For all the great attractions on the Grand Strand, nothing provides fun and relief on a hot day than a trip to one of the area’s waterparks. Whether it’s zipping down the flumes and splashing down into a cool pool or relaxing in the wave pool while the water lifts you up and down, waterparks offer a wealth of ways to beat the heat and have a good time. Here are the top five waterparks on the Strand and a little bit about what they have to offer:
- Long Bay: Yes, one of the best “waterparks” is located right in your back yard at Long Bay Resort. Although it doesn’t have the waterslides and wave pools of some of the larger, stand-alone facilities, Long Bay has one of the biggest indoor/outdoor water complexes on the coast. Hit the heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi while watching the waves and feeling the sea breeze, or move it indoors on cooler, cloudier days to ride the lazy river, relax in the hot tub and work up a sweat in the sauna. For the little ones, the tiki-themed kiddie playground offers a splashing good time. Long Bay guests can travel to an actual waterpark if needed, but it’s convenient having the next best thing right outside your oceanfront balcony.
- Myrtle Waves Water Park: The largest waterpark in South Carolina pumps more than 1 million gallons of water through the facility daily, providing several aquatic attractions to give you thrills and chills. Officially opening on Saturday, May 16, Myrtle Waves offers a wide selection of speed-course and twisting waterslides and flumes, a wave pool and lazy river, and a children's section with a large aquatic play area. Myrtle Waves also offers private cabanas where the parents can chill while the little ones hit all the rides and slides. Myrtle Waves offers half-priced admission on Sunday afternoons and special movie nights throughout the summer. For more information, visit www.myrtlewaves.com.
- Splashes Waterpark: Located across Ocean Boulevard from Family Kingdom, this new waterpark is the only one on the Myrtle Beach waterfront. Featuring towering speed flumes and twisting chute slides, Splashes gives guests the chance to get wet and wild while looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. For sun-up to sundown fun, purchase discounted combo passes and enjoy a full day at Splashes followed by a thrilling night on the Family Kingdom amusement rides. For more information, visit www.familykingdomfun.com.
- Trippo Waterslide: Although technically not a waterpark, this unique beachfront attraction is as close as you can get in North Myrtle Beach. Featuring a huge, inflatable hippopotamus-shaped amusement, the Trippo is the only place on the Grand Strand with a waterslide that deposits passengers directly on the sandy beach. The 40-foot-tall Trippo is three slides in one – a speed chute and two twisting pathways. Trippo is situated between First and Second Avenues in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach and opens Memorial Day weekend.
- Wild Water & Wheels Water Park: Located in nearby Surfside Beach, this thrill park offers much more than just water attractions. Yes, the wave pool, waterslides and lazy river are part of the main attraction, but Wild Water & Wheels offers so much more. Race your friends on the go-kart track and bounce them around on the bumper boats before hitting the putt-putt golf course or the arcade for some good-natured fun and games. Opening Friday, May 23, Wild Water & Wheels will kick off the season with its popular “Friday After Five” concert series featuring live music poolside. For more information, visit www.wild-water.com.
(Posted: 3/26/15)