Kansas—a land of endless plains and farmland. There isn’t much to do in this state, right? Wrong! Kansas is actually chock-full of awesome little gems. Fun niche museums can be found in its many tiny towns, beautiful state parks are scattered across the state, and Kansas amusement parks promise hours of fun and laughter.
Kansas is also home to a surprisingly vast number of excellent amusement parks, including the exciting, up-and-coming Mattel Adventure Park, which is due to be open in Bonner Springs in the next few years. For our money, the top seven amusement parks in Kansas include:
- Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas
- Mattel Adventure Park in Bonner Springs (coming soon!)
- Parrot Cove Indoor Waterpark in Garden City, Kansas
- Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park in Derby, Kansas
- Splash Cove in Shawnee, Kansas
- Wetlands Water Park in Great Bend, Kansas
- Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri
When you explore Kansas’s amusement parks in an RV, you’ll be able to bring all the comforts of home along for the ride. We’re going to give you all the tips and tricks you need to do it right in the article below. Let’s go!
Kansas Amusement Parks: At a Glance
| Park | Location | Ticket Cost | Attractions | Onsite Overnight RV Parking? |
| Great Wolf Lodge | Kansas City | Full day, half day and season passes available; costs vary by date | Crooked Creek lazy river,Fort Mackenzie interactive splash play structure,Howling Wolf raft ride,North Hot Springs hot tub (for adults) and South Hot Springs (for families) | On-site parking, but no camping facilities |
| Mattel Adventure Park | Bonner Springs | TBD | Hot Wheels-themed roller coasters,Barbie’s Beach House,He-Man laser tag,Thomas & Friends-themed rides for kids | No |
| Parrot Cove Indoor Waterpark | Garden City | Day passes $10 to $15 depending on age | Everglade Lagoon lily pad challenge,Pineapple Express body slides,Riptide Rush indoor-outdoor tube slides,Key Lime Creek lazy river | No |
| Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park | Derby | Day passes $9 to $10 depending on age; season passes starting at $60 per person | Tube slides, kiddie slides, lazy river, events (including an opportunity for kids to swim with Mermaids) | No |
| Splash Cove | Shawnee | Daily admission $6 for Shawnee residents and $10 for non-residents; seasonal memberships starting at $62 | Mini wave pool, body slides, interactive play structure, zero depth entry swimming pool, party cabanas | No |
| Wetlands Water Park | Great Bend | Ranges from $2 to $4 per person depending on age; 15 admission pass available for $40 | Body slides,kiddie slides,300-gallon tipping bucket,zero-depth entry,water-based climbing wall,water balloon fighting zone | No |
| Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun | Kansas City | Daily and season passes available starting around $45 and $110, respectively, online | Autobahn bumper cars, Boomerang, Patriot and Mamba roller coasters, raft rides, body slides, kiddie rides and attractions, classic Ferris wheel | Yes |
Why RV to a Kansas Amusement Park?
RVing makes any adventure better. And in a state like Kansas, where you’ve got lots of driving to get through between destinations, RVing is even better. See all of the wide-open spaces of the Great Plains — and stop off at every city, state park and attraction — all while enjoying your own private accommodations and the flexibility to go at the pace that pleases you.
RVing also means:
- Affordability. Compared to flying and multiple hotel rooms, RVing often comes out ahead in terms of price.
- Ease of travel with children. Keep them on their routine and happy, with the convenience of private sleeping quarters and an on-board kitchen (that can also help you save money and keep to a healthy routine).
- An easy way to string together multiple destinations. No one loves having to unpack and repack their suitcase every time you change scenery. RVing makes it easy to put together a road trip with multiple destinations.
- Support every step of the way! When you rent with RVshare, you’ll be all set with world-class insurance coverage and roadside assistance on every single rental. You’ll also be able to filter for rigs that allow pets or offer the features that are most important for your vacation.
But enough of that! Let’s get into the real fun: the parks themselves.
Great Wolf Lodge (Kansas City)
Great Wolf Lodge locations are scattered all across the country, and each and every one is worth visiting. Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City is no exception. This waterpark resort is tons of fun for families, especially those with kids who love to play in the water.
Stand-Out Features
If you’ve ever been to a Great Wolf Lodge location, you already know there are always many excellent attractions to choose from. At the Kansas City location, favorites include:
- Crooked Creek lazy river
- Fort Mackenzie interactive splash play structure
- Howling Wolf raft ride
- North Hot Springs hot tub (for adults) and South Hot Springs (for families)
There’s also an on-site arcade, indoor mining activity, mini golf and more. You can truly keep everyone in the family occupied for as long as you want!
