Last verified: January 10, 2026. Hours, seasonal openings, and prices can change—always confirm via the official ticket/calendar links below.
Where are the best places to get wet and wild in Las Vegas? If you want true “water park” thrills, the locals’ go-to options are the Cowabunga Vegas parks—Cowabunga Bay (Henderson) and Cowabunga Canyon (Summerlin/SW Las Vegas). If you want a “mix it up” day, you’ve also got the floating Aqua Park at Lake Las Vegas Water Sports (session-based + rentals), and the iconic Mandalay Bay Beach on the Strip (wave pool + lazy river when in season).
Water Parks in Las Vegas At-a-Glance
Pick the Right Park
- You want the “real waterpark” day (slides + all-day ticket): Choose Cowabunga Bay (Henderson) or Cowabunga Canyon (Summerlin/SW). Same ticket ladder—pick the closer location.
- You want a shorter “burst of fun” session: Lake Las Vegas Aqua Park is session-based (a floating obstacle course) and pairs well with lunch + a village stroll.
- You’re staying on the Strip and want resort-pool vibes: Mandalay Bay Beach is iconic (wave pool + lagoon areas). Non-guest access can be limited—check availability for your date.
Locals Money-Savers + Best Days to Go
Vegas water fun can be surprisingly affordable if you pick the right day and ticket type. Here’s the “locals playbook” for saving money without sacrificing the fun.
- Weekdays usually feel easier: shorter lines, easier seating, and less “peak day” pressure—especially in the hottest months.
- Look for “choose-your-day” pricing: if you can commit to a specific date, “choose-your-day” tickets can sometimes price lower than Any-Day (availability varies).
- Know the “gate-only” categories: Under 42″, Seniors 65+, Military, and “Summer Nights” are commonly listed as gate-only—plan accordingly if you want those rates.
- Use the “Summer Nights” window: if your crew doesn’t need an all-day stay, arriving late can be a value play.
- Shade is a strategy: on peak heat days, reserved seating/cabanas can be worth it for comfort—especially for families with little kids.
- Lake Las Vegas tip: Aqua Park is session-based—stack it with a meal or village stroll, and you’ve got a full “day out” without paying for an all-day waterpark ticket.
Water Park Pro Tips + “Know Before You Go” Checklist
- Always check the live calendar: Vegas waterparks are seasonal, and hours can change for weather/events.
- Arrive early: parking lines + chair hunting get real fast on weekends.
- Plan for “hot-ground” reality: in desert sun, pavement and exposed surfaces can get dangerously hot—protect feet (and little hands) with real water shoes.
- Bring a “dry-car kit”: an extra towel for seats + a trash bag/wet bag saves your upholstery.
- Expect bag checks: and know that many parks limit outside food/drinks—plan your cooler/snack strategy accordingly.
- Cashless reminder: some parks run cashless systems (card/mobile pay/cashless wristbands). If you’re bringing cash, plan to convert it on-site.
Quick “Know Before You Go” Checklist
✅ Confirm today’s hours on the official calendar
✅ Book/reserve in advance when available (tickets or seating)
✅ Bring real water shoes + a car towel & windshield shade
✅ Pack electrolytes + insulated water bottles
✅ Complete the online waiver ahead of time (where required)
Cowabunga Vegas Water Parks (Las Vegas “True Waterpark” Picks)
These are the two main full-scale water parks in the Las Vegas Valley. They share similar ticket categories and policies—so the easiest way to choose is: go to the one closest to where you’re staying.
Cowabunga Bay Waterpark (Henderson)
What to Expect: A full-scale family waterpark day: big slides, wave pool energy, kid zones, and plenty of places to cool off between thrills. This is the “classic waterpark” pick, located in Henderson just off Galleria Drive.
Days & Hours: Seasonal. Hours vary by date—use the official calendar to confirm your day.
Admission Prices (Any-Day ticket ladder):
- General Admission: $39.99
- Under 42″: $29.99 (gate-only)
- Ages 2 & under: Free (gate-only)
- Seniors 65+: $29.99 (gate-only)
- Military w/ valid ID: $34.99 (gate-only)
- “Summer Nights”: $29.99 for the final 3 hours before posted closing time (gate-only)
Important Policies (Quick-Read):
- Adult supervision: guests 16 & under must enter with a responsible adult 21+ (limit: up to 6 minors per adult).
