Choosing the best water park in Las Vegas is hard, especially considering there are so many extravagant pools and water fixtures all around the Vegas Strip and off the Strip.
Also, it can be hard to know what truly counts as a water park with many pools adding a few fixtures and loosely using the name ‘water park.’
However, some Las Vegas water parks are famous and bring you the best offerings any world-class water park could ever hope to offer. Such a place is Cowabunga Bay Water Park.
If someone asks you what the name of the water park in Las Vegas is, then there is a good chance they are talking about Cowabunga, or at least its closest ‘competitor’, Cowabunga Canyon.
Read on to learn of the best water parks in Las Vegas that feature everything from thrilling water slides to lazy rivers and wave pools. Grab your swimsuit and start planning the aquatic fun for your next Vegas trip!
The Best 2 Water Parks in Las Vegas
There are so many extravagant water features and exquisite pools in Las Vegas, which makes the search for the best water park a bit daunting. The confusion is taken a step further when you realize many water parks aren’t actually water parks but rather marketed as such.
So, this begs the question, Does Las Vegas have any true water parks?
Consider a true water park as an amusement park or recreational facility that features various water-based attractions such as water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, water playgrounds, and other aquatic activities.
Generally speaking, a great Las Vegas water park should have a significant number of water-based attractions or activities that are designed to provide entertainment and fun for visitors of all ages.
The top water parks should also include amenities such as changing rooms, lockers, food and beverage options, and seating areas for visitors to relax and enjoy their time at the park.
Hopefully, the above features will help differentiate the facilities that use the term “water park” loosely. It is always a good idea to check the park’s website or other promotional materials to ensure it offers the attractions and amenities you’re looking for before visiting.
With that said, let’s dive into the best two water parks you can visit in Las Vegas today:
1. Cowabunga Bay Water Park
- Address: 900 Galleria Drive, Henderson, NV 89011
- Phone: 725 267 2262
- Business Hours: Seasonal hours vary by date, weather, and events
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary by date and ticket type; season passes include access to both Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon
- Major Attractions: thrilling water slides, wave pool, lazy river, kids’ areas, live entertainment, free tubes
Cowabunga Bay Water Park, also known as Cowabunga Bay, is a popular attraction near Las Vegas, known for its thrilling water slides, lazy river, wave pool, and other aquatic attractions. Voted Best Waterpark in Las Vegas for several years in a row, Cowabunga has become a household name in the region.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a fun way to cool off in the heat of the desert, Cowabunga Bay has something for everyone.
Cowabunga Vegas operates two Southern Nevada water parks: Cowabunga Bay in Henderson and Cowabunga Canyon in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas.
Henderson is technically not part of Las Vegas, but it still belongs to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, stretching across the entire area of the Las Vegas Valley. It is also easily accessible from the Strip.
Cowabunga Bay in Henderson is situated southeast of the main Las Vegas tourist corridor and is usually about a 20-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, depending on traffic.
The park is open seasonally, and hours vary by day. Check the current operating calendar before visiting, especially early or late in the season.
Cowabunga Bay is first of all known for its mix of water slides, pools, kids’ areas, and family attractions.
- A must-try that is very popular is the raft ride ‘Wild Surf’, a group raft ride that delivers one of the park’s bigger thrill experiences.
- There are several family and thrill slides with different heights, speeds, and water effects, making it easy to split time between relaxing attractions and bigger drops.
- The Zuma Zooma body slide is another must-try in the park. It drops riders from a launch capsule into a fast, high-thrill slide experience.
- Head into Point Panic, a darker enclosed tube slide experience, or try other tube and body slides around the park depending on current attraction availability.
- Marvel at the Surf-A-Rama Wave Pool, one of the park’s best family-friendly attractions and a popular spot for cooling off between slides.
For a more relaxing experience, the park’s lazy river is the perfect place to float and unwind. Designed specifically for young children, Cowabunga Kids Cove features smaller slides, splash pads, and other age-appropriate attractions.
Dining options at the park include food stands, snacks, drinks, and cabana options. Outside food rules can change, but the park’s policy generally allows bottled water while restricting outside food, alcohol, glass containers, and coolers. Check the official FAQ before packing food for the day.
2. Cowabunga Canyon
- Address: 7055 S Fort Apache Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89148
- Phone: 725 267 2277
- Business Hours: Seasonal hours vary by date, weather, and events
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary by date and ticket type; season passes include access to both Cowabunga Canyon and Cowabunga Bay
- Major Attractions: thrilling water slides, lazy river, wave pool, kids’ areas, live entertainment, free tubes
This popular water park is another favorite among locals and tourists alike, also offering a wide variety of thrilling rides, slides, and attractions. It is a similar experience to Cowabunga Bay, and you will be forgiven for mistaking one for the other.
Cowabunga Canyon used to be Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas before it was rebranded in 2022 when the Cowabunga operators took over the property. The two Las Vegas-area parks now share season-pass access and operate under the Cowabunga Vegas waterparks brand.
Pricing at Cowabunga Canyon is similar to that of Cowabunga Bay, and tickets come in different forms such as day tickets, choose-your-day tickets, cabanas, and season passes. Season pass benefits can include unlimited visits to both parks, free parking, access to select signature events, and discounts on food, non-alcoholic drinks, cabanas, and retail.
Do not rely on old fixed pricing before visiting. Ticket and pass pricing can change by season, promotion, and purchase date.
Cowabunga Canyon also has a variety of food and drink options available throughout the park, including fast food favorites, snacks, drinks, and treats. Like Cowabunga Bay, outside food rules are limited, so check the current policy before bringing food or coolers.
On top of the attractions, Cowabunga Canyon brings you DJ performances and surprise events from popular artists/performers.
Cowabunga Canyon’s main attractions include a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and kids’ play areas, including:
- Texas Tornado – A giant funnel-style slide that sends guests swirling down a massive water slide and into a storm-like water ride experience.
- The Lone Ranger – A twisting, turning slide experience that sends riders through turns and drops.
- Dust Bowl – A bowl-style slide experience that sends riders swirling before splashing down.
- Boomer Wrangler – A half-pipe style slide that sends guests racing up and down the sides of a giant water wall.
- Cactus Creek – A relaxing lazy river that winds its way around the water park.
This park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for fun, excitement, and relief from the scorching Las Vegas heat. With a wide variety of rides, attractions, and amenities, there’s something for everyone at this popular water park.
Water Slides & Other Water Features in Las Vegas Hotels
Las Vegas has some of the world’s best pools featuring great waterfalls, lazy rivers, gorgeous greenery, tropical ambiance, and even massive video screens. With their many features, only a few Las Vegas hotels have aquatic facilities that can make any water park fanatic happy:
Mandalay Bay Beach
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Las Vegas brings you Mandalay Bay Beach, an artificial beach made up of 11 acres of sand, which is linked to a lazy river, a wave pool, and waterfalls. Take a dip in the 1.6-million-gallon wave pool or swim in the lazy river.
Unlike water parks, outside food and beverages are prohibited in the pool area unless purchased at the pool shopping and dining facilities. Wave pool height restrictions and pool availability can also apply, so check the current pool rules before planning a full pool day.
Tank Pool at Golden Nugget
You have probably heard of the 200,000-gallon Shark Tank in the Golden Nugget Casino. The Tank is best known for its shark aquarium, pool complex, cabanas, and waterslide experience.
The shark tank slide is one of the most memorable hotel-pool features in Downtown Las Vegas, but attraction availability can change by season and maintenance schedule. Check the official pool page before visiting specifically for the slide or aquarium.
For adults, the Hideout area is 21+ and offers its own separate bar, cabanas, and daybeds.
Splash Zone at Circus Circus
The Splash Zone offers a variety of fun aquatic activities for all ages at Circus Circus Las Vegas.
The 50-ft slide tower is the main show, and the overall pool area includes two pools, five slides, whirlpools, and a splash pad. The splash pad includes interactive water features that are perfect for younger children to cool off in.
The pool and splash pad add some playfulness to the area with attractive colorful backgrounds and kids-themed designs. Let the young ones play in the splash pad and enjoy the water features as you take in the Vegas sunshine.
Guests can also relax in the pool area, which features lounge chairs, umbrellas for shade, cabanas, and Splash Snacks. For a more private experience, cabanas are available for rent and may include extra amenities depending on the current package.
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Conclusion
While it may be difficult to choose the best water park in Las Vegas, there are some exceptional water parks that offer world-class attractions and amenities. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a relaxing experience, Las Vegas has a water park for everyone.
Cowabunga Bay Water Park and Cowabunga Canyon remain the two clearest true water park choices in the Las Vegas area, while hotel pool complexes like Mandalay Bay Beach, The Tank at Golden Nugget, and Splash Zone at Circus Circus can add extra water-slide or wave-pool fun to a resort stay.