Kansas City Forum: Best Water Park

At this point, Oceans of Fun. Probably for a few more years.

I have since read about the Coco Key Water Resort and Great Wolf Lodge. My guess is that neither of those is as nice, right? They seem more like the thing if you have all young children and want an all-inclusive deal.

Great Wolf Lodge seems to be really nice. New water slide that looks like fun for kids. They also have a miniature gold course on site. Staying there you would also have close access to Schlitterbahn, The Wizards soccer games, T-Bones baseball, shopping, Cabela's, etc, etc. I really wouldn't say it is aimed at small children.

Great Wolf is great for small children. Not so much for those over about 14.

Great Wolf Lodge and Coco Key are water parks located inside of hotels, whereas Schlitterbahn and Oceans of Fun are outdoor water parks. I don't know about Coco Key, but as far as Great Wolf Lodge is concerned, you have to stay there in order to use the water park facilities. Something to consider about Schlitterbahn as opposed to Oceans of fun is that I believe parking is free at Schlitterbahn, and you can bring in picnic food. The last time I was at OOF, which was probably three years ago, the cost to park was $7, and you had to eat any food you brought along with you outside the park gates. It was a hassle for my husband to go back to the car to get our picnic food.

Good points but both Great Wolf (in KC, KS) and Coco (in MO) are hotel-based. Great Wolf may only allow guests there, not sure so inquire. Coco is primarily indoors "attraction" to lure overnight guests. Neither may be what you're wanting. Go with Oceans of Fun. Maybe a bit rundown (never been in 20 yrs here) so doublecheck.

We just got back from Great Wolf Lodge earlier this year, and we had a BLAST. Of course, we have kids age 8 and 4. We looked into the Coco Key one, but reviews just werent as high as GWL. A bit pricey, but we loved it. OOF is outdoor like they said, and its been around for 20+ years. Ive not been to the new Schlitterban (sp?), but I dont know if its all finished yet. Great Wolf Lodge is a real nice facility, very clean, good lifeguards on duty. And, its in the middle of a shopping district, so if you wanted to do some shopping on a break from the water, its right there.

Update...went to Schlitterbahn KC last weekend. Short story: Over priced for what you get (park not nearly finished) but we had a great time. Price a little higher than trip to movie bc we brought own food into park.

Plus: Park is clean, family centered and very safe.

But even on a mid-summer Saturday we had a blast going round and round on the not-so "lazy" river bc it has no lines to wait in. Raging Rapids had fast moving line (in the water so stayed cooled off) and though it was too short a run, we could go several times bc wait is so short. Other rides and slides had too long a wait.

When complete Schl KC will need to offer a quick que or somethng to help bypass long lines I am anticipating.

So far trip to SeaWorld San Antonio was better and has invaluable $15 quick que for purchase!!

Several people recently told me that they liked being to take their own food & frink to Schlitterbahn. Something that is prohibited at Ocenas of Fun.

They also liked the lazy river which ksksmom liked, including the free floats.