Looking for summer fun? Here are 5 waterparks to visit near Louisville
Nothing beats being in the water to cool off during the summer. A trip to the waterpark is a great way for family and friends to spend the day together. From thrill-seekers and vacationers to little ones, families, and more, waterparks have something for everyone. Many places also offer wave pools, splash pools, water rides, and coasters.
In honor of National Waterpark Day on July 28, here are five places to visit near Louisville.
Beech Bend Park/Splash Lagoon Water Park
WHAT: Splash Lagoon at Beech Bend Park is the place to be on a hot summer day, where you can relax in the Lazy River, ride the waves on Surf’s Up Wave Pool, and get splashed by the giant Tiki bucket at Tiki Island. Also have fun on Rip Tide, Tidal Wave, Cyclone Saucers, Polynesian Plunge, Ragin’ Rapids water slides, and more. Beach Bend’s hallmark roller coaster is The Kentucky Rumbler and the tallest attraction is Zero-G, a tower taking guests up 140 feet.
WHERE: 798 Beech Bend Park Road, Bowling Green
COST: Tickets purchased online are $44.99 for adults and $32.99 for seniors 60 years and older, and children less than four feet tall, free for children under 2.
MORE INFORMATION: Free parking, sunscreen and tubes. Near the theme park is Beech Bend Raceway, a drag strip often featuring American muscle cars and other vehicles ready to burn some rubber. There is also a campground nestled in the “bend” of the Barren River and cabins for those who want to spend the night or get away for a weekend. beechbend.com.
Great Wolf Run Water Park
WHAT: The 50,000-square-feet water park kept is at a warm 84 degrees year-round. It has 16 water attractions, bowling, glow putt-putt golf, arcades, and more.
WHERE: 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason, Ohio (near Cincinnati)
COST: Tickets start at $45 for a full-day pass and $36 for a half-day pass
MORE INFORMATION: Book a hotel room, water attractions are included, or rent a cabana where the family or group can meet, eat, and rest up in between all the splashing and sliding. greatwolf.com.
Holiday World and Spashin' Safari
WHAT: Visit HolidayWorld/Splashin’ Safari where every day is a holiday. Splashin’ Safari has 16 water rides including Bahari River, Bahari Wave Pool, Bakuli, Cheetah Chase Water Coaster, Jungle Racer, Kima Bay, Magic Water, Mammoth Water Coaster, Otorongo, Safari Sam’s Splashland, Tembo Falls, Tembo Tides, Tippecanoes, Watubee, The Wave and Wildbeest Water Coaster. Ride the roller coasters, the new Good Gravy! Family Coaster and The Legend Wooden Roller Coster, enjoy the fireworks and drone show (through Aug. 4) and see the shows.
WHERE: 452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus, Ind.
COST: Tickets start at $59.99
MORE INFORMATION: Free soft drinks, sunscreen and parking. 812-937-4401; holidayworld.com.
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
WHAT: Hurricane Bay Water Park at Kentucky Kingdom has giant wave pools, winding lazy rivers, and a four-story water playground. The park has 13 water slides and attractions including, Adventure River, Big Surf, Buccaneer Beach, Castaway Creek, Castaway Creek, Deep Water Dive, Family Wave Lagoon, Mega Wedgie, Mt. Slide Hai, Plummet Summit, Splash Zone, Tornado, Wave Runner and, Wikiwiki Wai.
Kentucky Kingdom has more than 70 rides and attractions, five roller coasters (Kentucky Flyer, Lightning Run, Roller Skater, Storm Chaser and Thunder Run), and family-friendly rides. End your night with a boom at Summer Blast a fireworks show. Fireworks will be launched up to 350 feet in the air and can be seen anywhere in the park. Each show will be 15 minutes long and choreographed with a music track (through July).
WHERE: Watterson Expressway and the Fairgrounds. Kentucky Kingdom
COST: Single-day tickets start at $44.99. Parking $12
MORE INFORMATION: Looking for a place for your group or family to relax while at the water park rent a cabana. kentuckykingdom.com.
Kings Island and Soak City Water Park
WHAT: For more than five decades, Kings Island has been the premier entertainment destination in the Midwest within a two-hour drive of Louisville. Soak City Water Park has 36 water slides, two massive wave pools, rushing rivers, relaxing lagoons, and a kid’s play area. Kings Island is filled with unique thrill rides, such as the legendary coasters Orion, Diamondback, and The Beast. The kid’s area Planet Snoopy features a brand-new family roller coaster and an area where kids can run, crawl, play, or relax with the family in a shaded comfortable space.
WHERE: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, Ohio
HOURS: Hours vary. Check the website
COST: Tickets start at $44.99
MORE INFORMATION: Take a journey around the world at Grand Carnivale. Guests will enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of international cultures with live music, cultural crafts, lively activities, authentic cuisine and more (through Aug. 4). visitkingsisland.com/soak-city
Reach Features news clerk Gege Reed at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: National Waterpark Day: 5 waterparks to visit near Louisville
