From Lost Island and Adventure Bay to Ramada Tropics, here are Iowa's best water parks
Editor's note: This story was first published in 2018 and was updated in 2023.
Des Moines is more than 800 miles from the nearest ocean.
So while a beach vacation might not be in your summer vacation plans, there are still ways to catch some waves — and test your courage with some major water rides.
Pack up the car and head to one of these five outdoor water parks in all corners of the state:
Lost Island Waterpark
Distance from Des Moines: 115 miles
Location: 2225 E. Shaulis Rd., Waterloo
Admission: $32 to $36 for adults and children, kids 3 and under free
Season: June through Aug. 20 with one final weekend Aug. 26 and 27
Thrill-seekers will find a lot to love at Lost Island. Forget water slides — this park features "hydromagnetic water coasters." Attractions include the Molokini Crater, a 60-foot funnel ride; Lost Soul Falls, a 28-feet-per-second free fall; and Tá Katipo, a mat racer water slide. Little ones can enjoy Starfish Cove or watch for mermaids. Head just half a mile away to experience Lost Island Themepark for its second season and try the new rapid launch coaster Matugani. Enjoy both parks with a single-day park pass for $62.
Adventure Bay at Adventureland
Distance from Des Moines: 10 miles
Location: 3200 Adventureland Dr., Altoona
Admission: $69.99 for people four years old or older, select days starting at $44.99 online, free for kids 3 and under
Season: Through Labor Day
You get two parks for one admission at Adventureland and Adventure Bay. When you're done with the roller coasters, relax in the lazy river or Breaker Beach wave pool. Ready for more action? Head to the Bermuda Quadrangle — a four-plex of innertube slides full of twists and turns. Kids of all ages will never tire of Kokomo Kove, featuring multiple slides, dumping buckets, spray jets and more.
King's Pointe Waterpark Resort
Distance from Des Moines: 156 miles
Location: 1520 E. Lakeshore Dr., Storm Lake
Admission: $15 + tax, kids age 5-11 $12, kids 4 and under free
Season: May 27 through Labor Day for outdoor water park
Rain or shine, there is still fun to be had at King's Pointe: The water park offers both indoor and outdoor areas. Fly down a 420-foot descent in a two-person raft ride or take on the Twisted Tornado funnel slide. There is also a lily pad walk and plenty of lounge chairs for the sunbathers. Inside, visitors can enjoy slides, a zero-depth entry pool and the lazy river.
Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides
Distance from Des Moines: 140 miles
Location: 7003 Q St., Omaha, Nebraska
Admission: General $34.99 + tax, kids 3-9 and seniors 65+ $29.99, kids 2 and under free
Season: May 27through Labor Day (closed last week of August)
Fun-Plex is just across the border in Omaha and features attractions both in the water and on land. Get wet and wild with the over five stories-tall Rockin’ Rapids, which has 1,200 feet of sliding sure to make the ride feel worth your time. Kids can enjoy the Makana Splash play structure while the adults can relax on the lazy river under the sun. The dry side of Fun-Plex has go-karts, a Ferris wheel and plenty of family-friendly rides.
Huck’s Harbor Water Park
Distance from Des Moines: 165 miles
Location: 3001 Winegard Dr., Burlington
Admission: $12, kids 2 and under free
Season: May 27 through Labor Day
Huck's Harbor is part of the FunCity Resort entertainment complex, which also includes a casino, dining, indoor speedway, an arcade and more. The outdoor water park includes slides while younger visitors can enjoy the splash pad. The FunCity Resort hotel pool is under construction and expected to be completed in fall 2023.
Three indoor water parks in Iowa to visit this summer
Even in the summer, we know that Iowa's weather doesn't always cooperate. So we've included four indoor parks where the kids can splash year-round:
Ramada Tropics Resort
Location: 5000 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines
Admission: Open only to hotel guests
You gotta stay if you wanna play at the Ramada Tropics Resort. Guests of the hotel can enjoy two large pools, a pirate ship and slides. While the kids splash, adults can enjoy the poolside tiki bar and the 18+ hot tub.
Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
Location: 350 Bell St., Dubuque
Admission: Select days $18 for adults and $14 for children
Enjoy the 25,000-square-foot indoor waterpark with plenty to enjoy for all ages.
Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark
Location: 630 Linden Drive, in Arnold's Park
Admission: General $25, seniors 55+ $22, kids 2 and under free
Kids will love the water slides and lily pad waterwalk while adults may prefer the giant whirlpool at Boji Splash at Bridges Bay Resort. Visitors also have access to the outdoor pool and swim-up bar.
More: 'Great Wolf Lodge on steroids': Giant indoor water park proposed for West Des Moines
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Outdoor water parks near me: Here's Iowa's best water parks