If you’ll be in North Dakota in the near future, you may be wondering how to fill your time. Obviously, you will want to hit up Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Another great option? Checking out the many great North Dakota amusement parks!
No, there aren’t any huge amusement parks in North Dakota, and you won’t find any large thrill rides in the state. That said, there are plenty of smaller parks scattered across the state, each one offering families an opportunity for a wonderful outing.
Not sure how to begin planning your North Dakota amusement parks adventure? You’ve come to the right place. In this article we will talk about the best amusement parks in North Dakota so you can plan your getaway with confidence.
North Dakota Amusement Parks
First, let’s take a moment to introduce you to our favorite amusement parks in the state. As long as you choose your North Dakota amusement park destinations from the list below, you can rest assured you’ll have a totally awesome time:
- Splasher’s of the South Seas
- Raging Rivers Waterpark
- Thunder Road Amusement Park
- Superslide Amusement Park
- Governors’ Waterpark
- Lucy’s Amusement Park
- Wild West Water Park
Of course, you’ll need to know more than just the name of the park(s) you plan to visit. For more information on each of these North Dakota amusement parks, read the sections below. Throughout, you’ll find details such as ticket prices, where to stay, and other important information to help with your planning.
Splasher’s of the South Seas
Let’s start with Splasher’s of the South Seas. This is the largest indoor waterpark in North Dakota and is a part of the Canad Inns Destination Center in Grand Forks. It is an awesome place to spend the day, and because it is entirely indoors, it is open year-round and can be enjoyed no matter what the weather may be.
Thrill seekers will love the Rarotonga cannon bowl slide. Meanwhile, little kids will have a blast playing at the Coral Sea Kiddie Pool. For more fun for the kids, be sure to check out the water play area, which features spray features and a dump bucket.
Want to spend a bit of time relaxing? The East Australian Current endless lazy river is just perfect for that, as is the Malucca Sea adult-only hot tub.
RV Camping Near Splasher’s of the South Seas
Many people who visit Splasher’s of the South Seas stay in the onsite hotel. However, we much prefer staying in the comfort of an RV. Not only will you have plenty of privacy when staying in your own home-on-wheels, you’ll also be able to pack up and move from one place to another with ease.
Red River State Recreation Campground — Wondering where to park the RV during your time in Grand Forks? We recommend Red River State Recreation Campground. This is a lovely and green campground with full hookups, plenty of shade, and great rates!
Rent an RV near Splasher’s of the South Seas!
Planning Your Trip to Splasher’s of the South Seas
Those who aren’t staying in the Splasher’s of the South Seas hotel will need to pay full price for general admission. If you plan to visit for a full day, plan to spend $23.95 for those aged 9 and up, and $13.95 for those aged 5–8. Visitors aged 4 and under enter for free.
To save some money, consider visiting from 7pm to close. During these hours, ages 9 and up pay only $16.95, while ages 5–8 pay only $9.95.
Cabanas are available for rent for those who wish to have a place to spread out during their visit. Party packages are also an option. Outside food is not allowed, but food is available for purchase.
Raging Rivers Waterpark
Looking for some outdoor water park fun? Raging Rivers Waterpark in Mandan is just the place! This city-run water park is a favorite of the locals for a reason, and we’re willing to bet you and your family will have an incredible time there as well.
This is a medium-sized park with a good selection of slides and attractions. Some favorites include the Black Hole Tube Slide, the River Run Tube Slide, and the two 66-foot-tall speed slides that’ll send you zipping into the water.
Younger visitors love the aqua play area where they can play with interactive water features, stand under an enormous dump bucket, and ride a slide that is just their size.
Last but not least, you will want to make sure to spend some time in the park’s lazy river. This is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and let the water wash your cares away!
RV Camping Near Raging Rivers Waterpark
We will always, always recommend RV camping over staying in a hotel. This is just as true in Mandan as anywhere else. After all, who wouldn’t want to add some camping fun to their already amazing water park vacation?
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park — Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is definitely our top pick when it comes to places to park an RV in Mandan. This is a beautiful park with plenty of greenery and shade, large sites, full hookups, and clean bathhouses. Of course, the low rates are nice too!
Rent an RV near Raging Rivers Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Raging Rivers Waterpark
Admission to Raging Rivers Waterpark is surprisingly affordable. Those 48 inches and taller should expect to pay $15 to enter. Meanwhile, swimmers under 48 inches and seniors will pay only $12.
