Alabama is home to many fun attractions that are perfect for spending a summer day. One of these attractions in particular is a water park that's hidden within another park. This water park is known as Water World Water Park, and it's the perfect summer attraction for the entire family.
Water World Water Park, built in 1980, is located within Dothan, Alabama's Westgate Park. It covers approximately 12 acres and is open from May to September.
Water World's main attraction is its Giant Rip Tide Wave Pool. This impressive wave pool is filled with 450,000 gallons of water and erupts into 3-foot waves every 10 minutes.
The Triple Flume Water Slide is another attraction at Water World Water Park. Each of these three water slides are 400 feet long and will send you twisting and turning into the water below.
Note: There are only two water slides in the photo because the third one splits off.
If you're the ultimate thrill seeker, you'll want to try Water World's Great White Water Slide. This water slide will send you plunging up a 42-foot tower. You'll go back and forth until entering the water below.
Children absolutely love the Tadpole Hole Kiddie Pool that was designed especially for them. This attraction includes kiddie water slides, floating lily pads and a whimsical rain tree.
While Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches are best known as destinations for sun lovers in the late spring and summer, few stray far from the beach to see the full scope of the region's many natural assets. If you're one of those folks, change it up next time you visit and add the Gulf State Park Nature Center to your itinerary. One of the best free things to do in Orange Beach, the nature center offers free and fun programming for the whole family all year.
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Fishing and Education Pier 20800 E. Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores AlabamaPhoto taken on September 28, 2021Morning sun blast through an opening in the fishing pier. Dramatic colorful clouds fill the sky. The sand along the shore glistens in the morning sunlight.
Families local to Orange Beach love the presentations and hands-on activities that teach all about coastal wildlife, history, and natural science topics relevant to the region. Events and activities include guided nature walks on the pier, the beach, through marshlands, and other ecosystems. The center itself houses native plants and animals you can visit anytime during open hours.
Speaking of, the Gulf State Park Pier reopened in August 2024 after an extensive reconstruction project that began in November 2023. The project restored a 200-foot section taken out in September 2020 by Hurricane Sally. While some programming happens at the pier, the nature system is 1.6 miles to the northeast within the Gulf State Park Campground.
From the pier, it's about a 30-minute walk, a 15-minute bike ride, or a four-minute drive (if you want to pay $2 to enter the campground). From the pier, you go east on Highway 182, aka Alabama's Coastal Connection, turn left to go north on Campground Road and follow it about a mile to the nature center. If you're a lodge, cabin, cottage, or campground guest, you do not have to pay the fee to enter the campground.
Inside the center, interactive exhibits focus on local ecosystems, including the beach, dune, maritime forest, freshwater marsh, and longleaf pine habitats. One of the main highlights is its live animal exhibits, which feature native species such as snakes, turtles, fish, and birds of prey. Knowledgeable staff are on-site to share information about each species, their role in the ecosystem, and the importance of conservation efforts.
There are educational programs and workshops for people of all ages. Besides nature walks, weekly programs may include presentations on topics like sea turtles, alligators, and native plants, as well as nature-inspired arts and crafts activities.
The nature center is wheelchair-accessible and has restrooms and a gift shop on-site. While hours vary by season, it's open seven days a week. Check the hours by season on the Gulf State Park website and get the latest programming news on the Gulf State Park Facebook page.
If you're planning a Gulf Coast vacation soon, check out this lovely cottage Airbnb rental not from the pier in Gulf Shores.
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Let us know if you go! We think you'll agree the Gulf State Park Nature Center is one of the best things to do in Orange Beach.
Pack your sunscreen and get ready for a fun-filled adventure to a family entertainment paradise! I am about to take you on the best summer family day trip in Alabama to Tropic Falls. Virtually, of course, and once you learn all the improvements the park has rolled out over the past few years, you'll be ready to hit the road for real. Ready to round out your 2024 summer bucket list before it ends?
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Tropic Falls at OWA, formerly known as The Park at OWA, underwent a massive expansion in 2022 and 2023, transforming it into a tropical wonderland of rollercoasters, a water park, and dozens of family-friendly rides and attractions. This award-winning resort, owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, is located in Foley, Alabama, just minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico. You may have heard of another Foley attraction, Lambert's Cafe. If you haven't, keep it in mind if you make this trip.
Getting to Tropic Falls at OWA is a breeze. Just hop on Interstate 65 South and head towards the beautiful Alabama coast. For time reference, it's about a four-hour drive from Birmingham in moderate traffic. New mascot Tuki the Toucan is waiting for you.
A huge (OK, massive) draw to the resort is its 100,000-square-foot indoor water park. Zoom down all 11 adrenaline-pumping water slides, including one that puts you on a 75-foot free-fall with a drop floor that'll leave you screaming for more. If you prefer something more relaxed, a lazy river float is in order.
Outdoor water features include the 30,000-square-foot outdoor wave pool, Big Water Bay, a surf simulator, private cabana rentals, and plenty of places for a bite to eat, beverages, and snacks.
Beyond the aquatic attractions, the theme park has 23 rides and attractions. They range from family-friendly options like the Flying Tigers and Flutter By to more daring thrill rides like the Wave Rider and Rollin' Thunder rollercoaster.
The Flying Carousel puts a spin on the traditional carnival ride, lifting you into the air and spinning you outward with a bird's eye view of the surrounding grounds. This one is a favorite that's suitable for all ages and adventure levels.
After all that excitement, you'll want to take a stroll through Downtown OWA, a pedestrian-only streetscape inspired by Southern small towns. There, you'll find plenty of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Tropic Falls even hosts small-town type community events throughout the year, like a Mardi Gras parade and annual Christmas tree lighting.
Tropic Falls at OWA is big on celebrations, even throwing a birthday party for Tuki the Toucan in July. If you can't plan a visit around one of the bigger events, there are always music, screenings and other happenings at the park's OWA Theater, plus regularly scheduled bands performing live music during the summer concert series at OWA Island Amphitheater.
You can find more details about hours and costs on the Tropic Falls at OWA website and keep up with the resort's latest news on the OWA Parks & Resort Facebook page.
We think you'll agree this is the best summer family day trip in Alabama. If you want to extend your stay, check out this Mobile area multi-attraction pass that will save you money on admission fees to over a dozen destinations throughout the area. Let us know if you go, and share your favorite ride or attraction with us.
