Water parks in North Dakota provide cool relief for hot, dry summers and relief to families traveling through the open western areas of the United States on long summer drives. As an added bonus, indoor parks are available through the state for fun even without sun. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about North Dakota water parks. --Victoria Ross
Raging Rivers Water Park
Travelers weary from driving through North Dakota on Interstate 94 or touring nearby historic Bismarck will find relief from screaming children in the backseat in this water park. Situated near an I-94 exit and smack dab in the middle of the state, the water park is conveniently accessible from any direction. According to
, a bathhouse is available for changing, all lifeguards are fully CPR certified and safety and comfort is of utmost important to the staff.
Drop Into Pitch Black
The Black Hole Tube Slide provides an opportunity to drop 45 feet in pitch black, only to emerge victorious and squinting into the daylight below. Those brave of heart attempting this ride have only a single or double inner tube to cling to during the dark plunge. Note that the lines for this ride can be exceptionally long.
Slides And More
boasts tube slides, speed slides that feel like free fall, a lazy river and a kiddie pool. Small children will love the warm kiddie pool, while older children and adults will enjoy the wild rush of the slides and the soothing lazy river.
Concessions
The concession stand on-site is known as The Sand Bar, and this typical fast food water park concession stand serves items such as nachos, hamburgers, tacos and fries. Numerous ice cream treats and novelties are also available and prices range from $1.50 for chips to $7 for a chicken strips combo basket with fries.
Safety Record
Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at Raging Rivers Water Park.
Address: 2600 46th Ave. SE, Mandan, ND 58544
Phone: 701-663-3393
Hours: Park hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day weather permitting. If weather looks questionable or unseasonable, call the facility for hours and information.
Price: Adventurers taller than 48 inches, $14; guests shorter than 48 inches and seniors, $11; spectators only, $5; children younger than 2, free.
Splashers Of The South Seas
Is rain ruining a summer vacation? It's no problem, since Splashers of the South Seas is entirely indoors and open to the public. Guests of the Canad Inn receive a discounted day pass. Splashers of the South Seas hosts kiddie pools, water slides, and the Grand Forks hotel boasts a lazy river.
Main Attraction
According to
, this water park offers a slide called the Rarotonga. This slide is considered a "medium length" slide for children who can swim easily. Lines here are not as long as many outdoor water parks in the summer. Winter sees an increase in adventurers, so lines are longer.
Not Just For Kids
Adults will enjoy an adult-only hot tub and little ones will enjoy the kiddie pool area complete with a dumping water bucket. For the laid-back adult or tired child, a lazy river is also available.
Snacks
Water sport participants and spectators can eat at the Great Barrier Reef concession area and Garbonzo's Pizza and Arcade. Several typical concession stand-type snack options are available, but the pizza is the big draw. Tables and chairs are available as well as group party opportunities.
Safety Record
Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at Splashers of the South Seas in Grand Forks.
Address: 1000 South 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: 701-772-8404
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer and daily with varying hours the rest of the year. Check with the Canad Inn in advance to make sure the facility is not closed for maintenance.
Price: Cost for entry to enjoy water sports is $16 for the general public and $2 for observers. Hotel guests pay a reduced rate of $10 for entry. Children 3 and younger are free.
Other Noteworthy Parks Near North Dakota
What's your favorite water park in North Dakota?
Check out more WATER PARKS.
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