A splash-tastic adventure sounds enticing once summer turns to scorching temps (and we’re all really dreaming of a pumpkin-spice atmosphere). However, don’t let summer fade without a water park’s promise of thrilling rides and laughter-filled moments.
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We know the struggle. Planning an epic day at the water park requires so much more than just a swimsuit and a towel. You don’t want to end up feeling like you’re herding wet cats while trying to navigate the labyrinth of water attractions.
If it all sounds dreamy, but the verdict of whether that’s a nightmare is still out, hold on! We’ve got the ultimate guide to help you plan an epic day at the water park like a pro without any meltdowns or mishaps.
Get Familiar with the Water Park Before You Go
Water parks come in all shapes and sizes, but the average mid-sized attraction is 15 acres. That’s a lot of unfamiliar territory to try to conquer in a day, especially without a plan. Any solid plan of attack starts with preparation, and an epic day at the water park is no different.
Rules and Regulations
Every water park has its own set of rules and requirements to ensure guest safety. Knowing these ahead of time ensures you and your group maximize enjoyment and minimize unintentional rule-breaking that can lead to disappointment or being asked to leave the park.
While rules may vary slightly from park to park, most water parks typically have a few common requests in place. The nuances of the language can make a significant difference in your experience. For example:
Supervision of Children: Children are obviously required to have an adult ready for the rescue. Some parks get a bit more specific. While visiting the Grand Country Resort, we learned that supervision meant within arms reach, no exceptions, right on top of each other in the wave pool!
On the other hand, the Surf’s Up Wave Pool at White Water only strongly suggests non-swimmers wear a life vest. Knowing these details ahead of time helps you properly manage expectations (and when your littles might need a more hands-on approach).
Outside Food and Drinks: Many water parks have policies prohibiting outside food and drinks. The thought of dolling out more cash for expensive theme park food definitely goes in the con’s column for me.
Read the language, though. Silver Dollar City’s White Water allows some leniency, including one bottle of unopened water per guest along with unopened non-perishable snacks. They even provide shaded eating tables right outside the gates for families wishing to enjoy a picnic lunch. Pro tip: Bring another water bottle in after lunch.
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Park Layout & Attractions
Knowing the lay of the land as far as attractions, restrooms, eateries, and locker rooms go will help you plan and navigate more efficiently. You don’t want to waste time wandering aimlessly, looking for your favorite thrills.
Instead, study the park’s attractions and features in advance to strategically plan the day ahead. You can prioritize high-volume rides early on to avoid long lines and find the best-shaded areas. Look for park maps at the following locations:
Official Websites: Most water parks have their maps available for download on their website. Look for sections like “Visitor Information,” “Plan Your Visit,” or “Park Map.”
Mobile Apps: Some water parks, like White Water in Branson, have a mobile app that includes an interactive map with real-time updates. Check your app store.
Park Entrance: You’ll often find a large map displayed on a signboard near the park’s entrance. You can snap a picture and study it throughout the day.
Guest Services: The park likely has a guest services or information desk where you can snag a map and ask any questions you might have.
Hours
Before you hit the slides and splash zones, there’s a little detail that can make a huge difference – operating hours! Knowing when the park opens and closes helps you plan your visit like a pro.
Getting there early helps you find the best spots to park for shade, lets you catch popular rides before the long lines, and you might discover they have some magical nighttime fun for the kids.
If the water park is jam-packed with attractions and you want to experience it all, consider a two-day visit. This way, you can take your time, hit all the rides, and still have room for relaxing breaks and poolside lounging. It’s also a good option if you combine your visit with other nearby activities like Silver Dollar City, Branson Belle, and White Water.
Tickets, Passes & Extras
Researching and buying tickets ahead of your visit means skipping those long lines at the entrance. I can’t think of anything more stressful than trying to calculate costs in a crunch while also trying to wrangle wiggly, excited kiddos.
Buying tickets ahead of time, especially during peak season, means you won’t be turned away at the gates if the park reaches full capacity. There’s also a money-saving element to it. Some parks have worthy add-ons or offer cheaper tickets online. Figuring out the numbers in the quiet of your home can save real money.
Real-life example: You can get 33% off your entire Grand Country Resort stay if you book outside of weekends. You might miss that fine-print language if you’re pressured to make a decision in the moment.
It also allows you to calculate whether buying those two or three-day passes is worth it. If you buy on the fly and then discover you need more time to do it all, you’ll miss the discounts of White Water in Branson’s 2 or 3-day passes (which are pretty significant if you’re going to be in town for a week).
Know What to Expect
I once took my water-loving son, who is on the autism spectrum, to White Water in Branson. I thought for sure he was going to have the time of his life. The only epic element of that day was failure and frustration.
He made a beeline for the wave pool, found his element, and straight-up refused to try anything else of our $200+ day. I wish I had a “planning an epic day at the water park” guide before taking on the adventure, but it did teach me the importance of knowing what to expect from each attraction.
Water Slides
The crown jewel of water parks, in my opinion, are the slides. They come in so many varieties of gentle, family-friendly rides to high-speed, adrenaline-fueled thrills. Common types of slides include:
Body Slides
Tube Slides
Mat Rides
Multi-Person Rides
While each slide will have rules posted, the typical slide requirement ranges from 36 inches to 48 inches. Some more thrilling or extreme slides might have higher height restrictions, while gentler slides may have lower height requirements.
