As we hit the hottest days of summer, everyone is seeking out ways to cool off. You could grab a snow-cone, sit in front of a fan, or simply turn up your AC. However, if you want to keep cool in southwest Missouri, do yourself a favor and check out White Water in Branson MO. With 13 acres of rides, slides, and pools, this beloved water park is the ideal place to relax and lay back on a warm summer’s day or enjoy heart-stopping thrills and excitement. With the summer sun scorching and school still weeks away, now is the perfect time to enjoy White Water in Branson MO.
White Water in Branson MO
History
White Water opened in 1980 with a beachside landing theme. In fact, it was billed as “The Beach Within Reach” to tempt landlocked Midwesterners. After all, despite the beautiful lakes in the Ozark area, Branson resides in the middle of the country, far from both the Atlantic and the Pacific. Despite expansions and upgrades over the years, the water park retains its coastal theme and welcomes droves of enthusiastic guests each year.
Attractions
- Aloha River: A calm, 800-foot attraction, Aloha River carries visitors through island landscapes, fountains, misters, bubblers, geysers, and more on a floating tube.
- Coconut Cove: An ideal play area for young children, Coconut Cove includes multi-lane slides, interactive sprays, and shooting nozzles in a shallow pool of water.
- Kalani Towers Drop Slides: Not for the faint of heart, these slides allow you to free-fall 75 feet down a 300-foot drop, body surfing at over 40 mph.
- Kalani Towers Mat Racer: For an adrenaline rush, try the mat racer on Kalani Towers. The four-lane slides allow you to travel over 25 mph for 312 feet.
- KaPau Plummet: The largest and most thrilling drop in the park, KaPau Plummet is comprised of two dueling, 245-foot slides. Get ready for a 70-degree plunge from a 40-foot tower, which will allow you to free-fall at 26 feet per second. Eek!
- Ohana Falls: A group ride, Ohana Falls allows several people to ride together on a large raft, which will slide through dips and around corners, twisting and turning all the way down.
- Pipeline Plunge: Because you can’t have too many slides at a water park, be sure to check out the speedy and exhilarating Pipeline Plunge.
- Splashaway Cay: This family-friendly, 20,000-square-foot attraction includes a variety of interactive water features. For example, it contains many slides, aqua-shooters, splash geysers, and more.
- Surf’s Up Wave Pool: If you’re looking to make a splash, head to the wave pool if you dare. Containing 500,000 gallons of water, the pool sends out 4-foot waves every time the bell rings.
- Waikiki Wave: An interactive waterslide located in the heart of the park, Waikiki Wave lets you race a friend down a 200-foot plunge.
Hours
Be sure to check the calendar on the website before organizing your trip to White Water in Branson MO. Currently, the water park opens at 10:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm each day. On certain days (Saturdays and some Sundays), the park remains open until 10:00 pm. In July, it is open seven days a week. However, in mid-August, the park will gradually decrease the days and hours it is open. If you want to enjoy White Water this year, note that the last three days of operation are September 3rd, 4th, and 5th, and the park will be open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm each of those days.
Tickets
Although you’re free to purchase a regular, one-day ticket for admission, check out your other options to be sure that you’re getting the best deal. If you combine your White Water admission with a ticket for Silver Dollar City, for example, you could save a lot of money. We have rounded up some of the best ticket options for White Water in Branson MO in 2016:
- One-Day Ticket: $41 for adults (ages 12-61), $20 for children (4-11), $31 for seniors (62+), valid for one day only
- Night Water Ticket: $25 for adults (ages 12+), admission after 5pm on select days only, July 30 – August 7
- Splash & Play Ticket: $81 for adults (ages 12+), $60 for children (4-11), unlimited visits at White Water and Silver Dollar City for three days
- Season Pass: $100 for adults (ages 12-61), $90 for children (4-11), $94 for seniors (62+), valid for unlimited visits on every operating day of the season
- Military Personnel Discount: Retired/active military personnel and disabled veterans can purchase a two-day ticket for the price of one or $5 off a one-day ticket. Dependent military children ages 4-11 will also receive a complimentary 2-day ticket when (1) accompanied by a parent purchasing a 2-day military ticket, (2) able to present an active military ID in their own name, or (3) accompanied by a paying adult or Season Pass holder.
Dining
When hunger strikes, head to one of the many restaurants or food stands in the park:
- Hula Hula Taco (gourmet and traditional tacos)
- Big Island Marketplace (nachos, potato chips, kettle corn, ice cream)
- Cici’s Pizza (pizza, oven-baked sandwiches, salad)
- Big Kahuna BBQ (pork, brisket, sausage,sides, beverages, etc.)
- High Tide Hannah’s Island Cafe (sandwiches, hotdogs, chicken tenders, salad, fries, pretzels, nachos, etc.)
- BeaverTails (desert pastries and beverages)
- Dippin’ Dots (small beaded ice cream bits)
- Surf’s Up Snacks (sandwiches, fries, corn dogs, nachos, cookies)
- North Shore Coffe & Cones (iced coffees, frappes, shakes, and smoothies)
In addition, you may pack a cooler or picnic to bring into the park. However, you are not allowed to bring any glass items, alcohol, open containers, or coolers bigger than 18″x12″.
Shopping
If you forget to pack your goggles or sunscreen, don’t worry! You can purchase a variety of beach gear at the Surfside Trading Company: swimwear, accessories, beach towels, sunglasses, t-shirts, hats, goggles, sunscreen, etc. The shop sells souvenirs, refreshments, and jewelry as well. Finally, be sure to stop by the Surfside Trading Company if you’re looking to rent a locker or cabana. Speaking of which . . .
Cabanas
If you want a little privacy, you can rent a cabana at the Surfside Trading Company or online. View the locations of the cabanas on this map, as they are spread throughout the park. Regular cabanas ($125 each) are 12’x12′ with a table, four chairs, 32″ television with Dish satellite, ceiling fan, and personal locker. Family cabanas ($150 each) are 26’x17′ with two tables, eight chairs, 32″ television with Dish satellite, two ceiling fans, and a personal locker. All of the cabanas are covered and enclosed on two sides to shade occupants from the sun and provide some privacy. You can also purchase food and merchandise packages with your cabana rental.
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Are you ready to beat the heat? There are only a few weeks left to check out White Water in Branson MO before the end of the 2016 season. So grab your swimsuit and slather on some sunscreen, because it’s time to hit the pool! Finally, if you’re planning to visit Branson this summer, check out Branson Vacation Rentals. Our cabins and cottages are perfect for a fun family trip, a romantic getaway, or a relaxing weekend with friends. Browse our cabins, condos, villas, and cottages, or give us a call at 417-832-9991 to learn more.