Getting out and doing fun things throughout the summer means different things to different people. Some may prefer to visit and support different libraries in their networks, others might be drawn to rigorous hikes, and even more folks could be interested in taste-testing their way through the oldest bars in Iowa. But if you’ve got a partner or children—or even just want to spend a fun day on your own—there’s arguably nothing better than checking out local amusement and water parks.
For many of us, frolicking from roller coaster to roller coaster or splashing loved ones in the wave pool are core childhood memories. And the good news is that you can recreate those memories or pass them down now. We’ve taken a look at Iowa’s most popular amusement and water parks to give you all the details you need to know regarding when they open, how much their tickets cost, and any special perks they have that may make you want to visit.
Ultimately, which one you book will depend on your location and personal taste, but this list should give you a full view of each option before you finalize your summer calendar.
1. Lost Island Themepark
Address: 2600 E Shaulis Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Prices: $43 Monday-Thursday, $46 Friday-Sunday
Lost Island Themepark is opening for the summer on Saturday, May 23, first only on weekends, then seven days a week starting on Friday, June 5. This amusement park has endless opportunities for fun, whether you’re a kid who wants to play at the Sand Castle attraction or a thrill-seeker who wants to soar through the air on roller coasters. Lost Island Themepark also has three eateries for all of your midday munchies.
There are even water rides, like Yuta Falls, and water-gun fights, like Awaati Water Battle. Oh, and there’s a full waterpark you can attend if you want to spend the whole day in the water.
2. Lost Island Waterpark
Address: 2225 E Shaulis Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Prices: $32 Monday-Thursday, $34 Friday-Sunday
Called “an unforgettable oasis unlike any other” on its website, Lost Island Waterpark is a premier sweat-relief option in Waterloo. This waterpark will surround you with tropical vibes—in the form of island-themed music and palm trees—transporting you to the Bahamas. With 11 waterslides and counting, there’s never a lack of rides to enjoy. There’s also endless fun for the kids thanks to the park’s mermaid cove, an attraction featuring myriad starfish, and a kiddie pool.
If you’d like to visit both the waterpark and theme park, you can purchase an Island Pass for $62 for one day or $75 for two days. The latter is one of the best deals in the state if you have two days to visit!
3. Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Address: 37 Lake St, Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Prices: $41.95 for folks 44” and taller, $29.95 for folks under 44”
Arnolds Park Amusement Park is slated to open its doors for the summer on Saturday, May 16, and it comes with a storied history dating back to the mid-1800s. The park got its name in 1882 and its first attraction seven years later. The momentum kept growing from there, and now, thousands of folks flock to the amusement park every summer for traditional kids’ rides, family rides like the classic Tilt-A-Whirl, and rush-inducing rides like the Legend Roller Coaster.
On the premises, you’ll also find a museum, race cars, and the Queen II, a big steamboat that still ferries folks around to enjoy beautiful, warm days under the sun. Ride tickets cost just $10 for children or $20 for folks aged 13 and up.
4. Huck’s Harbor
Address: 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington, IA 52601
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Prices: $12 general admission, $5 after 5 p.m.
Huck’s Harbor may not have a definite opening date yet—it’s been “delayed” until “mid-summer,” according to the park’s website—but you may want to give it a shot when it does. Located at the FunCity resort in Burlington, Huck’s Harbor has everything you need for a refreshing summer day: a splash pad, waterslides, a lazy river, and an activity pool. There’s even a snowball station featuring over 20 flavor options to keep you cool. Now doesn’t that sound dreamy?
5. Adventureland
Address: 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Prices: $69.99 (on sale for $44.99 at the time of writing)
Like many other parks on this list, Adventureland is set to welcome guests for the season starting on Saturday, May 16. Adventureland is one of the biggest parks on this list, and its list of eateries alone shows it. It has everything from a funnel cake shop to a pizza restaurant and a french fry stand—and these only scratch the surface.
Adventureland’s list of rides is far longer, too, with almost 50 options to choose from. These range from carousels and swing rides to roller coasters and bumper cars. Because there are so many, there’s truly something for everyone. Oh, and if you get hot, you can check out Adventureland’s waterpark, Adventure Bay, which is included in the ticket you already bought.
6. Adventure Bay
Address: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Prices: $69.99 (on sale for $44.99 at the time of writing)
Adventureland’s waterpark, Adventure Bay, is an aquatic dream. It has several different areas where kids can play, and there are waterslides and a lazy river to keep thrill-seekers and sunbathers alike pleased. The waterpark is big enough that you shouldn’t run into any overcrowding issues, and if you forget sunscreen or goggles, the park has you covered in its shops. So, really, there’s no reason not to give this one a go, especially if you already bought a ticket to the amusement park.
7. Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
Address: 350 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday-Friday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Prices: $12-$24 for adults, $10-$20 for children
Don’t want to wait until peak summer to head to the waterpark? Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark has you covered. This indoor waterpark operates year-round, and it’s open four days a week at the time of writing, though it will go to seven days a week beginning at the top of June. The admission cost varies by day, but it’s always cheaper than going to a big amusement park. Plus, with both pools and attractions like waterslides spanning more than 25,000 square feet, you won’t miss the amusement park.
8. Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark
Address: 630 Linden Dr, Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark, located at Bridges Bay Resort, offers both an indoor waterpark and a large outdoor pool area to keep the party pumpin’. The indoor park is open year-round, though for limited hours, while the outdoor pool area is open in the summer only. The summer season is set to begin at Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark on Saturday, May 23, so visitors can expect the pool to be open every day and the indoor park to have more hours. Exact hours and pricing have yet to be announced, but the park’s website notes that they should arrive soon.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Related: 11 best spring & summer festivals in Iowa in 2026