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Although Great Wolf Lodge is a resort, they offer day passes that allow you to stay off-site and still enjoy all the fun attractions inside the resort. You can even choose a season pass if you want to come back again and again!
As far as campgrounds in the greater Kansas City area, you’ll have plenty to choose from. We recommend:
- Suncatcher Lake RV Park for a luxurious, private spot a bit out of the hustle and bustle of town
- Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA Holiday for classic KOA digs
Mattel Adventure Park (Bonner Springs)
It’s true: this park isn’t open yet, and there’s not even an official launch date. (The very earliest it might come into existence, according to the most informed sources, is early 2027 — but we’re going to bet all that fun they’re building might take even longer than that.)
Still, we couldn’t skip including Mattel Adventure Park in our Kansas amusement-park roundup. It’s going to be one of the most exciting parks in the entire state once it exists, whether or not you already consider yourself a big fan of Barbie and her friends.
Stand-Out Features
While the park’s not open yet, buzz is already building around the fun attractions they’re going to include. At the Kansas City location, visitors will enjoy thrills and gentler experiences alike, including:
- Hot Wheels-themed roller coasters
- Barbie’s Beach House
- He-Man laser tag
- Thomas & Friends-themed rides for kids
We’re sure the park is also going to offer unique dining and shopping opportunities. In short, it’s going to be a huge family destination and a must-see for anyone who’s ever been a fan of Barbie and other Mattel properties.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Bonner Springs is a suburb of Kansas City on the Kansas side, so again, you’ll have plenty of Kansas-City-area RV campgrounds to choose from. A few stand-outs include:
- Suncatcher Lake RV Park makes even more sense in this case, given its west-of-town location
- Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA is always a standby for predictable and reliable accommodations
Parrot Cove Indoor Waterpark (Garden City)
Hoping to find even more indoor water park fun in Kansas? You’re in luck! Parrot Cove Indoor Waterpark in Garden City is another fantastic indoor water park that is sure to leave the whole family smiling.
Although this isn’t the biggest water park in the world, it makes up for its small size by cramming in a whole lot of fun. In fact, Parrot Cove touts itself as the “top rated water park in Southwest Kansas”!
Stand-Out Features
If you can think of a classic waterpark feature, Parrot Cove probably has it. Some top favorites include:
- Everglade Lagoon lily pad challenge
- Pineapple Express body slides
- Riptide Rush indoor-outdoor tube slides
- Key Lime Creek lazy river
You can also fuel up at the on-site snack shack and burn off even more energy in the attached arcade, which features cutting-edge games and interactive activities.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
There are quite a few great campgrounds in the greater Garden City area, including:
- Garden City RV Park, which offers full hookups, concrete pads and Wifi
- Ball Trailer and RV Park, a locally owned option that has been going strong since 1982
Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park (Derby)
Bigger isn’t always better, which this locally beloved water park makes clear. Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park brings many classic water park features into its cozy scale, and offers an affordable way to enjoy family fun in the Kansas sun all winter long.
Stand-Out Features
Rock River Rapids offers plenty of the same waterpark features you’d expect at a larger and more corporate park, but at a family-friendly and affordable scale. These include:
- Tube slides
- Kiddie slides
- A lazy river
- Events including an opportunity for kids to swim with Mermaids
The aquatic center also hosts swimming lessons to make sure everyone’s safe and strong, as well as on-site concessions.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Located just south of Wichita, the town of Derby is well situated for RV campers. Some nearby camping opportunities not to miss include:
- Ponderosa RV Park, which is veteran-owned and just minutes from the park (no website listed, but the phone number is 620-510-4499)
- Air Capital RV Park puts you a bit closer to the hubbub of Wichita, which as plenty to offer in its own right
Splash Cove (Shawnee)
Tucked into the Jim Allen Aquatic Center, Splash Cove is another smaller water park that brings big thrills, spills and smiles to visitors. Whether you’re local to Shawnee or just passing through, Splash Cove is well worth putting onto your summer Kansas travel bucket list.
Stand-Out Features
Splash Cove offers lots of larger water park features at a slightly smaller scale, including:
- A mini wave pool
- Body slides
- Interactive play structure
- Zero depth entry
- Swimming pool
- Party cabanas
There’s also an instructional pool where you and your family can benefit from on-site swimming lessons, as well as ADA accessible features.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Another suburb of the greater Kansas City area, nearby RV camping opportunities include:
- Walnut Grove RV Park, which offers full-hookup sites with picnic tables, fire rings and a game room
- Shady Acres RV Park, which is a bit further south but as its name implies offers a tranquil natural environment
Wetlands Water Park (Great Bend)
Wetlands Water Park in Great Bend was first established way back in 1930, and is the perfect cross between a small town swimming pool and a full-fledged water park. Thanks to a 2005 rebuild of the park, there is plenty to keep everyone busy in this park, but without being overwhelming or making it impossible for mom and dad to keep up with the kids. In our opinion, that makes this water park especially appealing.
Stand-Out Features
Wetlands Water Park offers lots of classic water-park features as well as fun, unique extras, such as:
- Body slides
- Kiddie slides
- 300-gallon tipping bucket
- Zero-depth entry
- Water based climbing wall
- Water balloon fighting zone
There are also shady cabanas to keep you cool and cozy as well as on-site concessions.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Located just south of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, Great Bend is already a great waypost for RVers making their way across Kansas. Nearby RV camping opportunities include:
- Hoisington RV Park, which is located a bit further north in the town of Hoisington
- Wolf Pond RV Park, which is an especially popular destination for fisherfolk
Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun (Kansas City, MO)
Yes, we’ll come clean: these two are technically in Kansas City, Missouri, which some might consider cheating. But we couldn’t leave Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, two of the best-known amusement parks in the area, off the list. What started as a small park back in 1973 has grown into one of the biggest amusement parks in the midwest, which now spans more than 325 acres and was recently acquired by Six Flags!
Stand-Out Features
From high-flying coasters to classic waterpark features and beyond, there’s a reason Worlds of Fun and on-site Oceans of Fun water park are world-class amusement park destinations. Must-see features include:
- Autobahn bumper cars
- Boomerang, Patriot and Mamba roller coasters
- Raft rides
- Body slides
- Kiddie rides and attractions
- A classic Ferris wheel
If you’ve ever been to a Six Flags property, you already know to expect that they’ve pulled out all the stops. There are also plenty of places to stop and grab a snack along the way to keep yourself fueled for more adventures.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Perhaps our very favorite thing about Worlds of Fun: RVers can stay right on-site, so you’ll be as close as possible to the fun and action! Worlds of Fun Village offers luxury RV sites with 50-amp service and full hookups, and cabin rentals are available for additional party members, too. IF the campground has filled up, check out other Kansas City-area RV accommodations.
Tips for a Creative Kansas Amusement Park Trip
With so many incredible amusement parks to choose from, we firmly believe you’re going to have an amazing time no matter how you slice it. Still, just a few tips and tricks can make a great grip even better.
- Book early. From your rental RV to your campsite to tickets to the park itself, booking early can help ensure you get the best selection possible as well as helping you save money.
- Choose the right RV for your needs. Maybe you’re looking for a luxurious experience in a large Class A motorhome or travel trailer, or maybe a smaller rig is the perfect getaway vehicle for your romantic weekend. Either way, you can find an RV that fits your needs at RVshare.
- Plan ahead for multiple adventure stops. Kansas has so much to offer! Route your itinerary ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out on other nearby attractions.
- Make sure you’re protected. Usually, regular auto insurance does not cover RV rentals, so we highly recommend opting into additional coverage when you rent. (Psst: Every RVshare rental is covered by world-class insurance, as well as free roadside assistance for qualifying services.)
We can’t wait to hear all about your adventure!
Kansas Amusement Parks: Frequently Asked Questions
Mamba at Worlds of Fun holds the title, with a shocking 205-foot drop and speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.
While all of the amusement parks in Kansas have something to offer for the littlest adventurers, many consider Worlds of Fun to be the best nearby amusement park to serve the whole family, including smaller children. (Worlds of Fun is technically on the Missouri side of Kansas City.)
Yes! Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun offers the on-site RV campground at Worlds of Fun Village. Campsites offer full hookups including electricity up to 50 amps.
Most travelers will be happiest in late spring, summer, and early fall, as Kansas winters can get intense. That said, indoor water parks make it possible to enjoy some Kansas amusement parks anytime of year.
Another great option? Add some other types of attractions to your trip. There are tons of amazing things to do in Kansas, and these lists will help you find the best of the best:
