Published June 4, 2019
By Maryann Hammers
These water parks are family-friendly and fun for all — plus they offer military discounts, too.
Knott's Soak City in Buena Park, Calif., has 15 acres of falls, slides, tubes, chutes, waves, plunges, and one of the world’s longest lazy rivers. Younger children can romp in the water playground or in a three-story beach house with water guns, nozzles, and sprayers. Or, you can kick back and stay dry in a shaded cabana. Admission for military members is $39 when you purchase online (regular $44). Call (714) 220-5200.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands in Georgia is an inland beach, RV/camping resort, and entertainment complex with a water park. There’s a “wild waves” pool, a “raging river,” and a “black out” slide in total darkness, plus slides, loops, drops, twisters, and vertical plummets. For little ones, the “Fun Zone” has kid-sized slides, waves, foam parties, and sprinklers. On Fridays, military members with valid ID and anyone over age 62 can save $14 and pay $32 admission (regularly $46). If you decide to spend a night or two, military members save 15 percent on lodging. (Use promo code MIL-1st if booking online.) And if you decide to camp out, you’ll get a 10-percent discount at Shoal Creek campgrounds. Call (470) 323-3440.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Ind., is a combination theme park and water park with roller coasters, family rides, and live entertainment. The water park boasts the world’s longest “water coasters,” wave pools, raft slides, and water slides. Guests enjoy free soft drinks, free parking, free inner-tubes, free sunscreen, and free Wi-Fi. Military members, veterans, and Gold Star family members pay $38.99 for admission to both the theme park and the water park (pay $35.99 if you’re over age 60), a $16 savings. Show your ID at the ticket booth. Learn more.
For an especially kid-friendly vacation, check out Great Wolf Lodge — North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts with properties across the U.S. and Canada. Room rates vary by property and season, and active duty and retired military personnel get up to 30 percent off through the resorts’ Howling Heroes discount. Water park passes are included with the room. To get the discount when booking online, use promo code “HEROES” and show valid military ID upon check in.
Deals are available as of June 4, 2019, and may be subject to change.