Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park: A Must-Visit Attraction in Destin, Florida
If you’re planning a trip to Destin, Florida, one of the must-visit attractions is Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park. This incredible park offers a wide range of water-based and non-water activities, making it the perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the various attractions and amenities that make Big Kahuna’s a must-visit destination during your time in Destin.
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Overview
Located in the heart of Destin, Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park boasts over 40 attractions, making it arguably the best (and really the only) water park in town. Its convenient location ensures easy accessibility, and its wide range of attractions caters to visitors of all ages and interests. From adrenaline-pumping water slides to kids areas and leisurely non-water activities, Big Kahuna’s has something for everyone.
Adrenaline-Pumping Water Slides and Attractions
For thrill-seekers, Big Kahuna’s offers an array of exhilarating water slides, including Jumanji, a twisting, turning ride that sends riders through dark tunnels and sudden drops, providing the ultimate thrill experience. The Maui Pipeline is another crowd favorite, featuring a 5-story drop before riders shoot out into a pool below.
Other popular water slides at Big Kahuna’s include the Kowabunga Racer, where riders can race each other down a six-lane slide, and the Cyclone, which sends riders spiraling down a corkscrew slide. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the park also features a lazy river and a wave pool, allowing visitors to enjoy the water at a more leisurely pace.
There’s also a newly renovated kids area that’s in it’s own corner of the park to keep you and the little tikes entertained all day long.
Non-Water Attractions and Amenities
In addition to its water-based attractions, Big Kahuna’s offers a variety of non-water activities, such as go-karts, mini-golf, and a ropes course. The park also provides several dining options, with restaurants and snack bars scattered throughout the park. Visitors can even rent cabanas or private party areas for larger groups, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Big Kahuna’s operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, making it the perfect destination during Destin’s peak tourist season. The park also offers discounted tickets for groups of 15 or more, making it an affordable option for large families and gatherings.
The Track Family Recreation Center: A Unique Mix of Fun and Excitement
Another popular attraction in Destin is The Track Family Recreation Center. While not a traditional water park, The Track offers a range of water-based attractions, as well as a variety of non-water activities, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a unique mix of fun and excitement.
Water-Based Attractions at The Track
The Track features bumper boats and Water Wars, where visitors can engage in water spraying battles aboard bumper boats. These attractions provide a fun and entertaining experience for visitors, as they bump into each other and splash each other with water.
Non-Water Activities at The Track
For those seeking non-water activities, The Track offers go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade. The go-karts come in different speeds, allowing visitors to choose the level of intensity that’s right for them.
A standout attraction is the Wild Woody, a three-story wooden track that provides a thrilling ride through steep hills, banked turns, and hairpin curves.
The mini-golf course features a tropical island theme, complete with waterfalls and lush plants, creating an immersive experience for players. Meanwhile, the arcade offers a great opportunity for visitors to cool off while enjoying classic and modern games.
Thrill Rides
In addition to water-based attractions, go-karts, mini-golf, and the arcade, The Track also offers an array of thrill rides that cater to adrenaline junkies and adventure-seekers. These rides provide an exhilarating experience, making The Track an even more enticing destination for visitors in Destin.
SkyFlyer: A Thrilling Swing Ride Experience
The SkyFlyer is one of the most popular thrill rides at The Track. This exhilarating swing ride lifts visitors high into the air, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. As the ride begins to spin, riders can feel the excitement build as they soar through the sky with their feet dangling freely. This high-flying adventure offers an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Hurricane 360: A Spin-Tastic Adventure
Another must-try thrill ride at The Track is the Hurricane 360, a gravity-defying experience that spins riders in multiple directions. As the ride starts to rotate, riders are lifted into the air and spun around at high speeds, creating a thrilling sensation that’s not for the faint of heart. This unique ride is sure to leave visitors exhilarated and wanting more.
Spinning Coaster: A Twisting and Turning Roller Coaster Experience
For roller coaster enthusiasts, The Track offers the Spinning Coaster, a compact yet thrilling roller coaster experience. This ride takes visitors on a wild journey, with tight twists and turns that are amplified by the coaster’s spinning cars. The combination of the spinning motion and the roller coaster’s dynamic track layout makes for an exciting and unforgettable ride.
With these heart-pounding thrill rides, The Track Family Recreation Center further solidifies its position as a must-visit attraction in Destin, Florida. Offering a diverse range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages, The Track ensures a fun and memorable experience for everyone in your group.
Shipwreck Island in Panama City Beach
A Fun-Filled Day Trip to Shipwreck Island Water Park
Though not located in Destin, Shipwreck Island Water Park in Panama City Beach is well worth the drive for a fun-filled day trip. Situated just over an hour away from Destin, the park offers a variety of aquatic attractions that cater to families and water enthusiasts alike. Although traffic can be an issue, planning ahead ensures that you’ll be able to make the most of your visit to this exciting water park.
Pirate-Themed Slides and Attractions
Shipwreck Island Water Park is designed with a pirate theme, immersing visitors in a swashbuckling adventure as they enjoy the park’s various slides, pools, and attractions. The park’s signature attraction, the Pirate’s Plunge Racing Slide, features two side-by-side slides that allow visitors to race each other to the bottom.
Other popular water slides at Shipwreck Island include the Tree Top Drop, a free-fall slide that sends riders plummeting down a steep drop, and the Raging Rapids, a white-water rafting-inspired slide that takes riders on a thrilling, bumpy ride.
Relaxing Pools and Water Features
For those seeking a more laid-back experience, Shipwreck Island offers a variety of relaxing water features, such as the Ocean Motion Wave Pool and the Lazy River. The wave pool allows visitors to enjoy the sensation of ocean waves, while the lazy river provides a leisurely float through the park, complete with lush tropical landscaping.
The park also features an activity pool with interactive water features, such as tipping buckets and water cannons, as well as a kiddie area designed specifically for younger children. This ensures that visitors of all ages can have a fun and memorable experience at Shipwreck Island Water Park.
Dining Options and Amenities
To keep visitors fueled throughout the day, Shipwreck Island offers various dining options, including snack bars and a sit-down restaurant. Guests can choose from a range of food options, such as burgers, pizza, and ice cream, ensuring that everyone’s tastes are catered to.
The park also provides locker rentals, changing rooms, and gift shops, ensuring that all the necessary amenities are available for a comfortable and enjoyable day trip.
Shipwreck Island Water Park is a fantastic day trip option for those visiting Destin, Florida. With its pirate-themed slides and attractions, relaxing water features, and a variety of amenities, this water park offers a fun and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. So, if you’re looking for an exciting adventure beyond Destin, be sure to add Shipwreck Island Water Park to your itinerary.
Closing Thoughts
It goes without saying that Destin, Florida, and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of water-based attractions and family-friendly destinations that cater to both thrill-seekers and those looking for a more leisurely experience.
From the adrenaline-pumping water slides and non-water activities at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park and The Track Family Recreation Center to the exciting day trip option at Shipwreck Island Water Park in Panama City Beach, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement to be had.
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, these attractions provide unforgettable experiences that are sure to create lasting memories during your visit to the beautiful Emerald Coast beaches. So, pack your swimsuits and get ready to dive into a world of aquatic adventures and entertainment in Destin, Florida!
