Taking a trip to Nebraska? You’re in luck, because this state has a whole lot of things to see and do! And some of the very best attractions in Nebraska? The many Nebraska amusement parks, for sure.
Yep, you may not guess it, but the Cornhusker State is home to a number of awesome theme parks. Each and every one of these is well worth visiting, and deciding which ones to add to your trip can be overwhelming.
That’s where this article comes into play. Below, we will talk about the very best amusement parks in Nebraska.
Let’s get started!
Nebraska Amusement Parks
Before we go any further, we want to give you a quick sneak peek of what we’re going to be talking about today. The list below includes our top 6 favorite Nebraska amusement parks, in no particular order:
- Fun-Plex Waterpark and Rides
- AquaVenture
- Island Oasis Water Park
- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Aquatic Center
- Pawnee Plunge Waterpark
- Boulder Creek Amusement Park
Knowing which parks are the best of the best is one thing, but deciding on one or two to visit during your vacation is another thing entirely. Read on to learn more details about each of these awesome amusement parks in Nebraska.
Fun-Plex Waterpark and Rides
First on our list of Nebraska amusement parks is Fun-Plex Waterpark and Rides. This Omaha fun spot has everything you need to have an entire day of fun. In fact, there are so many incredible things to do here, you might even want to give yourself a couple of days to fit it all in.
Let’s start with the waterpark. This section of the park features all of your favorite water park attractions. Several colorful slides ensure thrill seekers have an amazing time during their visit. Meanwhile, the lazy river gives folks a spot to relax. Young children will love the Makana Splash play structure and Lil’ Lagoon water play area, and the whole family will enjoy the wave pool.
Once you’re done with water play, head over to the ride park for even more excitement. Like go-karts? You’ll love the go-karts and the slick track in this area of the Fun-Plex. Families will have a ball riding the tilt-o-whirl and bumper cars together. Meanwhile, little ones will appreciate the many kiddie rides in the park, especially the super cute Go-Gator kiddie coaster.
In addition to the waterpark and the ride park, Fun-Plex is also home to a fabulous mini golf course, as well as an awesome swim-up bar. Clearly, there is something here for everyone.
RV Camping Near Fun-Plex Waterpark and Rides
Not sure where to stay during your Fun-Plex adventure? RV camping is definitely the way to go, as far as we’re concerned. Staying in an RV allows you to be completely comfortable wherever you land, giving you more freedom to explore the state.
Walnut Creek Recreation Area — As far as Omaha campgrounds go, we highly recommend the Walnut Creek Recreation Area. This city park is very well maintained and offers electric hookups. Water is available onsite (although not at the campsites), and there is no dump station on site. Still, considering the incredibly low price of $16 a night, this is a deal that really can’t be beat!
Planning Your Trip to Fun-Plex Waterpark and Rides
Admission to Fun-Plex Waterpark and Rides is $34.99 for those over 10 years old, and $29.99 for kids 9 and under. Seniors also pay only $29.99. Those aged 2 and under enter the park for free. Passes include the waterpark, rides, and a round of mini golf.
Want to save some money? Discounted tickets are available for those who visit after 4pm.
Parking is free, and changing rooms and lockers are available. Outside food and drink are not allowed, but food is sold in the park.
AquaVenture
Next up is AquaVenture in Norfolk. As the name suggests, this is a waterpark. It’s a city-run park and is on the smaller side, but still offers plenty of watery fun. In fact, we recommend setting aside at least half a day in order to get the most out of your visit.
Features of this water park include a super cute blowfish-shaped slide for little swimmers, as well as dumping buckets, a water cannon, and a water play structure for kids of all ages to enjoy.
The Water Walk is fun for those who like a challenge. Meanwhile, the two large water slides keep older kids, teens, and even adults busy having a great time. Finally, we highly recommend spending some time in the wave pool!
RV Camping Near AquaVenture
As mentioned above, RV camping is an excellent way to explore the state of Nebraska. This allows you to hop from one part of the state to another without issue, and ensures you do so in comfort.
TaHaZouka Park — Of course, you will need a place to park your rig while you play at the waterpark. For this, we recommend a campsite at TaHaZouka Park. This lovely little city park campground has concrete electric sites. Water is available onsite, but once again, there is no dump station in the campground. Still, for only $18 a night, we think it’s a place worth checking out!
Planning Your Trip to AquaVenture
The fee to get into AquaVenture is $6 for ages 4–15, $8 for ages 16–54, and $7 for guests 55 and older. Military members also enter for $7, and toddlers and babies aged 3 and under enter for free. Have a group of six? Your whole party can get in for just $35!
Rental lockers and changing rooms are available at the waterpark. Parking is free, but outside food is not allowed. Concessions are sold onsite.
Island Oasis Water Park
Island Oasis Water Park is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot Nebraska day. This Grand Island waterpark is run by the city, and like so many other city-run waterparks in the state, it is a surprisingly fun spot to spend a few hours or even a whole day.
Attractions at Island Oasis Water Park include a lily pad walk and a log walk, both perfect for those who like to challenge themselves a little. The water basketball goals are super fun for those who enjoy a bit of competition, and the three large speed slides are ideal for those looking for excitement. Little ones love the otter side that was made just for them, and the wave pool and lazy river are fun for all ages.
Lastly, the sand volleyball court and sand play area are both excellent places to have a good time while you dry off a little.
RV Camping Near Island Oasis Water Park
Where will you stay? In your RV, of course! Taking your rig means you’ll have everything you need no matter where you roam. It could also save you the big bucks on lodging, making choosing RV camping a no-brainer.
Hall County Park — Wondering where to park the RV so you can be near Island Oasis Water Park? We recommend Hall County Park. This campground will put you near the water park as well as all the other fun things the city has to offer. You’ll have access to electricity, water, and a dump station, and the camping fee is incredibly affordable.
