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Exploring Atlantic City's Island Waterpark

The moment you walk into Island Waterpark, you're greeted by a large man-made waterfall. Don't miss out on this perfect family photo-op! Staff members nearby are usually happy to help snap the perfect pic of the whole fam here. 

Once inside, you'll have access to a few huge slides and some that are much more kid-friendly. There are two pools—a circular one for families and the larger rectangular Bliss Pool only accessible with a VIP pass.

The park features 11 water slides, a Flowrider wave machine for bodyboarding, one general admission pool and one VIP pool, a lazy river, and plenty of splash pads for the little ones. 

An indoor boardwalk with lush plants and greenery winds through the park for easy access and great views. And although the high arched roof isn't much to look at, during warmer months the entire roof and the waterfront side of Paradise Island opens up for some fresh beach air—and, fair warning, occasional wind. 

While outside food isn't allowed, the park features four restaurants with kid-friendly food options, including pizza, chicken fingers, fries, and ice cream. And don't stress bringing enough cash, as all the restaurants and the gift shop are cashless, only accepting credit cards. 

You'll also find beautifully designed and spacious bathrooms, showers, and lockers available for rent. 

As kid-oriented as the water park is, it also remembers to give the adults some breathing room. Grab a drink from one of the four bars spread out across the park (six, if you count the two VIP options). The VIP-only Paradise Island is another adult-oriented area of the park. In fact, it used to be 21 and over only (and might return to this in the summer). Paradise Island features the peaceful Bliss Pool, with incredible views out onto the Atlantic City Boardwalk, as well as additional seating for all, more cabanas for rent, large TVs, and one of the aforementioned VIP bars. 

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Enjoy mini slides, pools, and an interactive play area at Kids Cove. Photo courtesy of the park

Island Waterpark's Kid-Friendly Slides and Attractions

Island Waterpark is a kid-oriented attraction. While some rides have a height minimum (usually 48"), the rest are open for children to enjoy. The two pools don't go beyond four feet deep, and there are plenty of life jackets available to borrow scattered throughout the park. 

There are three areas, in particular, that are young-child-friendly, and two of them span a large portion of the water park. 

Slide Island is a splash pad adventure course, like a watery jungle gym. It features five slides, many sprinklers, a giant bucket that fills up over time until it overflows with an exciting "whoosh," and plenty of space to explore. One slide is restricted to kids over 48" tall, but staff are always manning the slide to keep the littles safe.

When the kids are ready for a break, the whole family can go on a leisurely float down the lazy river, which goes around nearly the entire water park and has multiple entry and exit points. There are special tubes with bottoms for the youngest kids.

The smallest kids in your group also get their own dedicated space at the Kids Cove, which is only for kids under 36". This spot is tiny, consisting of two slides on a splash pad, but the toddlers playing when we visited were having a blast despite the small size. 

The Best Options for Older Kids at Island Waterpark

Older kids will find plenty to do at the park too, if they're a bit too old for splash pads. Many experiences meant for older kids and adults have a size minimum, so be on the lookout for those (or ask a friendly staff member). 

If you have a young thrill-seeker, they'll love the incredible slides, some of which you undoubtedly spotted from outside. Enjoy the twisty Electric Eel, the super speedy Barracuda Blaster, the tubular Sonic Serpent, and the insanely tall Tidal Racers. 

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Older kids can try bodyboarding on the Flowrider. 

Ready for something different? The Wild Wave Flowrider is a safe way to experience bodyboarding. Try to stay on the board while sitting or lying down, as a wave sends you up the incline. Even if you've never surfed before, this is a great place to start. The crowd hanging out by the machine was super supportive, cheering everyone on even if they didn't know them. 

And if you or the kids are interested in stand-up surfing, you can book a lesson before or after the water park opens. (Standing up to surf isn't allowed during regular waterpark hours, no matter how good you are!)

Exploring the Waterpark's Extra Features

In addition to the VIP package, which gives you access to Paradise and its bar and lounge area, Island Waterpark has some optional goodies for an additional fee.

Cabanas are available to rent, if you want an extra comfy space to hang out with your group (though there are plenty of free seats besides these). There are also two large party rooms for birthday parties and special events. And for extra special events, you can rent out the entire second floor of the treehouse. 

Time your visit right and you'll also get to partake in year-round events like concerts, private lessons, and seasonal activities like the weekly "After Dark" late admission party.

Finally, you don't want to miss the Lucky Snake Arcade, which you get a preview of on the way to the water park's entrance. This absolutely massive arcade is the biggest we've ever seen—in fact, it's the self-proclaimed "world's largest arcade." You can load up your wristbands with arcade credits and unleash the kids (and adults!) on the arcade. There's so much to explore here! In addition to video games new and old, there are also claw machines, bumper cars, go-carts, mini-golf, a roller skating rink, an entire pinball room, and so much more. It's well worth a visit while you're here.

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Float down the lazy river for a relaxing time. Photo courtesy of the park

Know Before You Go to Island Waterpark: Ticketing and Other Prep

• Before you pile the family into the car and head out for a day of splashing around, you'll want to get your tickets. In fact, booking in advance unlocks a few perks, depending on where you book. If you plan to stay in the Showboat Hotel, a package deal will net you a discount for both the room and water park admission. Only here for a day trip? Buy tickets on the Island Waterpark website for free parking. If you know you'll be returning regularly, you can also opt for a subscription and enjoy the park as often as you want!
• You should also keep in mind that the water park doesn't offer complimentary towels, so you'll need to bring your own. Towels are available for purchase at the park, but they're pricey.
• And while towels go into the pack, food should stay out—outside food isn't allowed into the park and you can bring one sealed bottle of water per person in your party.

Getting There: How to Get to Island Waterpark in Atlantic City

• If you're driving in, you can easily spot Island Waterpark from outside: several of its massive slides wind around each other along the outside of the building. Unless you're starting at Showboat Hotel or have access to the VIP private check-in area, you'll need to enter through the main hotel entrance on the boardwalk. 
• Getting to the park's entrance will take you through the Lucky Snake Arcade, past the spa, and around the hallways of the hotel lobby. In fact, it's a bit of a walk—it took me nearly 10 minutes to get from the boardwalk to the water park!—and the signage isn't always clear, so don't be afraid to ask for directions!
• The main ticketing area for the water park is a while away from the park, and you'll need to get your wristbands before heading to the park proper. More arcade machines greet you at the main entrance, along with a bag check, and then you're in! 

Unless noted, photos by the author