- Parking: $10 per vehicle (bicycles free).
- Cashless: card/mobile pay/cashless wristband system.
- Outside food/drinks: not permitted inside; you can exit to the picnic area and re-enter; small coolers may be allowed for ice and factory-sealed water only (size limits apply).
- Lockers: available (small/medium/large pricing posted on the official policy page).
- Re-entry: hand stamp required.
Address: 900 Galleria Drive, Henderson, NV 89011
Phone: (725) 267-2262
Official Site: cowabungavegas.com/bay
Tickets: Cowabunga Bay tickets & passes
Any-Day Tickets (price ladder): Official Any-Day ticket prices
Hours & Location: Live calendar + directions
Park Policies (food, lockers, parking, supervision): Cowabunga Bay policies & FAQ
Cowabunga Canyon Waterpark (Summerlin / SW Las Vegas)
What to Expect: A full-day waterpark experience on the west side of town (Summerlin/SW Las Vegas area). It’s the park many longtime locals remember as Wet ’n’ Wild Las Vegas, now operating under the Cowabunga Vegas brand.
Days & Hours: Seasonal. Hours vary by date—use the official calendar to confirm your day.
Admission Prices (Any-Day ticket ladder):
- General Admission: $39.99
- Under 42″: $29.99 (gate-only)
- Ages 2 & under: Free (gate-only)
- Seniors 65+: $29.99 (gate-only)
- Military w/ valid ID: $34.99 (gate-only)
- “Summer Nights”: $29.99 for the final 3 hours before posted closing time (gate-only)
Important Policies (Quick-Read):
- Adult supervision: guests 16 & under must be accompanied by a responsible adult 21+ (limit: up to 6 minors per adult).
- Parking: $10 per vehicle (bicycles free).
- Cashless: card/mobile pay/cashless wristband system.
- Outside food/drinks: not permitted inside; you can exit to the picnic area and re-enter; small coolers may be allowed for ice and factory-sealed water only (size limits apply).
- Lockers: available (small/medium/large pricing posted on the official policy page).
- Re-entry: hand stamp required.
Address: 7055 S Fort Apache Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89148
Phone: (725) 267-2277
Official Site: cowabungavegas.com/canyon
Tickets: Cowabunga Canyon tickets & passes
Any-Day Tickets (price ladder): Official Any-Day ticket prices
Hours & Location: Live calendar + directions
Park Policies (food, lockers, parking, supervision): Cowabunga Canyon policies & FAQ
Other Water Fun (Not Traditional Water Parks)
These options are awesome for “something different” days—session-based adventures, lake activities, and resort-pool relaxation.
Lake Las Vegas Water Sports + Aqua Park (Henderson)
What to Expect: This is not a slide park—it’s a floating Aqua Park obstacle course plus a full menu of lake activities (electric boats, paddle boards, kayaks, flyboarding, and more). Great for families with confident swimmers and groups that want to mix water play with “Lake Las Vegas village” vibes.
Days & Hours: Seasonal + weather-dependent. Hours vary—reservations are strongly recommended (especially weekends/holidays).
Aqua Park Pricing (official booking listing): From $27.00 per person for a 45-minute session (pricing may vary by date and availability). Sessions typically begin on the hour and include a short safety/rules briefing before entry.
Aqua Park Rules You’ll Want to Know:
- Minimum age: children must be 6+ to participate.
- Kids 6–10: typically require an adult in the Aqua Park with them.
- Waiver: liability waiver required (complete ahead of time to save check-in time).
- No jewelry/piercings/accessories: no body jewelry, watches, etc. (safety rule).
- Must know how to swim; life jackets provided.
Address: 15 Costa Di Lago, Henderson, NV 89011
Phone: (702) 600-9860
Official Site: lakelasvegaswatersports.com
Aqua Park Booking (official reservations): Aqua Park Pass reservations
Waiver: Complete the waiver
Mandalay Bay Beach (Las Vegas Strip)
What to Expect: Mandalay Bay Beach is an 11-acre resort pool complex with a wave pool, lagoon-style pools, and a lazy river (note: available areas and hours can vary by season). It’s one of the most “vacation-mode” pool days on the Strip.
Days & Hours: Open seasonally with hours and available pool areas varying by time of year. Always check the official page close to your visit.