Planning Your Trip to Island Oasis Water Park
Day rates for visiting the park are $8 for ages 5–14, $9 for ages 16–54, and $8 for ages 55 and up. Kids under 5 years of age get in free, and families with up to two adults + up to 4 kids can enter for a $30 flat rate.
It’s important to note that children under 10 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older. Rental lockers and tubes are available, as are concessions. Outside food is not allowed.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Aquatic Center
A gem of a waterpark located inside of a state park, the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Aquatic Center is definitely one of the best things to do in Ashland. This place offers opportunities for climbing, sliding, floating, and sunbathing, and is sure to leave your whole family smiling.
A favorite part of this water park is the kid’s climbing structure with slides and interactive water features. The large sun deck is ideal for those who just want to relax. Meanwhile the two large water slides and wave pool provide thrills for those who want them.
Want an added bit of fun? Head to the onsite ropes course for a little challenge, play a round of golf, mini golf, or disc golf, go to Venture Climb to try your hand at rock climbing, or watch a performance at the state park theater.
RV Camping Near Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Aquatic Center
The obvious thing to do when visiting a state park is to go camping. This is just as true at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park as it is anywhere else, so pack up the camper and get ready for an awesome Nebraska camping adventure.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground — This state park offers full-hookup, partial-hookup, and primitive sites, so you can choose your experience based on the type of camping you prefer. Modern restrooms with heated showers and coin-operated laundry rooms are available, and recreational facilities such as a playground and basketball court are nearby.
Planning Your Trip to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Aquatic Center
Those wishing to visit any Nebraska state park must have a park permit. For non-residents, these permits—which are priced per vehicle—are $61 for an annual permit or $12 for a single-day permit. Once in the park, guests must pay $10 per person aged 13 and over, and $8 per person aged 3–12, to enter the waterpark. Those aged 2 and under enter for free.
Outside food is not allowed in this park, but concessions are sold onsite.
Pawnee Plunge Waterpark
Another fantastic city-run waterpark, Pawnee Plunge is located in the wonderful town of Columbus. This park is actually quite large for a city waterpark and is tons of fun for people of all ages. One could easily spend an entire day here, but it’s also worth visiting even if you only have a couple of hours.
One awesome attraction in this park is an interactive pirate ship water playground that toddlers and preschoolers absolutely adore. For older kids, there is a surf circulator as well as a climbing wall, both awesome ways to push yourself to your limits. The four huge water slides are tons of fun and can easily be enjoyed time after time, and the lazy river is a good place to chill out after your adventures.
Other attractions in this park include a sprayground for young children, a swimming pool to play in, a three-meter platform dive, a one-meter diving board, and a concession stand.
RV Camping Near Pawnee Plunge Waterpark
With so much to explore, you’re bound to leave this waterpark feeling worn out. For this reason, it’s definitely a good idea to bring your RV along. Not only will you be able to sleep better in a bed of your own, you’ll also be able to park your rig nearby so you can start resting sooner.
Lake North County Park — The best place to park your RV when visiting Columbus is Lake North County Park. This is a nice little campground that provides you with fresh water for your tank, as well as electric hookups. The best part? This park is free for up to 7 nights per month!
Planning Your Trip to Pawnee Plunge Waterpark
Admission to Pawnee Plunge is free for those 3 years of age and younger. Anyone 4 years or older should expect to pay $8 to enter. Those who wish to use the surf simulator will need to pay an additional $3. There is a group admission rate that allows groups of up to 6 people to visit for only $32 total.
Outside food is not allowed in the park, but as mentioned earlier, concessions are available. Toddlers must wear swim diapers, non-swimmers must be within arms’ reach of an adult, and those under 6 must be supervised at all times. The park does close when lighting is in the area.
Boulder Creek Amusement Park
Last but not least, we must mention Boulder Creek Amusement Park. This is another Omaha park, and is a great addition to a trip to the city. Unlike the rest of the parks listed here, this is not a waterpark, making it a good addition to a fall or spring itinerary.
This park features a variety of fantastic activities. Those who enjoy baseball will be happy to find the state’s biggest batting cage here. The putt-putt courses are of course lots of fun. Those looking to be challenged will enjoy the rock climbing wall, and folks who prefer speed will appreciate the amazing outdoor skating rink.
No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a good time soaking up the sun and spending time with loved ones at this amazing spot.
RV Camping Near Boulder Creek Amusement Park
As always, we highly recommend staying in the comfort of an RV. As we already mentioned, this makes it easy to hop from spot to spot, gives you plenty of privacy, and ensures you have everything you need at any given time. Best of all, you’ll get to have camping fun in addition to your Nebraska amusement park fun!
Winsor Cove — Of course, you will need a place to park your trailer or motorhome while you explore Omaha. Winsor Cove is a great option! This campground offers water, electric, and a dump station. The sites are concrete and level, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Best of all, the rates at this park are excellent!
Planning Your Trip to Boulder Creek Amusement Park
The cost of visiting Boulder Creek Amusement Park depends on what you want to do while you’re there. You will pay for each activity individually, but prices are very reasonable, and special deals are posted on the park’s social media frequently.
There is a well-stocked concession stand available in the park, so be sure to arrive hungry and ready to enjoy some of your favorite treats while having a good time!
As you can see, Nebraska amusement parks aren’t too hard to come by, so you should have an awesome time on your amusement park adventure. Looking for more parks to add to your itinerary? Try searching for “amusement parks near me” once you arrive in the state to find some hidden gems.
Of course, the state has more than just amusement parks. We recommend taking some stops from the articles listed below and adding them to your Nebraska amusement park lineup in order to create the perfect list of things to do in Nebraska:
