When most people think of Nevada, they think of Las Vegas and hot deserts. The state does have these things, of course, but they are far from the only things found there. Some of the best things to do in the state? Nevada amusement parks.
There are quite a few excellent amusement parks in Nevada, and we think they are all worth visiting. In fact, the only problem we have when planning a trip to theme parks in Nevada is deciding which ones to see. That’s where this article comes into play.
Nevada Amusement Parks
In this section we will list the very best of the Nevada amusement parks. Pick and choose from this list and you really can’t go wrong:
- Circus Circus Adventuredome Theme Park
- Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas
- Cowabunga Canyon
- Wild Island Family Adventure Park
- Grand Adventure Land
- North Valleys Water Splash Park
Of course, simply looking at a list and choosing at random probably isn’t the thing to do. Instead, you should read on and get the details on each park so you know which ones might be best for your family.
Circus Circus Adventuredome Theme Park
First, there is the incredible Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park at Circus Circus in Las Vegas. Because this park is indoors, it’s a fun place to visit no matter what the weather happens to be, and the park features so many different things to do that you will definitely be able to find options you enjoy.
Some of the best attractions in Circus Circus Adventuredome Theme Park include two different laser maze challenges, a rock-climbing and bungee-jumping area, and a mini golf course. The free clown shows add to the fun of the place, and the classic arcade and midway games give you an opportunity to test your gaming skills. Finally, we highly recommend paying a visit to the VR Room for a mind-boggling gaming experience.
Want rides? This park has those too. Roller coasters, bumper cars, a swinging pirate ship, and cute kiddie rides are all available. What’s more, even more family fun can be found in the 4D theater and extreme ride theater.
RV Camping Near Circus Circus Adventuredome Theme Park
You could of course stay in one of the many Las Vegas hotels. However, we much prefer staying in the comfort of a tiny home-on-wheels. For this reason, we recommend taking an RV to stay in during your time visiting Circus Circus Adventuredome Theme Park.
Circus Circus RV Park — Believe it or not, Circus Circus actually has its own RV park. This means you can stay right in the middle of all the fun! While this park isn’t much more than a parking lot with hookups, restrooms and showers are available and the location absolutely cannot be beat.
Rent an RV near Circus Circus Adventuredome Theme Park!
Planning Your Visit to Circus Circus Adventuredome Theme Park
Tickets to the Adventuredome are $60 for those 48 inches and taller, and $30 for those between 33–47 inches. Visitors under 33 inches can ride for free with a paying adult. Those with a military ID will receive $2 off.
Paid garage parking is available nearby, but we recommend staying in the onsite RV park to remove the need for this.
Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas
Cowabunga Bay in Henderson is one of two awesome Vegas-area waterparks. This particular park is an absolutely wonderful place to cool off during the summer months while still enjoying the Nevada sunshine. Best of all, because the park has so much to offer, you’re sure to find something everyone in the family can enjoy.
Buckaroo Bay is the spot for younger visitors. Here, little swimmers can get their thrills on three tiny slides, splash in the water, and have a wonderful time. Another great spot for kids? Piñata Falls. This area features a huge water playground with plenty of slides, interactive elements, and more. One of the main attractions is a gigantic tipping bucket that spills water on guests every few minutes.
For the thrill seekers out there, there are of course water slides. “Dust Bowl”, “Texas Tornado”, and “Boot, Scoot, and Boogie” are some of our favorites. Of course, you’ll also want to be sure to check out the Cactus Creek Lazy River as well as the Cadillac Shores Wave Pool.
RV Camping Near Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas
Of course, the best place to call home while on vacation is your home—your home on wheels, that is. That’s why we think you should bring your RV on your Vegas adventure and park it in the aforementioned Circus Circus RV Park or the park listed below.
Duck Creek RV Park — Another fantastic RV park in Las Vegas is Duck Creek RV Park. This park offers guests full hookups and a nice laundry facility, as well as a heated pool and a playground for kids. The price is beyond reasonable, and the location is fantastic. While the park is on the tighter side, we have to say, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Rent an RV near Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas!
