If you’re in Jacksonville and are looking to cool down this summer with your family, know that beaches are not the only option available to you. Especially if you don’t prefer the huge summer crowd that the Jax beaches draw in, you can always enjoy equally refreshing yet more manageable fun in the water parks. If you’re interested, here are the best water parks in and around Jacksonville.
Adventure Landing featuring Shipwreck Island
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Situated within the Adventure Landing complex, Shipwreck Island Water Park presents a pirate-themed escapade suitable for all ages. With a variety of attractions encompassing a wave pool, water slides, a lazy river, and a children’s play area, there’s an abundance of fun awaiting. A notable feature of the park is the “Pirate’s Plunge” water slide, propelling riders from a height of 65 feet into a refreshing pool below. If staying within Jacksonville’s borders is preferable, this water park emerges as a prime choice.
Seasonal events at Shipwreck Island enhance the allure, often offering summer specials or local resident discounts. A spectrum of food and beverage options cater to different tastes on-site, though it’s advisable to check in advance regarding the park’s policy on personal food and beverages.
For a more secure and private experience, locker and cabana rentals are available, ensuring a safe spot for belongings and a private area to unwind. The park also prioritizes accessibility, accommodating individuals with disabilities and making the fun accessible to all.
Address: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250,
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday (11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
- Friday (11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
- Saturday (10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 246-4386
Website: https://jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com/attractions/shipwreck-island-waterpark/
Kids Splash Park at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Residing within the renowned Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, the Kids Splash Park serves as a delightful water playground perfect for families. The park’s riverside location augments the appeal, providing a picturesque setting for a host of outdoor activities, including camping, biking, fishing, or enjoying a leisurely picnic.
The splash park is a haven for young ones, boasting interactive water features such as water sprays, water cannons, and dumping buckets. Designed to cater to kids of all ages, the splash park features shallow pools for toddlers and deeper pools for older kids, ensuring a safe and enjoyable water play experience.
Entrance to the splash park is subject to admission fees, which are worth checking in advance.
Safety is a priority, with lifeguards on duty and anti-slip flooring installed to mitigate accidents. While the splash park itself is a major draw, its location within Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park places visitors near other exciting attractions both within the park and in the surrounding area. Parking facilities are available, with ample spaces to accommodate visitors, though it’s advisable to arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.
Address: 942 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Operating Hours: Opens Daily (11:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 249-4700
St. Marys Aquatic Center
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Located a 45-minute from Jacksonville in nearby Georgia, St. Marys Aquatic Center is a fantastic water destination. The park hosts multiple pools, including a large leisure pool for relaxation and play, a lap pool for a more rigorous workout equipped with a 2-story twister slide, a therapy pool tailored for aquatic physical therapy, and a kids’ pool with a splash pad and interactive water features ideal for young children.
The park boasts two water slides, offering a fun-filled ride with twists and turns. Owned and operated by the City of St. Marys, the facility provides on-site amenities like concessions, a gift shop, lockers, restrooms, and changing areas for your convenience.
Address: 301 Herb Bauer Dr, St Marys, GA 31558
Operating Hours:
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- Saturday (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
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- Sunday (1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
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- Monday – Friday (CLOSED)
Phone no: (912) 673-8118
Website: http://www.stmarysga.gov/department/aquatic_center/index.php
Daytona Lagoon Water Park
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About 100 miles south of Jacksonville, Daytona Lagoon Water Park is a popular Floridian amusement destination. The park has water attractions like thrilling slides, a lazy river, a splash and play center with multiple levels, and a wave pool. Various ticket options and packages are available to cater to different needs and budgets.
Besides the water attractions, Daytona Lagoon offers a range of food and beverage options, including a snack bar, a pizza restaurant, and a full-service bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This water park is a place to cool down during the summer and a sought-after venue for birthday parties, group events, and corporate outings, making it a multi-faceted entertainment hub.
Address: 601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Operating Hours:
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- Monday, Thursday, and Friday (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
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- Saturday (12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.)
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- Sunday (12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (386) 254-5020
Website: https://daytonalagoon.com/
Splash Island at Wild Adventures Theme Park
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Wild Adventures is a theme park and wildlife preserve located in Valdosta, Georgia – around an hour and 30 minutes north of Jacksonville. It features a variety of thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, animal exhibits, and a water park area, Splash Island, which includes water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
When you’re done admiring the giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, and bears, you can take a refreshing dip in the water park and enjoy an afternoon of splashing around or just cooling down in the various water features of the park.
The park offers a variety of ticket options, including single-day admission, season passes, and group rates. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, such as concerts and holiday-themed celebrations. One such event includes the Sweet Summer Night events every Friday in June and July, where the park extends its hours into the night.
For those looking for refreshments, the park houses a snack bar, grill, and ice cream stand. While guests are permitted to bring their food and beverages, it’s noted that glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.
To secure personal belongings or to have a private area to relax, guests can rent lockers for $10 per day or cabanas starting at $75 per day. Safety is a priority with lifeguards on duty at all times, shallow water areas for young children, and anti-slip flooring in high-traffic areas.
The park is wheelchair accessible, boasting accessible restrooms and changing areas, and runs a special needs program to assist guests with disabilities.
Nearby, visitors can explore other attractions like the Valdosta Mall and the Lowndes County Historical Society and Museum.
Address: 3766 Old Clyattville Rd. Valdosta, GA. 31601
Operating Hours:
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- Opens on Friday at 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
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- Opens on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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- Opens on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Phone no: (229) 219-7080
Website: https://www.wildadventures.com/splash-island-waterpark/
Summer Waves Water Park
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Summer Waves Water Park is a popular family-friendly water park on Jekyll Island, Georgia – an hour and a half drive from Jax. The park offers a variety of water attractions and slides, including a wave pool, a lazy river, a kiddie play area, and several thrilling water slides for all ages.
Guests have several admission options: single-day admission at $26.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3-12, season passes, and group rates. The park offers free parking in a designated lot near the entrance and standard amenities like lockers, changing rooms, and shower facilities.
Food and beverage outlets are on-site for those feeling peckish, including a snack bar and grill. Private cabanas are available for rent for those seeking a private retreat. As for safety, there’s a first aid station near the entrance and a lost & found area for guest convenience.
The park hosts seasonal events like Dive-In Movies and the Summer Waves Luau, alongside special discounts and promotions throughout the season. Some park rules include a prohibition on outside food or beverages, smoking, and glass containers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Address: 210 S Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Operating Hours: Opens daily (11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) *reopens in May 2024
Phone no: (912) 635-2074
Website: https://www.jekyllisland.com/activities/summer-waves-water-park/
Island H2O Water Park
Situated in Kissimmee, Florida, Island H2O Water Park is a two-hour voyage from Jacksonville. Near Margaritaville Resort Orlando, guests of the resort receive discounted tickets to this engaging water park.
The park exudes a social media theme, allowing guests to personalize their slide experience with music and lighting effects and share their escapades on various platforms.
Over 20 vibrant experiences encompass thrilling slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children’s area. Multiple dining outlets scattered across the park offer an array of meals and
Address: 3230 Inspiration Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Operating HoursMonday – Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (407) 910-1401
Website: https://www.islandh2owaterpark.com/
Typhoon Lagoon
Venture two hours from Jacksonville to reach Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando, Florida. Managed by Walt Disney World Resort, this tropical paradise offers Disney-themed attractions.
The park boasts one of the world’s largest outdoor wave pools, providing a realistic surfing experience. Various water slides, raft rides, a lazy river, and a children’s play area ensure endless fun.
Diverse eateries, including full-service restaurants and snack stands, offer culinary delights, while rentals of lockers, towels, and life jackets contribute to a hassle-free experience.
Address: 1145 East Buena Vista Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32830
Operating Hours Monday – Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (407) 560-4120
Website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/typhoon-lagoon/
Aquatica Orlando
A two-hour drive from Jacksonville leads to the whimsical world of Aquatica Orlando. Run by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, this park combines thrilling water attractions with animal-themed experiences.
An all-inclusive day adventure entails water day trips, freshly prepared food, snorkel gear, swimsuits, unlimited treats, and flotation devices. Various amenities such as cabanas, lockers, towels, and life jackets are available for rent, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Address: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821
Operating Hours Monday – Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (407) 545-5550
Website: https://aquatica.com/orlando/
Volcano Bay
Embark on a two-hour drive from Jacksonville to the heart of Orlando, Florida, where Volcano Bay awaits. This part of Universal Orlando Resort showcases a towering volcano housing many exhilarating Universal-themed water slides.
Various attractions, including water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and interactive play areas, provide fun for visitors of all ages. The unique virtual queue system, enabling mobile reservations for attractions, optimizes the visitor experience.
Amenities such as cabanas, lockers, towels, and life jackets are available for rent, adding convenience to your thrilling adventure.
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Operating HoursMonday – Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (407) 363-8000
Website: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/volcano-bay
The water parks in and around Jacksonville provide entertainment and refreshments for fun and relaxation during the hot summer months.
From massive wave pools to lazy rivers and thrilling water slides, these water parks provide a perfect alternative to beaches.
So, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxing way to beat the heat, the water parks in and around Jacksonville are sure to provide you with a fun-filled experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Adventure Landing closing?
The popular Jacksonville Beach amusement and water park will remain open through September 2023. Adventure Landing owner Hank Woodburn confirmed an extension of another season for the park last December 2022.
Are the water parks in Jacksonville expensive?
Theme parks like Daytona Lagoon and Adventure Landing can be expensive especially if you’re buying single-entry tickets. However, if you buy the season packages, they become more affordable – that is if you’re planning to make multiple visits.
Which clothes are suitable for water parks?
Most water parks have rules on swimming attires. Swimwear of nylon or lycra material is preferred while regular cotton and frilled clothing are discouraged (even not allowed in some parks). Improper attire might pose risks like entangling or rupturing while doing activities in the water park.
Are there any discounts available for water park admission in Jacksonville?
Yes, there are discounts available for water park admission in Jacksonville. For example, Adventure Landing offers a “Bring-A-Friend Waterpark Daily Admission” for $21.99 each on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Are there any restrictions on what types of clothing can be worn at water parks in Jacksonville?
It is recommended to wear appropriate swimwear and avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or other hard objects that could damage the water park attractions.
What is the cost of admission to the water parks in and around Jacksonville?
The cost of admission to water parks in and around Jacksonville varies depending on the park and the type of admission. For example, Adventure Landing’s 2023 daily admission for adults is $42.99, while Shipwreck Island Waterpark’s “Night Splash” admission is $31.99.
Are there any height or weight restrictions for water park attractions in Jacksonville?
Yes, there may be height or weight restrictions for water park attractions in Jacksonville. For example, Adventure Landing’s “The Rage” slide has a height requirement of 48 inches, while Shipwreck Island Waterpark’s “Tree Top Drop” slide has a weight limit of 300 pounds.
What types of food and drinks are available at the water parks in Jacksonville?
The types of food and drinks available at water parks in Jacksonville vary depending on the park. For example, Adventure Landing’s Shipwreck Island Waterpark has a Wave Rider Grill that serves burgers, hot dogs, and other snacks. In comparison, Shipwreck Island Waterpark also has a snack shack that serves pizza, ice cream, and other treats.
Are there any locker or storage facilities available at the water parks in Jacksonville?
Yes, there are locker and storage facilities available at water parks in Jacksonville. For example, Adventure Landing’s Shipwreck Island Waterpark has lockers available for rent for $10 or $15, depending on the size.
What are some of the safety measures in place at the water parks in Jacksonville?
The safety measures in place at water parks in Jacksonville vary depending on the park. For example, Adventure Landing’s Shipwreck Island Waterpark has trained lifeguards on duty at all times, and all attractions are inspected daily for safety.
