Waterslide at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks--just one of more than 200 waterslides the area has to offer.

(Jeff Salzer Photography)

When the community of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin pioneered the indoor waterpark craze starting back in 1989, they virtually weather-proofed their signature vacation experience. Yet summer, with its warm temperatures, is still the most popular season in “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” and, by the looks of it, Summer 2013 will be packed full with even more fun thanks to some new additions on land and in water to this resort community.

The new FlyBoard act at the Tommy Bartlett Show, the longest running outdoor show in America.

(Tommy Bartlett, Inc.)

Starting this summer, there are two new water attractions that shouldn’t be missed – Noah’s Ark Waterpark, America’s largest outdoor waterpark, has opened the new Surfing Safari ride. This surf machine churns 36,000 gallons of water under the rider, curling an ocean-worthy wave. You’ll quickly forget the nearest ocean is 1,000 miles away. Then, over on Lake Delton, the long-standing Tommy Bartlett Show, with its team of talented water skiers, is debuting the FlyBoard, a high-tech, high-octane invention you’d expect to see in a James Bond movie. It’s a water jet pack tethered to a jet ski for power. The operator straps on the jet pack and is sent flying high above the water, providing the perfect altitude for mid-air twists and flips and stunning dolphin-like dives into the lake.

Back on dry land, Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks brings coaster enthusiasts the world’s first upside-down wooden roller coaster, Hades 360°. As if going head over heels wasn’t enough, this coaster also plunges underground, with a 90 degree turn in complete darkness. Two other stats on this ride: the highest drop is a dizzying 134 feet and it reaches a blazing speed of 70 mph.

There are also tamer finds that will appeal to families with tots in tow, such as the new zero-depth Bear Foot Island Sprayground at the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort. This northwoods-themed area includes spraying fountains, ground geysers, water jets, a giant drenching bull frog loop and a silly spraying water bug, with surround seating for moms and dads.

For a taste of the tropics, head over to Kalahari Resort Waterparks to check out their new Mud Hut, a 1,000 square foot indoor/outdoor hot tub with a swim-up bar; the first of its kind in the state. There’s also a family-friendly version of the same. For an adventure on dry land, Kalahari Indoor Theme Park has the state’s first “Sky Tykes” ropes course for toddlers.

Fascinated by lumberjack lore? The new Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Lumberjack Show in Wisconsin Dells features 11 different events including log rolling and pole climbing, with both professional and collegiate athletes competing.

For more summer vacation ideas, log on to wisdells.com.