A bit of redemption to my story, while we didn’t get to enjoy slides at White Water, my tiny maniac loved the slides at Grand Country Resort. I truly believe that if he had experienced a pool slide first, this would have been his dream. Prep kiddos for their first time down a slide by going to a budget-friendly, slower paced aquatic center.
Wave Pool
Wave pools simulate the rolling tides of an ocean. The intensity of the waves varies, and some can be pretty strong, creating a real need for safety awareness. What we collectively love about this attraction is that it offers fun for the whole family together.
Whether you’re catching waves or lounging on gentle currents, the wave pool seems to call my 5-year-old niece’s inner Moana to the water. In our group, the wave pool is the favorite place for all-day fun. Make it an epic adventure by including these items:
Little Kids Area(s)
Some parks have dedicated sections specifically designed for young children. These areas are usually restricted to young children, toddlers, or babies. They’ll be shallower and have gentler attractions such as splash pads, small slides, and water bubblers.
Lazy River
Ah, the lazy river – the perfect escape. When you’ve had enough of the adrenaline, splashing, and dunking, this is where you take a break. The lazy river is a slow-moving, winding waterway that gently carries you along its course.
The lazy river is suitable for all ages, making it another attraction for families of all abilities to spend some time together and bond. Be warned; some lazy rivers are equipped with sprayers, waterfalls, or other interactive features that are less-than-serene.
Play Structures
These areas are filled with colorful, interactive play structures, spray fountains, mini slides, water sprayers, and big ol’ buckets that dump! They’re designed to ignite imagination and keep older kids engaged. Still, if I’m being honest here, these are my second favorite attractions to explore.
The play structures of the water park provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond and interact with their kids. For kids, they’re a treasure trove of memories where they remember the joy of splashing around and chasing their loved ones with laughter.
Food & Drink
An epic day at the water park requires an equally epic source of sustenance. I know I come out of the water absolutely famished! Still, there’s a balance between endlessly shelling out money at food vendors and staving off a craving. Here are some things to consider.
How to Stay Hydrated
Water parks are generally located in sunny, warm places with high temperatures and scorching sun. It’s unsurprising to learn that dehydration is a risk despite being surrounded by millions of gallons of water.
Even when there are rules against outside food and drinks, most water parks allow guests to bring in unopened water bottles. If you’d rather not spend $4 on additional hydration, consider packing a cooler and keeping it in your car.
With the excitement of rides and attractions, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Make a family rule and stick to it. It can be as simple as “everyone stops to take a drink every three rides.” You don’t want the epic element to be the memory of an IV at the medic station. Stay hydrated!
High-Protein Snacks
Water activities are physically demanding and require a considerable amount of energy. High-protein snacks contain essential minerals that support hydration and muscle recovery. If the water park allows non-perishable snacks, consider throwing these nutritious options in a bag:
Trail Mix
Dried Fruit
Nut Butter Packets
Protein bars
Having a few snacks on hand won’t substitute for an entire day of meals. Still, it will help save costs by avoiding over-priced food vendors when you’re simply facing the after-swim munchies.
Meal Options
Listen, I heard that vacation calories don’t count (and I’m not checking the validity of that science). Most water parks have delicious food vendor options inside the theme park ranging from ice cream, pizza or burgers, coffee stands, and quick bites like pretzels and popcorn. If you want to eat inside, just budget anywhere from $15 - $30 per person.
If you prefer some alternative budget-friendly options, consider enjoying a meal outside the park’s premises with these ideas.
Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch with sandwiches, wraps, salads, or cold pasta bowls from home. You can meet at a designated picnic area, have a bite, and take a break from the chaos.
Food Delivery Apps: Use a food delivery app like Uber Eats to find nearby restaurants that can deliver meals to the park’s entrance or nearby location.
You can have an epic day at the water park without bleeding your wallet dry. Theme park food is generally high-calorie heaven, but those fresh sliced tomatoes and cooled cucumbers may also serve as a refreshing treat when you’re out baking in the sun.
Pool Day Packing List
While not super fun, creating a day filled with memories starts in the preparation phase. Packing is a thankless job, but it sure does make the day more enjoyable when your 3-year-old has her favorite pair of pink unicorn sunglasses. Here’s a checklist to help pack everything needed for an unforgettable water park experience:
Swimwear/Towels
Sunscreen (face & body)
Hats or Sunglasses
Reusable Waterbottles (plastic)
Snacks
Change of Clothes
Goggles or Swim Masks
Make sure to check the park’s rules on what you can bring inside. You can give them a call or check their website for guidelines.
Keep in mind that most theme parks search bags upon entry, so save yourself a trek back to the car armed with knowledge ahead of time.
Water Parks in the Ozarks Area
Now that you’re equipped to create an epic day at a water park, it’s time to set your sights on the thrilling destinations that the Ozarks region has to offer. Discover these splashing gems that await you and your family for a day filled with fun:
Find these and more on our interactive "Swimming in the Ozarks" Map
Silver Dollar City’s White Water - 📌Branson, MO ↗
Big Surf Waterpark - 📌Linn Creek, MO ↗
White Water Bay - 📌Oklahoma City, OK ↗
Grand Country Resort - 📌Branson, MO ↗
Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park - 📌Osage Beach, MO ↗
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