Not planning on swimming? Get a spectator pass for $8. Need to save some money? Visit between 4pm and 8pm and get the $10 “Twilite” ticket. No matter what time you visit, those aged 3 and under enter for free.
Outside food is not allowed in the park, but there is a concession stand available for those who need to buy a snack. Lockers are available for rent, and tubes are handed out for guest use free of charge. Keep in mind that all children ages 3 and under must wear a swim diaper!
Thunder Road Family Fun Park
Want some dry amusement park fun? Thunder Road Family Fun Park in Fargo is an amazing family fun center that offers visitors tons of awesome things to do. In fact, there are so many things to do that you’re sure to find something to please every single member of your party!
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the batting cages at this park, and those with a competitive streak will enjoy racing the go-karts. Mini golf is available as well, and is a wonderful family activity. Meanwhile, the bumper cars are sure to leave everyone giggling.
If the weather isn’t the greatest, head inside! There you’ll find a full arcade with tons of awesome games to choose from. Laser Tag is also available indoors and is a wonderful way to spend time with friends.
RV Camping Near Thunder Road Family Fun Park
Wondering where you will stay when visiting Thunder Road Family Fun Park? In your RV, of course! There are a few different RV campgrounds in the area, and taking your rig means you’ll stay in comfort no matter where you land.
Lindenwood Park — Lindenwood Park is our favorite place to stay in Fargo. This is a beautiful city park with plenty of shade trees. There are bike paths and walking paths throughout the park, as well as a place to canoe or kayak. The sites include full hookups and many are located right on the river.
Rent an RV near Thunder Road Family Fun Park!
Planning Your Trip to Thunder Road Family Fun Park
The cost of visiting Thunder Road in Fargo is determined by what you do while you’re there. Attractions are paid for individually and range in price from $3 to $14. We’re guessing you could have a pretty great day for around $20 or $25 per person!
Looking for even more fun times? There is another Thunder Road location in Sioux Falls!
Superslide Amusement Park
Another great place to play, Superslide Amusement Park in Bismarck is best for those with young children. The rides here are very kid-oriented, and anyone under the age of 10 is sure to have a smile on their face the entire time they are in the park.
Some favorite attractions at Superslide Amusement Park include the carousel, the teacups, and the adorable little roller coaster. The Whispering Cars are a super fun, kid-friendly version of go-karts that kids of all ages adore, and the swings offer the perfect amount of thrill for many younger visitors. Of course, you won’t want to miss the ride that started it all: the super slippery Superslide.
Other attractions at this park include batting cages, a bounce house, a climbing wall, and a fun basketball game.
RV Camping Near Superslide Amusement Park
You could of course stay in a hotel during your visit to the Bismarck area, but we think you’ll be much happier staying in an RV. Doing this ensures you have all the amenities you want and need, and it allows you to really spread out and relax in a space of your own at the end of each day.
Bismarck KOA Journey — You will need a place to park your RV during your visit. For this, we like the Bismarck KOA Journey. This is an excellent RV park with top-notch amenities. The staff here are friendly and super helpful, and the location is just minutes away from Superslide Amusement Park as well as other area attractions.
Rent an RV near Superslide Amusement Park!
Planning Your Trip to Superslide Amusement Park
This park is open May through mid-September. Admission to the park itself is free, but visitors must buy tickets in order to experience attractions. A sheet of 25 tickets is $22, and rides and attractions cost between 1 and 3 tickets each.
While this park doesn’t sell full-fledged meals, they do have plenty of wonderful snack options available. Hand-scooped ice cream is a favorite of many, and slushies are perfect for a hot day. Warm snacks such as hot dogs, corn dogs, and warm pretzels are also available.
Governors’ Waterpark
Located in the Governors’ Inn of Casselton, Governors’ Waterpark is another fantastic indoor water play place. This one is specifically geared toward younger kids and their parents, so you won’t find any huge water slides here. What you will find is tons of fun for the littlest swimmers out there.
The centerpiece of this park is the super cute water play structure. This five-level playground features spray jets, a waterfall, and small waterslides. Want more excitement than the playground can offer? Check out the two-story water slide that is perfect for slightly older kids.
Near the playground and slide, there is a lovely hot tub. This is an excellent hangout for parents and the perfect place to relax while the kids work off some energy and have a great time.
RV Camping Near Governors’ Waterpark
Once again, camping is the way to go when it comes to taking a trip to Governors’ Waterpark. Yes, you could stay in the onsite hotel, but why would you do that when there is also an onsite RV park and you could be making camping memories to go with your waterpark memories?