Planning Your Trip to Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas
Admission to Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas is $44.99. Discounts are available on certain days, so if you’re looking to save money, be sure to check before you go. Additionally, season passes are available for those who plan to visit often.
Parking is $8 per vehicle. Tubes and life jackets are provided free of charge, and rental lockers are available. Outside food is not permitted, but a picnic area is available outside of the park and food is available onsite.
Cowabunga Canyon Waterpark
Next on our list is Cowabunga Canyon Waterpark. As you might have guessed, this Summerlin waterpark is the sister park to Cowabunga Bay, and it is just as fun. In fact, we even recommend visiting both parks in one trip if you’ll be spending enough time in the Vegas area.
This park was formerly known as Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas, and many of its attractions remain the same. That said, everything has been updated, the staffing has been increased, and the theming has been changed to a Wild West theme. All slide names have been changed as well to reflect this change in theming, and we love it.
Some of the best attractions in Cowabunga Canyon include the many water slides, the kiddie play area, the wave pool, and of course, the super relaxing lazy river. All in all, we’d say this is a pretty solid waterpark in an excellent location, and the fresh new look definitely does the park some favors!
RV Camping Near Cowabunga Canyon Waterpark
Clearly, you will need a place to stay during your time at Cowabunga Canyon, and as we’ve mentioned before, RV camping is the way to go when visiting the area. Therefore, you’d better start packing up the RV!
Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort — This lovely RV resort is located in an excellent spot right by all that Vegas has to offer. Full hookups are available at the campground, and amenities such as a pool are available for added fun. The price is a little bit high, but it is definitely a luxury camping resort, so we think it’s a fair fee.
Rent an RV near Cowabunga Canyon Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Cowabunga Canyon Waterpark
General admission to Cowabunga Canyon comes in at $44.99. There are discounts available on certain days though. Also, for those who will be visiting often, season passes are available.
Tubes and life jackets are available for free. However, there is a small fee for parking as well as locker rentals. Onsite food isn’t allowed, so be prepared to eat outside of the park or purchase food from the in-park eateries.
Wild Island Family Adventure Park
Located in Sparks, Wild Island Family Adventure Park is part water park, part family amusement center, and 100% fun. It’s the perfect place to spend an entire day with the family or a group of friends, and the huge number of things to do will keep you busy for hours on end.
The main attraction at this park is the water park. This area is open during the summer months and features a number of fantastic attractions. Some favorites include the Eye of the Dragon bowl slide, the super intense G-Force Slide, and the Zulu Mat Racer. Little kids love the Little Lagoon Kiddie Pool, and Hurricane Cove is fun for kids of all ages. Of course, you won’t want to miss the lazy river and the wave pool!
In addition to the waterpark, this amusement center also has a variety of dry activities available. Bowling here is tons of fun, and the High Ballocity playground is an absolute blast. Indoor mini golf is perfect for rainy days or super hot days, and the arcade is a fun time for those who enjoy a good game.
The Blacklight Go-Karts add a new level of fun to a classic ride, and the XD Adventure Theater is an immersive way to have an adventure from your seat. Finally, we highly recommend the laser tag here!
RV Camping Near Wild Island Family Adventure Park
Wondering where to stay? In your RV, of course! We think an RV is the perfect lodging option for any trip—especially those Nevada road trips, and a trip to Sparks is no exception.
Sparks Marina RV Park — Located just minutes from Wild Islands, Sparks Marina RV Park is actually part of a casino. Nevertheless, this is a lovely place to stay with the whole family. Unlike many casino RV parks, this one actually has some trees and grass. Full hookups are available, the restrooms are clean, and a pool and putting green are located in the park.
Rent an RV near Wild Island Family Adventure Park!
Planning Your Trip to Wild Island Family Adventure Park
Tickets to Wild Island Waterpark are $36.99. There are separate fees for all other activities, which vary based on 1) what you want to do, 2) when you’re visiting, and 3) how old you are. Deals are often available on the Wild Island website.
Outside food is not allowed in the waterpark. That said, there is a picnic area available right outside of the park and food is sold onsite as well. Lockers and private cabana rentals are available.
Grand Adventure Land
Looking for thrills? Grand Adventure Land is an excellent option. This park is part of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, and is the ideal vacation destination for those who want an adrenaline rush.
The most popular attraction at this park is the action-packed go-kart course. There are options for driving a drift track or a twisting and turning road track. Another super fun option for thrill seekers? The slick track, which adds a new level of difficulty to driving.
Another awesome attraction at Grand Adventure Land is the Ultimate Rush thrill ride. Those who choose to brave this ride will be fastened into a sling and carried 180 feet into the air. Once there, riders pull a ripcord and are sent into an incredible descent that makes you feel as though you’re free falling.
Looking for something a little less thrilling? This park also boasts a great family mini golf course! A bowling center, driving range, cinema, escape room, ice rink, and more are also available in the resort.
RV Camping Near Grand Adventure Land
Another awesome thing about Grand Adventure Park? Grand Sierra Resort actually has its own RV park. This makes packing up the RV and taking it on your Nevada adventure a no-brainer and makes it super easy to stay in complete comfort without ever leaving the fun.
Grand Sierra Resort RV Park — This RV park offers a variety of spaces, including 50-amp and 30-amp pull-through spots. These campsites feature full hookups, Wi-Fi access, and more. Laundry facilities are available, as are clean restrooms with showers and a camp store. Guests also have access to the resort pool.
Rent an RV near Grand Adventure Land!
Planning Your Trip to Grand Adventure Land
The cost of visiting Grand Adventure Land varies based on what you’d like to do. For instance, a 5-minute drive on the drift track or the slick track comes in at $9. Meanwhile, the same 5 minutes on the road track costs $8 for the driver and $4 for a passenger if they wish to join.
Mini golf is $12 for those aged 12 and older, and $10 for those 11 and younger. A ride on the Ultimate Rush will cost you $30 the first time and $20 for repeat rides while still in the suit.
North Valleys Water Splash Park
A super fun county-run waterpark, Reno’s North Valleys Splash Park has a unique aviation theme. It is an excellent place to cool off during the summer months, but is definitely geared toward younger kids. As long as you know that going in, you and your little ones are sure to have an excellent time.
This park features fun airplane sprayers, fountains that come up from the ground, a giant dumping bucket, and plenty of other spray and dump features. A tiny airplane slide is just perfect for teeny tiny swimmers, and the baby swings on the splash pad will help keep those little ones happy as well. The centerpiece of this park though? A medium-sized climbing structure which features lots of interactive sprayers and a small slide for kids to enjoy.
Parents appreciate the shaded seating to the side of this incredible spray park, and those looking to have celebrations here will love to learn that there is a rentable pavilion.
RV Camping Near North Valleys Water Splash Park
The aforementioned Grand Sierra Resort RV Park would be a great place to park your rig during a visit to North Valleys Water Splash Park. That said, there are other excellent options around. Read on to learn about another of our favorites.
River West Resort — River West Resort is another fantastic RV park in Reno. This park is located just minutes from the splash park and features full hookups, clean bathrooms, and is located right on the river. The location is perfect and within walking distance of many attractions.
Rent an RV near North Valleys Water Splash Park!
Planning Your Trip to North Valleys Water Splash Park
One of the best things about visiting North Valleys Water Splash Park is that it’s smaller and easy to manage with little ones, meaning less planning is necessary. Still, there are some things you’ll want to know.
The cost to enter the spray park is $4 per person per day, and those aged 2 and under (as well as seniors) enter for free. Swimsuits are mandatory, so be sure you pack an actual bathing suit! There is no food available in the park and food and drink are not allowed on the splash pad, but there are picnic areas just outside of the spray park area where you can eat lunch or a snack.
Clearly, finding great amusement parks in Nevada is a cinch. These are our top picks, but we’re willing to bet you could find even more gems by searching “amusement parks near me” once you arrive at your Nevada campground.
Want other things to do in Nevada? You’re in luck because the state is chock-full of awesome things to check out. We recommend reading the articles below to get some great ideas:
