Make a Splash: Waterparks Worth the Drive
Island Oasis Water Park
321 E. Fonner Park Rd., Grand Island, NE
General Pricing: $9.50 (adults); $8.50 (youth ages 4-18); 3 and under are free
Island Oasis is central Nebraska’s largest, most feature-packed waterpark, and it’s worth the drive. Spanning over six acres, it offers high-energy attractions and relaxing spaces for all ages.
Highlights include a massive wave pool and multiple high-speed slides, with drops up to six stories. Younger children can enjoy zero-depth splash areas, fountains, and smaller slides. With a 750-foot lazy river, sand play, volleyball, and lily pad walks, it’s an all-day adventure.
Pawnee Plunge Water Park
560 33rd Ave., Columbus, NE
General Pricing: $10 per person (ages 4+); free for ages 3 and under
If your family loves variety, Pawnee Plunge delivers. This Columbus favorite is known for having one of the most unique features in the state: a FlowRider® surf simulator, where kids and adults can try their hand at riding a wave without leaving Nebraska.
Beyond that, it checks every classic waterpark box. There’s a lazy river for relaxing floats, multiple large slides including speed and tube options, and a zero-depth entry pool with splash features perfect for younger kids. Older kids can test out the climbing wall or dive platforms, while shaded seating and concessions make it easy to stay all day.
This is the kind of place where families can spread out, find their rhythm, and easily spend an afternoon bouncing between thrills and downtime.
Star City Shores Aquatic Center
4375 S. 33rd Ct., Lincoln, NE
General Pricing: $6.50 (adults); $5.25 (youth ages 3-17); 2 and under are Free
If you’re staying local, Star City Shores is Lincoln’s go-to for an easy water outing. While it’s smaller than regional waterparks, it still offers plenty for families, including water slides, a zero-entry pool, and interactive play features.
It’s perfect for a spontaneous afternoon or when you want to keep things simple!
Water Park at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
28500 W. Park Hwy., Ashland, NE
General Pricing: $15 per person (ages 6+), $10 per person (ages 5 and under)
Mahoney State Park offers a well-rounded experience that pairs perfectly with a full day outdoors. While it’s part of a larger state park, the aquatic center is a major draw!
Families will find multiple large water slides, a wave pool-style experience, and a lazy river, along with spacious lounging areas. What makes Mahoney especially appealing is the flexibility: you can swim for a few hours, then explore hiking trails, playgrounds, or even grab a cabin for an overnight stay.
It’s an ideal option for families who want more than a typical pool day or are looking to turn their outing into a mini staycation.