Water centers and parks have long been a favourite summer time attraction. Since their introduction in the 1940's, these recreational destination have provided amusement and fun for young and old alike. Swimming pools and massive water slides are only some of the attractions that you'll find at these tourist hot spots. Indoor parks have also become increasingly popular, making year round splash-filled romps an exciting reality. With almost 2,000 fun water centers all over the world, there are plenty to choose from. Read on for details about some of the largest and most exciting water parks in the world.

1. Sandcastle Aqua Park in Blackpool, Lancashire, England houses the massive Master Blaster, the world's longest indoor water roller coaster ride. Opened in 1986, this park is the UK's largest and premier indoor water park experience.

2. Sunway Lagoon in Petaling, Jaya is Malaysia's largest water center. The Waters of Africa adventure simulates a journey into an African wilderness and is the park's largest attraction. Exhilarating waterplay abounds at this growing destination.

3. Las Cascadas is not only Puerto Rico's largest water splash park, it is the largest water park in all of the Caribbean. This water park is owned by the city of Aguadilla and is in fact the only facility of its kind in the region.

4. Noah's Ark Family Park Inc. is easily the largest water park in the U.S. In operation for over three decades, this rip-roaring park spans over 70 acres. It's home, the city of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is famously known as the "Water Park Capital of the World" due to the impressive number of 18 indoor water parks it holds.

5. In Australia, Wet n' Wild Water World lays claim to that country's largest water center title. This fantastic park features a shaded twenty acre sub-tropical garden.

6. The World Aqua Park in Edmonton, Canada is a thrilling water play park located inside the Edmonton Mall. Chilly weather on the outside does nothing to damper the moods of visitors to this indoor park, because World Water is always a comfortable 86 degrees. The world's largest indoor wave pool is sure to keep guests coming back.

7. The Tropical Islands, Germany is housed in a gargantuan former zeppelin hangar that spans over 710,000 square feet and claims to be the largest freestanding building in the world. Opened in 2004, the park's indoor pool can accommodate up to 8,000 visitors. The facility is also home to an enormous man-made rainforest.

8. New Braunfels, Texas, U.S. is home to the largest water park in Texas, the Schlitterbahn Watercentre Resort. This park boasts the world's first surfing machine, over 3 miles of inner tube rides, heaps of water slides and the first uphill water ride ever created.