The Best Water Parks in Nebraska
You may not think of Nebraska as a top vacation destination, but it has some great water parks where you can feel refreshed and relaxed all day. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip, a place to escape from the summer heat, or some adrenaline-filled death-defying slides, these parks are sure to please everyone in your group.
AquaVenture Water Park
AquaVenture Water Park is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. The park features more than 20 different attractions, including slides, water cannons, water curtains, dumping buckets, body slides, and a raft slide longer than an entire football field.
AquaVenture Water Park is open every day from midday till 8 o’clock in the warmer months, making it easy to fit a visit into your busy schedule. Admission is very reasonable, and there are discounts available for group bookings. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a chance to beat the heat, AquaVenture Water Park has something for everyone.
Address: 715 S 1st St, Norfolk, NE 68701 | Phone: (402) 844-2270 | Website: https://norfolkne.gov/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/veterans-memorial-park/aquaventure/
Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides
Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides is the perfect day trip for families who are looking for thrills and excitement. With its diverse selection of kiddie and family rides, its extensive arcade, and its waterpark, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. This park features slides, a lazy river, and an interactive play area for the little ones. Fun-Plex is the largest water park in the state, and its rides are sure to make a splash with thrill-seekers of all ages. Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day or you just want to let loose and have some fun, Fun-Plex is the place to be.
Address: 7003 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117 | Phone: (402) 331-8436 | Website: http://fun-plex.com/
Pawnee Plunge Water Park
Pawnee Plunge Water Park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. One of the standout features of the park is the FlowRider, a surf simulator that allows visitors to experience the thrill of riding a wave without leaving the safety of dry land. Other popular attractions include the lazy river, the lap pool, the diving board, and the rock wall. The park also has four giant water slides, a snack court, and a party tent on-site, making it the perfect place to host a birthday or other special event. This water park is open every day from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., so you can come and cool off any time you like.
Address: 560 33rd Ave, Columbus, NE 68601 | Phone: (402) 562-4269 | Website: https://www.columbusne.us/631/Pawnee-Plunge
Island Oasis Water Park
Island Oasis Water Park is the ideal place to cool off this summer. With four enormous water slides, two exhilarating speed slides, a 350,000-gallon wave pool, and a 750-foot lazy river, there’s something for everyone here. Island Oasis Water Park is open every day from Memorial Day through August. Admission is $8 for those aged 5 – 15 or 55+, $9 for those aged 16 – 54, and $0 for kids under 4 when they’re accompanied by an adult. For those who want to stay dry, there’s sand volleyball and a kids’ play area here. The park also has full concessions, so you can grab a bite to eat or a drink in between rides. Come on down and enjoy the fun that Island Oasis Water Park has to offer!
Address: 321 E Fonner Park Rd, Grand Island, NE 68801 | Phone: (308) 385-5381 | Website: https://www.giparks.com/facilities/island-oasis-water-park
How to Prepare for a Day at the Water Park
Nothing can spoil your day at the water park more than being underprepared. Whether you end up sunburnt, hungry, or uncomfortably wet without a change of clothes, you’ll definitely regret your lack of preparation if you rush into things.
Don’t worry; we’ll make sure you’re ready for the day ahead of you so you can relax happily and comfortably. Here are our tips for visiting water parks in Nebraska:
- Research the water park you’re visiting. Keep in mind that there are different types of water parks. Some are more geared toward entertaining families with small children, while others are meant for a more extreme thrill-seeking experience. Find out what the attractions are at each park and decide which one is right for you and your group before you get there.
- Check the weather. Water parks are great in the summer when it’s hot outside, but you don’t want to be caught in a storm. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and plan your visit accordingly.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial at water parks. Be sure to pack sunscreen and reapply it often throughout the day to make sure you don’t get sunburned. This is especially important for young children, as they are more susceptible to getting sunburned.
- Wear comfortable clothing and a sturdy swimsuit. Make sure that your swimsuit is one that you feel good in and one that won’t fall off when you hit the water at high speeds. You can also bring a cover-up to wear in between pools. We recommend bringing a plastic grocery bag to store your wet clothes and suits in and a dry change of clothes to wear home.
- Avoid the middle of the day. Water parks get very crowded in the middle of the day, because that’s when everyone wants to be there. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning or stay late in the evening. This way, you can enjoy the attractions with shorter lines and fewer people.
- Pack snacks and plenty of water. When spending a day in the sun, hydration is key. If the water park you’re visiting allows outside food and drink, pack plenty of water and healthy snacks to keep your energy up. Food and beverages from water park concession stands are typically pricey, so packing your own will help you save money.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The best water parks in Nebraska are sure to make a splash with your whole group. Whether you need a place to cool off, to relax, or to dive head-first into aquatic thrills, there’s bound to be a water park nearby that will suit your needs. By the end of the day, you’re sure to be exhausted from all the fun you’ll have had, so don’t forget to take your time and relax. Now dive in and enjoy the calm refreshing waters of summer!
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 Nebraska? Here are some other great things to do in the state:
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