Mississippi, also known as the Magnolia State, is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. But when the summer heat starts to rise, many visitors and locals alike turn to the state’s numerous water parks to cool off and have some fun.
From the Gulf Coast to the capital city and beyond, Mississippi has a variety of water parks that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for thrilling water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, or family-friendly pools, Mississippi’s water parks are sure to provide a refreshing retreat from the summer sun.
Here, we’ll look at some of the top water parks Mississippi has to offer.
The Kroc Center
The Kroc Center, run by the Salvation Army, is one of Biloxi’s best-kept secrets. With multiple pools, water slides, and splash pads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. One of the highlights of the water park is the relaxing lazy river, which is a great place to chill while your kid gets their energy out. They have pools available that are very shallow, with a beach-like entrance perfect for toddlers.
This indoor water park is part of a larger complex that is a focal point of activity for the community. It also has a fitness center, performing arts center, full athletic field with 1/4 mile track, basketball courts, and more.
Looking for a place to stay in the area? Check out our guide to the Top RV Parks, Resorts, and Campgrounds in Biloxi.
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park is one of the most popular water parks in Mississippi, and for good reason. Located in Choctaw, the 23-acre park features 12 exciting waterslides, including a roller coaster turned waterslide called the “Backsplash” and a 1,200-foot lazy river. In addition to these thrilling rides, there are also several children’s play areas and a wave pool. Children also love their Creaky Leaky Water Factory, which is basically a playground and water park combined.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Geyser Falls has several dining options on-site, including the Beach Club Restaurant and the Smokehouse Grill. Geyser Falls is open seasonally, from May through September.
Gulf Islands Water Park
Gulf Islands Water Park, in Gulfport, spans 18 acres and is filled with water rides for kids and the kids-at-heart. The park’s flagship ride, the Horn Island Blaster, is a high-speed water roller coaster that will have adrenaline junkies coming back for more. It propels you through over 500 feet of twists and turns and even blasts you uphill.
Their Camille Cutter is a 400-foot rafting adventure for the whole family, while the Deer Island Express takes you down the darkest and fastest splash-down in the park. With all these fast slides, Gulf Islands is one of the best places to go for the true water-slide enthusiast.
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, the park also features a lazy river, a wave pool, and several shaded areas for lounging. Younger children will love the Ship Island Wreck, designed just for them, or their Padscagoula, which challenges you to cross the pool without falling in!
Gulf Islands Water Park is open seasonally from May to September. You can also reserve your own cabana, and their sister park Zip N Fun offers up a zip lining experience.
Grand Paradise Waterpark
Grand Paradise Waterpark is in Collins, a small town about halfway between Jackson and Hattiesburg. This family-friendly destination offers a variety of water attractions for all ages. The park’s most notable features are its seven thrilling waterslides, including the Free Fall, a high-speed body slide, and the Wipe Out, a fast-paced tube slide.
In addition to the slides, the park also features a lazy river, a wave pool, and a kiddie pool for the youngest guests. Their Water Fort is a hit with kids, too, and is a full playground in a pool, with tipping buckets, slides, and more.
Grand Paradise Waterpark is open seasonally from May to August and also offers group rates and birthday party packages for those looking to celebrate in style. Their onsite facility, the Pavilion, even offers catering so you don’t need to worry about a thing.
Serengeti Springs
Serengeti Springs, located in the Hattiesburg Zoo and on 3.5 acres of Kamper Park, offers a unique water park experience. This African-themed water play area features a variety of interactive water features, including a splash pad, water cannons, and a giant waterfall.
Little kids will love their water-play areas, with water cannons and bucket dump stations, as well as little tikes slides. For the older kids and adults, they have rides like the Peacock Plunge and Blue Rapid Run. There’s also a great lazy river for relaxing, and the Fusion Fortress is a new water play area.
In addition to the water attractions, Serengeti Springs also offers shading seating and party pavilions. Outside food is not permitted, but luckily there are food trucks to keep your hunger at bay. Check out the Boa Bites for some pizza or Chakula Snacks for a hot dog or burger. Their retail shop sells the essentials, like sunscreen, swim diapers, beach towels, and waterproof cell phone cases.
Paul B. Johnson State Park
Paul B. Johnson State Park, located about 20 minutes from the University of Mississippi, offers a variety of outdoor activities for families, including a water park area. The park’s water attractions include a sandy beach area for swimming and a splash playground.
In addition to the water park, there are also other activities and amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails, and a disc golf course. Both boating and fishing are allowed in the lake. Last but not least, there is a campground with RV and tent sites, as well as cabins for rent.
Buccaneer Bay Waterpark
Buccaneer Bay Waterpark, located on 4.5 acres in Buccaneer State Park, offers a fun and exciting water park experience for visitors of all ages. The park’s most notable attractions include the Pirate’s Plank, a 375-foot enclosed water slide, and Treasure Island, a 10,000 square foot sun deck and lounge area. For the little ones, there is the Lil’ Smuggler Cove with a water playground and tipping buckets.
The Wave Pool is also a big hit and can create 8 different wave patterns for body surfing and fun. Buccaneer State Park has a campground with RV and tent sites, as well as cabins for rent. The camp store is a good place to pick up all the essentials for your trip. Fishing is allowed, and there are also plenty of picnic tables throughout the park.
Flint Creek Water Park
Located in Wiggins, Flint Creek Water Park is centered around a 600-acre lake, which can be a good place for swimming, boating, and fishing. In addition to the lake, Flint Creek Water Park also offers a splash pad for younger guests, as well as a playground, picnic areas, and nature trails. The park also has cabins, camping, and more.
Flint Creek Water Park is open year-round. A word of caution, though, about this park: many recent visitors have been concerned about the condition the park is in and feels it needs significant renovation by the city to bring it back to its old self. Still, many readers are looking for information about it, and it is still frequently visited, so it is worth including on this list to be sure you get all the information you need.
The Bottom Line
Mississippi is home to some great water parks, and there’s no shortage of options for families looking for a fun day out. There are a variety of sizes and styles, from the beautiful indoor Kroc Center in Biloxi to Buccaneer Bay, so the entire family can find something they enjoy.
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