:

• 15 water slides ranging from gentle rides to high-speed thrills
• 11 pools, including splash zones for kids
• A wave pool and an action river
• A surf simulator for guests who want to try indoor surfing

The indoor design means visitors can enjoy the park rain or shine, any time of year, making it especially appealing during colder months when most outdoor waterparks are closed. 

Beyond the indoor attractions, the resort also features a 200,000-square-foot outdoor lagoon and waterpark area complete with slides, beaches, and obstacle courses. 

Together, the indoor and outdoor spaces create a full-scale aquatic resort experience rather than a typical single-day waterpark.

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What Makes This Waterpark Different

There are plenty of waterparks in the United States, but OKANA stands out for a few key reasons.

1. A Full Resort Experience 

Unlike many waterparks that operate primarily as day attractions, OKANA is designed as a complete vacation destination.

The property includes over 400 hotel rooms and suites, restaurants, a spa, and entertainment areas, turning a quick visit into a full weekend getaway. 

Guests staying at the resort automatically receive waterpark access as part of their stay, making it easy to spend multiple days enjoying the attractions. 

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2. A Blend of Adventure and Relaxation

The resort balances high-energy attractions with relaxation areas. Visitors can spend the morning racing down slides and the afternoon lounging in private cabanas or heated pools.

The outdoor lagoon area even includes beach-style spaces with real sand, giving the park a tropical vibe that feels very different from traditional indoor waterparks. 

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3. Cultural Design Inspiration

Another unique feature is the resort’s connection to Native American culture. The property is located near the First Americans Museum district in Oklahoma City and incorporates design elements celebrating Indigenous heritage.

This cultural storytelling element helps set it apart from typical theme-park style water attractions.

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How Much It Costs to Visit

Despite its luxury feel, OKANA can be surprisingly affordable depending on how you visit.

Day passes:

• Starting around $49.99 for full-day indoor waterpark access. 
• Evening passes can start around $24.99 depending on availability. 

Hotel stays:

• Rooms often start around $190 per night, though prices vary depending on season and room type. 
• Some deals can drop closer to $130 per night, while peak weekends may reach $300+. 

The big advantage is that waterpark access is included for registered hotel guests, which can make overnight stays a better value for families planning to spend multiple days at the park. 

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Why TIME Put It on Its Global List

For TIME’s “World’s Greatest Places” list, the magazine looks for destinations that offer something new, exciting, or culturally meaningful.

OKANA checks all those boxes. It’s a brand-new resort bringing major tourism investment to Oklahoma City, while offering a large-scale indoor waterpark experience that can compete with some of the biggest attractions in North America.

For travelers looking for a unique family getaway, or simply a place to escape the heat or cold, this Oklahoma destination is proving that world-class travel experiences can pop up in unexpected places.

And thanks to its recognition from TIME, OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark may soon become one of the most talked-about waterparks in the country.