Top 5 Reasons Families Love Gulf Islands Waterpark

This post was written by the Experimental Mommy in partnership with Gulf Islands Waterpark. While tickets and party room were received to facilitate this review, all opinions are 100% honest.

School is officially out for Summer here on the Gulf Coast! And this is no ordinary summer for my oldest daughter. She has officially graduated from middle school and will be headed to high school in the Fall. In looking for the perfect graduation celebration venue for teens, we came across Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, MS and knew it would be an instant hit. We were not disappointed so I wanted to share our experience at this Gulf Coast waterpark!

Top 5 Reasons Families Love Gulf Islands Waterpark

 

1. Accessibility. Gulf Islands Waterpark is only about one hour from New Orleans, LA or Mobile, AL which means it’s an easy one tank trip for families across the Gulf Coast. The waterpark is located only about one mile off the interstate so it’s very easy to find.

2. Variety. There are attractions for all ages at Gulf Islands Waterpark. For the tiny tots, Lil’ Pelicans Bay is a 200 square foot shallow water wading area for toddlers featuring water cannons and small slides. There are many slides for tweens and teens but our favorite was the Horn Island Blaster, the Gulf Coast’s first and only water roller coaster. For those who need speed, try the Riptide Racers! But for myself, I loved the Lazy Pearl River where I could cool off and relax as I circled the park on my own inner tube. Our group consisted of people ages 2-44 and we ALL had a great time!

3. Cleanliness and Hospitality. The entire staff of Gulf Islands Waterpark were extremely pleasant and seemed to truly enjoy their jobs. Wherever we went, Staff asked if we needed assistance, talked to the kids and did it all with a smile. It was the essence of Southern hospitality! Also, there were tons of lifeguards and staff assisting guests on the attractions so this Mama felt like the kids were safe at all times. To top it off, I didn’t see one piece of trash laying on the ground. Staffers were constantly sweeping and cleaning to make sure the grounds stayed pristine.

4. Comfort and Convenience. It is no secret that the Gulf Coast can get hot! But Gulf Islands Waterpark offers many options to escape the heat (and I’m not just talking about the attractions). From clamshell coverings to cabanas and a two story pavilion to an air conditioned party room, there are many ways to escape the sun. We were treated to the T-Kiln’s Hangout which is an air conditioned private room with two restrooms and a private deck. This provided the perfect place for our teens to meetup, store their belongings, charge their phones, change clothes and eat lunch. The second floor deck overlooking the park was ideal for parents to keep an eye on where our group was roaming.

5. Value. Ticket prices vary depending on the day, but you can find tickets for just $19.99 on some weekdays this summer. Parking is free and life jackets/inner tube rentals are complimentary. Through June 10th, Gulf Islands Waterpark Season Passes are just $49.99 which is you plan on going more than twice, is a great deal. Also, kids 2 and under are free! We chose to eat lunch in the waterpark (food is not allowed to be brought in). My family of 4 ate lunch for $42 which included a main item, a side and a drink. I was impressed that the Staff was actually grilling hamburgers and chicken breasts and they smelled (and tasted) amazing! And of course, we cooled off with some ice cream in the afternoon.

We had an absolutely wonderful time with our Graduates at Gulf Islands Waterpark! With it’s proximity to New Orleans, I know we will be back very soon and the best part…..it’s teen approved!