Waterways
Cool Off at These Nearby Waterparks
Splash around at these waterparks in the Ozarks and beyond. Head down to Branson to visit White Water and Splash Country Resort, cool off for free at Jordan Valley Park in Springfield or head up north to Oceans of Fun in Kansas City.
By Nevada Moenning
Jul 2023
Photo by Travis Howard courtesy Grand Country Resort
For an hour or two:
Jordan Valley Park
Pack a picnic, some towels, swimwear and sunscreen and head to Jordan Valley Park, a green oasis located in downtown Springfield.
Enjoy the Sculpture Walk and view brilliant sculptures throughout the park. Unpack a picnic and let the kids play at the Springfield Wagon and The Rotary Club’s K-Man. Best of all, when you’re ready to beat that summer heat, splash in the Ozarks Fountain and Stream, running daily through mid-October. It’s a great place to enjoy a fun afternoon with the family. The park also has a shaded picnic area, an outdoor classroom, a rock-climbing area and multiple play areas that kids of any age can enjoy.
For a whole afternoon:
Splash Country Resort
Book a night at Grand Country Inn and cure that summer craving all year round at Splash Country Resort, an indoor and outdoor waterpark located in Branson.
Float in Prospects Bend, soak in the Melting Pot Hot Tubs, show off your alley-oop at Drillers Cove and let your young’uns dive into Sandstone Springs. The waterslides, of course, are a hit for all ages. You can also ride through a light show in the new Highwall Heights. Then slide down Cross-Cut Falls just in time to get under Grands Fort’s tipping bucket.
For a day:
White Water
Head to Branson and experience 13 acres of fun. Swim in the Surf’s Up Wave Pool, float the Aloha River through the Polynesian jungle, and send the kids to Coconut Cove. You can also take a ride on Pipeline Plunge, speed down the double slides at Waikiki Wave, and take the whole family down Ohana Falls. If you’re brave, drop down the KaPau Plummet and visit Kalani Towers for a freefall drop or mat-racing adventure. While you’re there, try one of the many dining options.
For a weekend:
Oceans of Fun
If you have time to kill over the weekend, head to Kansas City and splash around at the largest waterpark in the Midwest. Bring your pool gear and comfy shoes and enjoy the 17 attractions and 23 waterslides, from daring to kid friendly. This includes the new Riptide Raceway where you can race your friends down the world’s longest mat racing slide.
Conveniently conjoined with Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun includes admission with its thrilling neighbor, so you might spend your whole weekend going from ride to slide. The park opens Memorial Day Weekend.
