Located in the Mountain West region of the U.S., Montana is a haven for water lovers! Contrary to popular belief, the treasure state offers tourists so much more than the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. The place also boasts scenic beaches and some of the best waterparks in the country.
Ideal for the young and the young at heart, waterparks are large outdoor areas teeming with wet adventures, from water slides to lazy rivers to wave pools. Visitors can enjoy various activities in these areas, such as swimming, floating, or just lounging around the pool.
The next time you plan a trip to the state during the hotter months, include adventures like these in your itinerary. Read on to discover a list of the best waterparks in Montana and how to prepare for your escapade.
Best Waterparks in Montana
Next time you visit Montana, make sure that you include at least one of these waterparks in your itinerary.
Big Sky Waterpark
Big Sky Waterpark is the state’s largest water attraction. With ten water slides, a massive whirl pool, and a kid’s activity pool, it’s hard to stay dry in this place! Have we mentioned that you can also enjoy mini-golf, bumper cars, and wall climbing here?
At Big Sky Waterpark, there’s something to do for everyone in the family. Adventurous individuals can’t miss out on their signature rides — the Shredder Xtreme, Big Splash River Ride, and Geronimo Speed Slide. These will surely satisfy your need for speed. Smaller kids, on the other hand, can enjoy the famous Twister Slides — four body slides that spiral toward a four-foot pool.
When you finish all of the water attractions, you can hang out and regain your energy at the picnic areas. Before leaving, check out the gift shops and concession stands for some snacks and souvenirs.
Address: 7211 Hwy 2 E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 | Phone: (406) 892-5025 | Website: http://www.bigskywp.com/
Electric City Water Park
Great Falls is a beautiful city full of parks, pools, golf courses, and other sports facilities. The Parks and Recreation Department ensures that there are always activities for residents and tourists of all ages to enjoy.
For this reason, the city fully supports one of its standout entertainment centers — Electric City Water Park. It’s one of the over 220 locations worldwide that operates a FlowRider, an artificial wave pool that recreates the thrill of beach waves in a safe, trampoline-like device. Flowboarding — a sport that revolves around the FlowRider — is making waves throughout the globe in waterparks, resorts, cruises, and other stand-alone venues. It combines the thrill of several board sports, including surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. First-timers can try bodyboarding, while more experienced riders can stand up to ride the waves.
This park also boasts top attractions like RipTide Slide, Lazy River, and Power Tower Plunge. If you need a breather between rides, relax on the shaded grassy areas or their party deck. While Electric City Water Park does not allow outside food and drinks, there are various concessions to try if you need a pick-me-up.
Address: 100 River Dr S, Great Falls, MT 59405 | Phone: (406) 454-9008 | Website: http://www.greatfallsmt.net/recreation/electric-city-water-park
The Reef Indoor Water Park
Located in Big Horn Resort in Ascend Hotel Collection, The Reef Indoor Water Park is the largest indoor waterpark in the state — it’s as big as a football field! The best part is that you can enjoy their amenities year-round.
This waterpark offers various attractions for fun-loving adults, including:
- Barracuda Blaster: A three-story tube slide for one or two riders at least 48 inches tall, with a 600-lb weight limit
- Tropical Twister: A three-story body slide for single riders at least 48 inches tall, weighing 350 pounds at most
- Wave Pool: A fun 55,000-gallon swim area
Don’t worry; you can bring the little ones too! They can have an interactive playhouse all to themselves. It contains slides, mini-tubes, and a unique 250-gallon dumping bucket. Plus, the kids can enjoy tunnels and squirt guns here. It’s ideal for children, but it’s safe and strong enough for adults to accompany their kiddos as well.
There are many indoor and outdoor tables at The Reef where groups can hang out together. After a day of water-based fun, you can head over to Shark Shack when you get hungry.
Address: 1801 Majestic Ln, Billings, MT 59102 | Phone: (406) 839-9283 | Website: http://www.thereefindoors.com/
How to Prepare for a Trip to a Waterpark
So, are you ready to enjoy the waterparks of Montana? Below are a few friendly reminders to make your trip a stress-free and memorable day.
Step 1: Pack the Essentials
As with any trip, being prepared can make or break the experience. When you visit the best waterparks in Montana, pack essentials like sunscreen, swim diapers, band-aids, towels, extra clothes, shampoo, and soap. Also, check the rules of your waterpark of choice to see if snacks and water bottles are welcome inside. If allowed, bring enough sustenance for everybody to avoid spending too much money keeping yourselves fed and hydrated.
Step 2: Research the Attractions
Waterparks offer various attractions, but you have to make sure there’s something for every member of your group to enjoy. This is a major consideration if you have kids with you. If you’re taking smaller children to waterparks, make sure there are age-appropriate activities for them. Remember, many attractions have height restrictions.
Step 3: Dress Appropriately
It’s natural for parents to think of kids’ needs first, but you also need to dress comfortably for waterparks. It’s best to wear sneakers for exploring, but don’t forget to bring flip-flops and a change of clothes even if you don’t plan on trying the slides or taking a dip. There’s still a big chance you’ll get wet from the sidelines.
On the flip side, if you plan on joining your kids on the water amenities, make sure to wear a swimsuit that will stay secure when you make a splash into the pools from high slides or rides.
Final Thoughts
If you want to make the most out of your stay in the state, check out the best waterparks in Montana. They offer various amenities and activities that address different preferences. Whether you want to try massive attractions or kid-friendly resorts, there are plenty of locations to choose from.
Be sure to also check out our list of the best indoor water parks where you can enjoy amazing water slides and pools year round!
Looking to explore Montana? Here are some other great things to do in the state:
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