As summer winds down to an end, many families are planning one last getaway before cooler days start to creep in. If you’ve got a weekend, check out these great water parks in Iowa! The best thing about it is many are indoor, meaning you can sneak a little bit of “summer” in later in the year–maybe even this winter! So browse the water parks below and check out what local moms have to say. If you’d like to know more about any of them follow the link to their respective sites!
Check with the individual websites linked below for admission, dates, and hours.
Outdoor Iowa Water Parks
Adventure Bay at Adventureland in Altoona
This outdoor water park is huge! Adventure Bay in Altoona offers Shipwreck Shores as the perfect place for kids to play, Iowa’s largest wave pool, and a ton of water slides–including racing slides! There is also a lazy river, Heron Harbor for little kids, and a splash factory. The splash factory features seven more water slides, and over 100 other water splashers like tipping cones, hose jets, and water guns.
Mom Comments:
This one can be a little busier for toddlers/younger kids, so make sure you have plenty of adults… other than that, it really is fun for everyone!
Huck’s Harbor in Burlington
With both indoor and outdoor water features, Huck’s Harbor in Burlington is also great to visit year round. The water slides, lazy river, activity pool, and kiddie area outside are all outside, while the channel river, another pool, hot tub, and second kiddie area are inside. It is open May through September with varying days and hours.
Mom Comments:
With the other “amenities” of this location including a casino, golf course, spa, indoor go-karts, bowling, arcade, concerts (the list goes on!) this is great for a longer getaway with family and friends! It’s great because there are activities for everyone.
Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo
This outdoor water park is great for us Cedar Rapids area families, because it is close! Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo offers a lot of water slides–nine to be exact. Also featured are a lazy river, a wave pool, water volleyball and basketball, and great areas for toddlers to play. Another fun attraction is the mermaid who appears on the weekends! Check the calendar for when Maizie the Mermaid is in. The water park is open most of June, July, and August.
Mom Comments:
This is one of our favorites! We usually take a couple days throughout the summer to go to Lost Island. It’s awesome that it’s close.
Indoor Iowa Water Parks
‘Boji Splash at Bridges Bay Resort in Okoboji
Fun near Lake Okoboji and Arnolds Park! Waterslides, dump bucket, lil’ squirt play features, lily pad waterwalk, and a basketball area are certain to keep everyone entertained. ‘Boji Splash is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, and weekends in the off season.
Mom Comments:
We’ve stayed here while visiting family by Lake Okoboji. It’s fun to have an indoor place to play, too! Also a bonus in Okoboji is Arnold’s Park.
Buccaneer Bay at Honey Creek Resort in Moravia
Buccaneer Bay is open year-round and features a water slide, lazy river, hot tub, kiddie area, basketball hoops, and lily pad walk. {For more info, read our Guide to Honey Creek Resort.}
Mom Comments:
Our family goes here several times per year! It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a getaway during the summer or winter! It’s in the middle of a state park and the closest town is about 15 minutes away, so plan meals accordingly. There is a restaurant on-site and suites and all cabins have their own kitchens. Rooms have a mini fridge and microwave.
Grand Harbor Resort in Dubuque
25,000 square feet of indoor fun! Grand Harbor Resort in Dubuque has waterslides, tube rides, rope ladders, waterspouts, water chutes, squirt guns, water cannons, lazy river, activity pools, two hot tubs, and the Huck Finn II Tree house. That’s enough to keep everyone busy! It is open year round with varying days and hours.
Mom Comments:
This is a great waterpark to visit any time of the year! It has plenty to keep all of my kiddos busy, from toddler to elementary-aged! We also love to visit the Aquarium and other Dubuque attractions when we stay!
King’s Pointe Waterpark in Storm Lake
This indoor water park has a zero-depth entry pool, three thrilling water slides, a playground, pool basketball, lily pad walk, lazy river and inner tubes. It is also open year-round. From Memorial Day to Labor Day it is open all week, and only weekends the rest of the year.
Mom Comments:
This waterpark is right on the lake, and has a terrific view from the outdoor waterpark! Both the indoor and outdoor waterparks offer tons to do for toddlers, including fun slides and water features. There are also great medium-depth play areas for older kids. The indoor slides are super fun for older kids, and the outdoor slides are amazing for kids 48″ and above! I also love that they provide life jackets and plenty of seating.
What water parks have you attended, and what were your favorite parts about them? Are there any others you suggest adding to the list? We’d also love to hear your “Mom Comment” on any of the above!
This post was originally written by Taylor Schminke and has been updated by Cedar Rapids Moms.