Admission / Pricing (how it works):
- Hotel guests: pool access is included.
- Non-guests: Mandalay Bay states it offers a limited number of day passes depending on availability.
- Real pricing: day pass and reserved seating pricing can change by date/demand (and may sell out). Check the official portals below to see your date’s exact price.
- Typical benchmark: third-party day pass listings often start around $40+ for select dates, but can vary widely.
Wave Pool Safety Rule: All guests (accompanied or not) must be 48″ tall to enter the wave pool.
Address: 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (877) 305-3136
Official Beach Page: mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com
Non-Guest Day Pass FAQ (official): Mandalay Bay FAQ
Official MGM Pools Reservations: MGM Pools: Mandalay Bay
Optional: ResortPass Day Pass Listings: ResortPass: Mandalay Bay
The “Vegas Heat-Proof” Pro-Parent Packing List
Vegas heat hits different—especially on bright concrete around splash zones and walkways. On hot, sunny days, exposed pavement can get far hotter than the air, so this list is built for comfort and safety (and for getting back into your car without a meltdown).
1) The Footwear (Non-Negotiable)
- Water shoes with rubber soles: Skip cheap foam flip-flops (slippery + poor insulation). Go for real grip and real sole thickness.
- The “Car Towel” hack: Keep a separate dry towel in the car to cover child seats while you’re in the park—so buckles and seat surfaces don’t feel like a stovetop on return.
2) The “Desert-Strength” Sun Kit
- Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide): Many families prefer it because it’s less likely to sting when mixed with sweat/chlorinated water.
- SPF lip balm (SPF 30+): Desert air dries lips fast—this is the most forgotten “why are you crying?” item.
- Wide-brim or bucket hats: Baseball caps leave the ears and the back of the neck exposed.
3) Hydration & Cooling Gear
- Insulated metal water bottles: Plastic turns into “tea” fast—bring something that keeps ice intact.
- Electrolyte packets: Helpful on peak-heat days when plain water isn’t enough.
- Cooling neck towels: A lifesaver for parents posted up in a chair during kid-zone marathons.
4) The “Quick-Exit” Bag
- Leakproof wet bag: Keeps soggy suits from soaking the car/diaper bag.
- Talc-free baby powder: A local trick for removing sand/dirt from legs and feet before you get back in the car.
- Portable power bank: Heat can drain batteries faster—you’ll want power for photos, rides, and GPS.
FAQ: Las Vegas Water Parks
Q: What’s the best waterpark in Las Vegas for families?
A: For a classic “all-day waterpark” experience, most locals start with Cowabunga Bay (Henderson) or Cowabunga Canyon (Summerlin/SW). Pick the one closest to where you’re staying.
Q: Are Cowabunga discounted tickets available online?
A: Some discounted categories (like Under 42″, Seniors 65+, Military, and Summer Nights) are commonly listed as gate-only. For the best online deal, check “choose-your-day” tickets for select lower-priced dates (when available).
Q: Do Cowabunga parks require adult supervision for teens?
A: Yes—guests 16 and under must enter with a responsible adult 21+ (and there’s a limit on how many minors one adult can supervise). Always confirm current policy on the official FAQ page before you go.
Q: Can you bring food and drinks into Cowabunga?
A: Outside food/drinks generally aren’t allowed inside the park, but guests can typically exit to a picnic area and re-enter. Some exceptions may apply (like small coolers for ice + factory-sealed water, toddler snacks, and medical needs)—check the official policies.
Q: Can non-hotel guests use Mandalay Bay Beach?
A: Sometimes. Mandalay Bay states it offers a limited number of day passes depending on availability. The most accurate way to see pricing is to use the official reservation portal for your date.
Q: Is Mandalay Bay’s wave pool open year-round?
A: The resort’s pool operations can be seasonal—hours and available areas vary. Always check the official page close to your visit.
Q: What’s the minimum age for the Lake Las Vegas Aqua Park?
A: The official booking listing states kids must be 6+ to participate, and younger kids typically need an adult with them in the Aqua Park. It’s session-based (not an all-day waterpark).
More Ways to Cool Off in Las Vegas
- Prefer something simple and budget-friendly? Check out Las Vegas municipal swimming pools.
- Thirsty or hungry? Food and drinks are available inside most parks, and you may also find nearby options—see our guide to Las Vegas food trucks.
