Gulf Coast’s Premier Water Park Boasts Miles of Slides and Family Fun for All Ages

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Gulf Coast's Premier Water Park Boasts Miles of Slides and Family Fun for All Ages

As the weather turns warm and parents look for family-friendly outdoor adventures to take this summer, consider a trip to this fun, affordable Southern U.S. destination – home to one of the Gulf Coast’s largest water parks. Gulf Islands Waterpark, located in Gulfport, Mississippi, is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier destinations for aquatic adventures. With a diverse array of activities for all ages, the 18-acre park is not just for thrill-seekers, but families too. Not only are the attractions family-friendly, the prices are also easy on the wallet. A basic season pass offering unlimited visits for the summer is only $74.99 plus tax. Compared to the daily general admission prices of $29.99 for smaller folks or $48.99 for taller ones, the season pass is a steal! 



The park’s 2025 season began on May 18, bringing thousands of visitors eager to enjoy its plentiful attractions. Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, Gulf Islands Waterpark will operate under its typical hours of 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., opening the gates throughout the week to accommodate the summer crowd through July. Located just off Interstate 10, the park is easily accessible for travelers from across the Gulf Coast region.

Attractions for all ages make this park a hot destination

The Riptide Racer overlooks Gulf Island Waterpark.



At the heart of Gulf Islands Waterpark are its exhilarating rides. The Horn Island Blaster, billed as “the Gulf Coast’s first and only water roller coaster” on its website, propels riders through more than 500 feet of twists and turns, featuring uphill blasts and steep drops. If you want a group experience in the park, the Camille Cutter offers a 400-plus foot rafting adventure that allows up to four guests in each raft. Speed enthusiasts can challenge friends on the Riptide Racer, a head-first mat slide that pits up to six riders against each other in a race to the finish. Additionally, the Deer Island Express provides a dark and fast 357-foot tunnel slide, delivering the park’s most intense splashdown.

Beyond the adrenaline-pumping rides, Gulf Islands Waterpark offers attractions tailored for younger guests and families. Lil’ Pelican’s Bay is a 200-square-foot shallow water wading area designed for toddlers, featuring water cannons, giant squirt guns, and two open flume body slides totaling over 140 feet. The area is topped off by a huge bucket that fills and tips continually throughout the day, ensuring endless fun for the little ones. For a more relaxed experience, guests can float along the Lazy Pearl River, a continuous river that meanders past nearly every attraction in the park.

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Amenities abound at Gulf Islands Waterpark

Free tubes available at Gulf Islands Waterpark

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.