Governors’ RV Park — This campground and RV park is conveniently located just off of I-94 and on the same property as Governors’ Waterpark. You’ll be able to enjoy the comforts of your own home-on-wheels in a full-hookup campsite while also taking advantage of all the amenities offered by the Governors’ Inn.
Rent an RV near Governor’s Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Governors’ Waterpark
Admission to Governors’ Waterpark is a very affordable $10 Monday through Thursday, and $12 Friday through Sunday. All kids must be accompanied by an adult, and only Coast Guard-approved life jackets are allowed. Outside food and drink is not allowed in the park, but there are dining options at the resort.
Lucy’s Amusement Park
Lucy’s Amusement Park is located in Minot, ND. It is a smaller, family-run attraction with an incredibly welcoming staff. Lucy’s opened way back in 1967 and it has been going strong ever since. It even won an award from the North Dakota Tourism Division! Once you pay the place a visit, you’re sure to understand why.
The top attraction at this park is the mini golf course. This well-kept 18-hole course has been delighting people for decades, and we’re betting you’ll love it just as much as everyone who’s gone before you.
Other fantastic attractions at Lucy’s Amusement Park include a giant slide that sends riders flying downhill at surprising speeds, as well as a handful of old fashioned kiddie rides. The rides are simple but colorful and fun, and kids beg to ride them time and time again.
RV Camping Near Lucy’s Amusement Park
As always, we think RV camping is the way to go when out traveling. After all, who doesn’t love to have all the comforts of home with them wherever they roam? This is just as true for a trip to Lucy’s Amusement Park as any other trip.
Roughrider Campground — Not sure where to park your rig? You might consider staying at Roughrider Campground. This is a nice little campground with full hookups, clean bathhouses, and an attentive staff. The price is right and the location is great for those exploring the town of Minot. What more could you want?
Rent an RV near Lucy’s Amusement Park!
Planning Your Trip to Lucy’s Amusement Park
There is no admission fee at Lucy’s Amusement Park. Instead, the park charges a per-attraction fee that varies based on which attraction(s) you wish to experience. These fees are not available online as they do tend to change from one season to the next, but the staff are always happy to share them over the phone.
Picnic areas are available for enjoying a snack in the park, and bonfires can be made for some groups upon request.
Wild West Water Park
Yet another fantastic North Dakota water park, Wild West Water Park is located in Watford City, ND. It is a small park, yes, but it is absolutely loaded with fun for the whole family—plus, it’s a great place to spend a day when the weather’s hot and you need a way to cool down.
The main attraction at Wild West Water Park? The slides, of course! There are two large water slides that are ideal for older kids, teens, and even adults. They both offer a fast ride into the water and are sure to give you the adrenaline rush so many want at a waterpark.
Not into the fast water slides? No problem, there are plenty of other things to do in the park. For young children, there is a kiddie play area with several different water features and plenty of opportunities to splash. Also in that kiddie area are two small slides that are ideal for little swimmers.
Lap lanes are perfect for getting some exercise, the zero-depth entry pool is perfect for kids, and the shaded viewing area is great for parents who don’t necessarily want to get wet. Lastly, we must mention the hot tub that is perfect for relaxing in at the end of a day of water park fun.
RV Camping Near Wild West Water Park
Need a place to stay while visiting Wild West Water Park? Take your RV and you can stay wherever you please. Not only that, but you’ll have everything you need while doing so. That said, we do recommend booking a campground in advance. The option below is a fantastic one!
Watford City Tourist Park — Run by the city’s Parks and Recreation department, Watford City Tourist Park is a small and welcoming RV park. There are 12 sites available, each with electricity. Potable water is available, as is a dump station. Additionally, the park plays host to two different playgrounds, so the kids will be sufficiently entertained while you’re there.
Rent an RV near Wild West Water Park!
Planning Your Trip to Wild West Water Park
Day passes to Wild West Water Park are only $5! If you want to ride the slides you will need to pay for a slide wrist band, which is an additional $2. Season passes are also available and are a great way to save money if you plan to be in the area for a while.
Concessions are available for purchase in this park, so be sure to bring a little spending money!
As you can see, there are plenty of amusement parks in North Dakota to choose from. You might even find a few more by searching for “amusement parks near me” once you get checked into your North Dakota campground.
Want to do something besides visit amusement parks during your time in North Dakota? You definitely should! There are tons of great things to do in North Dakota. The articles linked below will help you find some of the best sights and attractions in the state:
