Your Guide to Local Waterparks
The summer heat in Florida can be challenging to say the least. While we always have the beach and rivers to help us cool down, sometimes we want a little man-made fun to keep our summers chill. Thankfully, our area has plenty of waterparks to beat the heat and have a blast with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to splash around that’s within a short drive or you’re ready to pack for a day trip, these water wonderlands are the perfect way to soak up the summer sun while staying cool.
Splash City Adventures | Pensacola
Located right in our own backyard, Splash City Adventures is Pensacola’s own amusement and waterpark. Located just south of I-10 on Highway 29, Splash City Adventures boasts over 20 rides and attractions for children and adults of all ages. With six waterslides, two kiddie pools and a 750-footlong lazy river, everyone is sure to find something they’ll love.
Season passes start at $59.99 for waterpark entry and $89.99 for waterpark and amusement park entry. Season passes include unlimited entry, Bring a Friend passes and 10 percent off of food, tickets, parties and cabana rentals. Single-day entry tickets are $22.99 for visitors taller than 42 inches and $17.99 for guests not reaching the height limit. To purchase tickets, view attractions and more, visit splashcityadventures.com.
Tropic Falls at OWA | Foley
Just a quick trip across state lines brings you to the biggest indoor waterpark in the region. Tropic Falls at OWA has 10 waterpark attractions, including a lazy river, wave pool, surf simulator, slides and a kid-friendly tropic play structure. The temperature-controlled park features a convertible glass roof that opens when weather permits and closes on cooler days, making the park an excellent off-season vacation spot. This yearround paradise not only has ample entertainment but five dining locations as well, featuring frozen goodies from Tiki Treats and good eats at Baja Grill, Grub and Breakers Bar & Grill. Grown-ups can even pop over to Libations to enjoy a signature cocktail.
Year-long passes to OWA and Tropic Falls start at $269.99, but with the Gulf Coast Neighbors discount for locals, season passes are only $229.99. Passes include year-round entry with four Bring a Friend tickets and 15 percent off select lodging, dining and merchandise. General admission day passes are $69.99 and include entry to both the OWA amusement park and Tropic Falls. There are family bundles that offer discounts as well. Interested in the waterpark after dark? Twilight tickets offer entry to both parks for only $44.99. Cabanas are available to rent in different locations around Tropic Falls and range in price from $149.99 to $229.99. For tickets, park maps and more information, head to visitowa.com.
Splash RV Resort | Milton
Up for a staycation? Then Splash RV Resort may be the perfect fit for your family. Located in Milton just off of I-10 is a mini oasis. With two waterslides, a lazy river, two heated pools, a pickleball and basketball court, tiki bar and splash pad, Splash RV Resort has all you need for a hometown getaway. Don’t own an RV? No problem. Splash has cottages and Conestoga wagons that sleep six and four respectively. Both lodging options offer heating and AC, and are just steps away from the amazing amenities Splash has to offer.
Cottage rentals are $179 per night and include indoor plumbing, a full kitchen and internet access. Each cottage has three queensized beds and one full bathroom. Wagon rentals are $149 per night and contain a king-sized bed and twin bunkbeds, as well as a small dining table and TV. There are no attached bathrooms, but wagons are located near two bathhouses which have toilets and showers. RV sites begin at $119 per night depending on the type of site, including standard back-in, premium back-in, buddy suites, pull-thru and pull-in (class A only). For more information and a map of the resort, head over to splasrvresort.com.
Big Kahuna’s | Destin
Situated right in the heart of the Emerald Coast, Big Kahuna’s has been a hotspot for summertime fun since 1986. This destination has over 20 exhilarating attractions including waterslides, pools, rivers, mini golf and the Sky Coaster, a gravity-defying ride for all thrill-seekers. With plenty of on-site dining and a tropical bar, the whole family is sure to make memories to last a lifetime.
General admission tickets to the waterpark are $59.99 for ages 3-59, with ages 60+ only $46.99. Combo waterpark and minigolf tickets are $65.99. Season passes are $139.99 each, with savings up to $160 when you purchase two or four at a time. Cabanas with seating for up to 10 guests are available for rent starting at $199.99. To purchase tickets and to see a full list of attractions, visit bigkahunas.com.
Waterville USA | Gulf Shores
Serving the Gulf Coast since 1986, Waterville USA is 20 acres of pure fun! Located just a quarter of a mile from the beach, this park is a cool spot to beat the heat. Waterville USA not only offers 12 waterslides, rivers and pools but also escape rooms, go karts, mini golf, bowling, an arcade and more.
Waterville USA’s waterpark officially opens for the season May 17 and 18, and will be open for regular season hours daily May 24 through August 3. After the summer rush, the waterpark will be open on weekends only from August 4 through 31. Tickets for general waterpark entry are $39.99 on Saturday and $38.99 Sunday through Friday. Individual Season Passes are $150 and Family of Four Passes are $495. Discounts for military, children and seniors are available as well. To view discounts, attractions and ticket options, go to watervilleusa.com.
Shipwreck Island | Panama City Beach
If your summer needs a little adventure, Shipwreck Island is just the place for you and your family. A quick day trip over to Panama City Beach brings you to this water oasis of 15 acres, three million gallons of water and over 10 attractions. Everyone is sure to have a day filled with family fun.
Shipwreck Island is open on weekends only until May 25, then the park will be open daily through August 10. When bought online, general admission tickets are $51.99,while in-person tickets are $52.99. Season passes are $129.99 and include unlimited visits throughout the season. Discounts for seniors, military and first responders are available at the gate. To purchase tickets and to view all attractions, visit shipwreckisland.com.