By: Michael Maher

Summer is here, and that means the heat is also upon us. Are you looking for a fun way to beat the heat this summer? Well if you live in or near Wisconsin, you live near the waterpark capital of the world in Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin Dells is home to over 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks. Below is a guide to visiting some of the most popular waterparks in Wisconsin Dells which includes hours, prices, new attractions, and special offerings. 

Wilderness Resort: https://www.wildernessresort.com/

First up, we have the Wilderness Resort. The Wilderness is home to 4 indoor and 4 outdoor waterparks. The hours for the park vary based on the attraction with the resort open 24 hours a day. The Wilderness features the “Wild West Waterpark” for the kids and “YeeHaw’s Watering Hole” featuring a swim-up bar for adults of age. To gain waterpark access for the day, guests have the option of buying an “all-day” pass for $49.95 or a “twilight” pass for $39.95 which is good from 4 PM to close. However, overnight guests can expect to pay about $139/night for a 2-queen bed and sleeper sofa room. One special feature to take advantage of at the Wilderness is the “Fun Pass”. The Fun Pass costs $29.95 and earns you one admission to each of the following attractions: 

  • ​​Lost Cabin Laser Tag
  • Northern Lights Sky Ropes Course
  • Wild Abyss Black-Light Mini Golf
  • Wilderwoods Indoor Go-Karts
  • Clip ‘n Climb Challenge Wall
  • PLUS: 36 Arcade Credits

The Fun Pass is only available to overnight guests and can be upgraded to “unlimited” for $17. Customers that pre-purchase their Fun Pass can save $3! 

Mt. Olympus: https://www.mtolympuspark.com/ 

This Greek-themed indoor and outdoor waterpark is home to classic attractions like “Poseidon’s Rage” wave pool and “Lost City of Atlantis”. This year, the waterpark features a brand new rotating water slide, which is the first of its kind in Wisconsin called “Medusa’s Slidewheel”. Mt. Olympus’ hours vary based on attraction and the weather conditions outside. The outdoor waterpark is open from mid-May to mid-September. Guests can get $10 all-day passes to both the waterpark and theme park if they order online. Otherwise, day passes are $30 at the gate. If you’re looking to stay overnight, the best way is to book ahead online where guests can save up to 70% on room rates. Currently, a 2-bedroom is rated at $79.99 a night. However, guests can play at Mt. Olympus waterpark or theme park all summer long when they stay overnight at Mt. Olympus resort or camp resort.  

Kalahari: https://www.kalahariresorts.com

The Kalahari features a 125,000 sq ft. indoor waterpark in addition to outdoor waterpark attractions. The indoor attractions include water basketball in “Crocodile Cove” and a “Master Blaster” water slide roller coaster. The outdoor park includes the “Anaconda” slide and “Zimbabwe Zipper”. The park also features a “FlowRider” surfing attraction that does cost $40/person for a 60-minute private lesson. The Kalahari hours are 10 AM to 9 PM for its indoor waterpark and 11 AM to 7 PM for its outdoor attractions. An all-day pass at the Kalahari goes for $59.99 for all days except Saturday which is $69.99. “After 5 PM” admission rates are discounted at $49.99. Kalahari guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own towels as towels can be rented but for a charge at the park. “Combo passes” can be purchased for the park which includes access to the “Tom Foolerys” adventure park in addition to waterpark attractions. See the website for combo pass pricing.  

Noah’s Ark: https://www.noahsarkwaterpark.com

Noah’s Ark holds the bestowed title as “America’s largest waterpark”. Noah’s Ark features over 51 different water slides and attractions. Brand new this year is the “Chameleon”, a water slide featuring vivid lights and dynamic sounds. Noah’s Ark is open 10 AM to 5 PM during the week and 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends. Noah’s Ark offers their biggest special through its “pay for a day, get the summer free” promotion. Guests can pay admission to the park once and gain free access for the rest of the season. However, Noah’s Ark’s best price package is its “Gold Pass” for $99.99 available to Wisconsin residents. The following are included in the Gold Pass: 

  • Unlimited 2023 Summer Admission
  • All-Season Parking – savings of $20 per visit!
  • Bring 4 friends per visit at a discounted rate – cannot be used on the first visit to the park
  • 1 FREE Bring a Friend Return Ticket – cannot be used on the first visit to the park
  • Early ride time on select days
  • 15% off Food and Retail
  • 20% off Cabanas
  • Access to Season Passholder Events

Guests are also able to purchase cheaper “Silver” and “Bronze” packages to Noah’s Ark with fewer features. 

Great Wolf Lodge: https://www.greatwolf.com/wisconsin-dells  

This wolf-themed waterpark features plenty of attractions in its indoor waterpark including its “Slap Tail Pond” wavepool for all ages and “Mountain Edge Raceway”, its mat racing waterslide. The indoor waterpark is open from 10 AM to 8 PM daily. Great Wolf Lodge offers two types of day passes to its waterpark; full day and half day. Full day passes are available for $50 per person and half day passes are $40 per person and give you access to the waterpark from 4 PM to close. This waterpark definitely appeals to younger audiences but with attractions for all ages. 

Below is a summary table with important information about each of the waterparks featured in the blog.