Best lazy river resorts in the US: 7 most exciting streams for your next summer vacation

Resorts with lazy drivers are one of the most popular summer weekend destinations in the USA, and the relaxing waterways are among the favourite attractions among adults and children alike. Something is enticing about plopping down on a camera and floating downstream under blue skies, shrugging off worries and enjoying the feeling of floating.

Lazy river is like a pleasant water ride, but it has long been transformed from a simple water ride into a thrilling adventure thanks to the beautiful scenery along the banks, the opportunity to explore seemingly hidden corners of the resorts and find interesting adventures along the way as you're carried on rubber cameras along the winding stream. When choosing resorts with such entertainment, you should understand that they are oriented in their majority for family vacations, so there will be a lot of children around. But today, many resorts in the US with lazy rivers have moved away from making these attractions just for kids and teens and have added features for the adult crowd, such as music, private pods and pool bars.

If you're getting ready for a water adventure, use this review of the best lazy river resorts in the USA. Add poolside cocktails and incredible waterslides to your plans and the perfect recipe for your summer vacation is ready.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida

Incredible four-diamond resort creates an entertainment and relaxation paradise on 15 acres of water and palm trees. This lazy river resort in the US one has one of the most intense entertainment programmes. Two golf courses, sparkling pools, a spa and a host of additional amenities have made this the perfect escape for families. The magnificent resort attracts visitors with championship golf on the 36-hole course, a zero-entry family pool, a water tower and a 125-foot corkscrew waterslide. It's also home to the only wave pool in Orlando. But one of the most beloved attractions for all ages is the excellent 850-foot-long "lazy river," where you can float past tunnels, arching tornadoes and waterfalls while firing water cannons to feel like a kid again. The river flows through a lush landscape with gentle rapids and hidden canyons.

To accommodate guests, the resort has provided luxurious rooms and suites (some with balconies) as well as villas with living rooms, full kitchens and marble baths with showers.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu, Hawaii

One of the United States' most popular family-friendly resorts with lazy rivers, this 642-acre resort is set amidst pristine Hawaiian beaches. The magic of Disney and the beauty of Hawaii combine in an iconic destination for active travellers from around the world. Similar to the famous theme parks, here you can meet your favorite characters from the Disney universe and attend themed activities for all ages. Snorkel in the private lagoon and get a closer look at the colourful inhabitants of the Rainbow Reef, splash around in the misty grotto and enjoy water activities in the resort's pools. Slide down the waterslides, enjoy the view from the scenery pool and relax with a spa treatment while the kids have fun at the interactive playgrounds. Or embark on a thrilling water adventure on Waikohole Stream. You'll follow the tranquil stream through a valley with rock formations, caves and fountains. You can go on an indoor extreme slide with a plunge pool or a winding open-air slide from the top of a rocky peak.

For the duration of the vacation, guests can stay in elegant Hawaiian-style rooms, exquisite suites and Disney-themed villas with kitchens and private bedrooms.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage, California

The Omni Rancho Las Palmas resort spa hotel, surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountain Range, offers the perfect place for a vacation with kids in Palm Springs. The idyllic location of one of the best lazy river resorts in the Coachella Valley will delight adults and children alike.

Visitors can play tennis, swim in the pools, have fun at the water park, relax their bodies with a massage at the spa or play golf on one of the three courses against a backdrop of palm trees and mountains. Water park activities include a cliffside hot tub, water play areas with sprinklers and fountains, 100-foot slides and a sandy beach. The water park is surrounded by a 425-foot-long lazy river, perfect for a leisurely ride and cooling off on a hot summer day. You don't have to give up the fun to grab a bite to eat: enjoy a drink under an umbrella or eat a burger at the poolside grill restaurant. There are also six restaurants within the resort.

Guests can choose from bright and cosy Spanish Colonial-style rooms and suites with balconies or patios.

Naples Bay Resort in Naples, Florida

An exquisite boutique resort offering personalized service and a long list of luxurious amenities and activities for the entire family is found on the paradisiacal coast of Southwest Florida.

Guests have access to the exclusive Naples Bay Club, which includes multiple heated pools, white sand beaches, saunas, European-style spas and steam rooms, a fitness centre, a tennis court, world-class restaurants and a poolside bar. The resort welcomes guests of all ages but has a separate adults-only area with a quiet and peaceful environment. A scenic Naples Bay waterway takes vacationers through lush exotic gardens, overlooking a majestic waterfall. In addition to the many on-site activities, the resort offers opportunities to explore the Bay of Naples. You can rent a kayak, a paddle board, or swim in the ocean and bask in the Florida sun on award-winning white sand beaches.

Accommodations include 87 superior rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, and cottages with rentals from 6 nights. Guest room balconies offer views of the water and marina.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa in Kauai, Hawaii

A luxurious, eco-friendly oasis with lush gardens on the white sand of Poipu Beach is located on the south shore of the island of Kauai. One of the best lazy river resorts in the USA, it is known for its multi-level pools with a 150-foot waterslide, saltwater lagoon and "lazy rivers."

Guest amenities include a water playground, championship golf course, fitness centre, shopping, exclusive spa and some of the best restaurants on the island. Lazy river is surrounded by black lava rocks, and as you float down it, you can explore secret caves, waterfalls and recreational nooks before heading out to play water basketball and volleyball. After an active day on the water, nestle in an alcove in the quiet adult area by the pool or rent a cabana to relax in the shade. The resort also offers swimming to the islands in the 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon and lounging on the sandy beaches. Keoneloa Bay Shipwreck Beach is also just steps away.

Guests are accommodated in elegant rooms with private patios or verandas overlooking the ocean and lush mountain slopes or luxurious suites ranging from standard to premium.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona

A perfect travel destination for couples and families with sparkling pools and great restaurants offers lazy rivers set amidst the serene beauty of the Sonora Desert.

It features a 36-hole golf course, a full-service spa and 8 tennis courts. But the resort's main attractions are definitely the huge complex of five heated pools, including an adults-only saltwater pool, a colourful splash pad and a large family pool with an 89-foot serpentine water slide. A second popular area among visitors is the "lazy river," which offers free, brightly coloured camera rides and private shaded cabanas on the shore with fans and TVs for afternoon relaxation. There are several top-notch restaurants and bars on site, and drinks and treats are also served poolside.

Guest accommodations are available in newly renovated classic-style rooms and suites with luxurious bedding. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the resort grounds, garden, mountains or golf club.

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida

The newly renovated five-star resort, which is the official hotel of Walt Disney World, offers unforgettable experiences for kids and adults and exceptional amenities from signature restaurants to upgraded accommodations and innovative entertainment offered only by the most distinguished US resorts with lazy rivers.

This is the perfect place to spend a hot weekend in Florida. Here you'll find attractions for the whole family, gorgeous pools, a superb spa and championship golf courses. Warm up in the sun on comfortable poolside loungers, enjoy drinks and food, and swim in the lagoon-shaped pool and waterslides. Then relax as you float down the beautiful "lazy river" surrounded by palm trees.

Guests have access to 12 superb bars and restaurants with original menus serving a variety of dishes from simple appetizers to signature delights. Whether you're travelling as a family or a couple, you'll find a room or suite with panoramic views of the theme parks, pools or Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve. Rates include complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World and Disney Springs parks.