Anybody in Southwest Missouri will tell you that summers here get HOT. The sun will bake, the humidity will set in, and unless you are a hardcore outdoors person, being out of the shade is not altogether pleasant. Unless you’re in a wave pool. Or on a water slide. Or floating down a lazy river. Where can you find all of these things in one place? Branson’s White Water, of course! With summertime and wicked heat just around the corner, you’ll want to plan your watery excursion as soon as the gates open. Read on for some White Water facts and planning tips!
White Water in a Nutshell
White Water is Branson, Missouri’s one and only water based theme park. A division of Silver Dollar City attractions, this park was designed for fun in the sun – while staying cool! Thirteen acres of water rides and slides, White Water has a little something for everyone – whether you’re a thrill seeker, a beach bum, or a stay-in-the-water-till-your-fingers-wrinkle type. White Water offers a variety of water attractions with varying thrill levels: The Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay, a relaxing inner tube floating experience; Ohana Falls, a fast-paced raft ride down a giant water slide with friends; Surf’s Up Wave Pool, a wavy, watery adventure for all ages to enjoy as you float the waves on an inner tube, and Kalani Towers, a choice between freefalling seventy-five feet down the drop slides at forty miles per hour or slip sliding down the mat racer while trying to beat family and friends in the other lanes! These are just a handful of the fun rides you’ll find at White Water.
Your Passport to Fun – Tickets and Season Passes
White Water has a couple of different options as far as admission to enter the park goes. If you plan on frequenting White Water all summer long to beat the heat, you’ll want to consider purchasing a season pass. For less than the cost of two days’ worth of admissions, you can purchase a pass that will get you into the park for as many days as you want during the operating season. Season pass costs are: $79 plus tax for a child’s pass (4-11 years), $89 plus tax for an adult (12-61 years) and $83 plus tax for seniors (62 + years). If you plan on only spending the day at the park, a regular admission ticket will be the best way to go. One day general admission tickets to White Water cost $44.64 with tax for adults, $37.94 with tax for children and $32.36 with tax for seniors. Group tickets for, say, a reunion or a party can also be purchased – call the park for details.
Planning Your White Water Excursion
A day of waves and splashing at White Water can be great fun, but it requires a little planning to be a comfortable and safe experience. First, apply sunscreen heavily and continue to reapply throughout the day. Stay well hydrated and nourished – plenty of water and some light protein-rich snacks should be added to your beach bag. (Lockers are available for rent to keep your gear in) Several snack shacks and vending machines are also located throughout the park. Always designate a meeting place and have friends and family check in every couple of hours. And for parents with babies and toddlers, it is crucial that small swimmers have a hat, a drink and LOTS of sunscreen. And respect their limits – some small children find the noise and waves frightening, so the Lazy River may be all that they can handle.
A trip to White Water is one of the best ways to stay cool in Branson. With a little bit of prep and planning, it’s sure to be a day trip to remember.
