Over the years water rides have been making their way into the main attractions of amusement and water parks, as they have been giving people the thrills, the cooling splash and family fun all at once. However, in 2026 and even more so, water rides are rapidly changing their designs due to tech, immersive, sustainable, and guest-experience innovations. Get to know the most thrilling water ride trends which should be noticed by the modern parks and to whom investments should be made.

1. Water Coasters with Magnetic Propulsion

Traditional water slides relied solely on gravity — but Linear Induction Motor (LIM) propulsion is changing the game.

• LIM systems use electromagnetism to propel rafts uphill, creating roller coaster–like sensations on a water ride. This allows water coasters to feature multiple uphill launches and dynamic pacing that feel more thrilling than classic slides.
• Examples like Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Volcano Bay show how this tech combines thrill with efficiency, offering smoother, faster, and more memorable ride experiences.

Why it matters: Parks can offer coaster-style water attractions that appeal to thrill seekers and families alike — expanding the ride portfolio without traditional coaster track.

2. Immersive Tech: VR, AR & Gamification

Digital experiences aren’t just for indoor rides anymore — they’re entering water attractions too.

• Virtual Reality (VR) headsets adapted for wet environments let riders plunge into digital worlds while sliding down physical slides.
• Augmented Reality (AR) concepts overlay visuals or interactive elements that react to guests’ movement and progress.
• Gamification mechanics, such as LED-integrated slides and ride sensors that track scoring or performance, are making water rides more social and competitive.

Why it matters: Immersive and interactive features boost repeat visitation and help a park stand out with shareable, memorable attractions.