Cowabunga Bay Water Park
A splash-tastic Utah water park with thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a giant bucket for family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A splash-tastic Utah water park with thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a giant bucket for family fun.
"It's always clean, but can be hard to find a spot in the shade unless you come early."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Lounge chairs fill up fast! Get there at opening to claim your spot.
💰 Pack Smart for Food
Bring unopened water bottles; outside food is restricted but doable if you plan.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Bucket
Main Activity Area
A massive bucket that periodically dumps a deluge of water, perfect for a refreshing surprise!
Lazy River
Circumference of the Park
Float your cares away on this relaxing river, a favorite for all ages.
Variety of Slides
Throughout the Park
From thrilling drops to gentler slopes, there's a slide for every adventurer.
Kids' Play Area
Designated Zone
A safe and fun space for the youngest visitors to splash and play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Food & Drink Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Lounge chairs fill up fast! Get there at opening to claim your spot.
💰 Pack Smart for Food
Bring unopened water bottles; outside food is restricted but doable if you plan.
💧 Lockers for Valuables
Rent a locker for peace of mind, prices vary by size.
🎟️ Check Session Times
The park splits into two sessions daily; plan accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Lounge chairs fill up fast! Get there at opening to claim your spot.
💰 Pack Smart for Food
Bring unopened water bottles; outside food is restricted but doable if you plan.
💧 Lockers for Valuables
Rent a locker for peace of mind, prices vary by size.
🎟️ Check Session Times
The park splits into two sessions daily; plan accordingly.
👟 Non-Slip Footwear
Water shoes or sandals are a must for navigating wet surfaces.
📱 Use the Stamp Trick
Get a hand stamp to re-enter after eating in your car.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cowabunga Bay for its cleanliness, variety of slides suitable for all ages, and the fun Lazy River. The park is considered well-run and a great spot for family outings. However, some find the food prices high and wish for more adult-oriented attractions or warmer water.
"I personally rent Cowabunga Bay out for private events. They are always great to work with and make it super easy and enjoyable. They have a Giant Bucket that dumps water, Big Lazy River, Various Slides for all ages, and a Todler Area. Cabanas are available and they have changing rooms and Food stand. Wish the water was a little warmer but the kiddos don't feel the cold like adults do haha!"
Tobin Prince
"I’m giving it a 4 mainly because No coolers or outside food/drinks are allowed. Which is a bummer because the funnel fries you see in the photos of me and my son eating was 14$ 😑 I love me some funnel ANYTHING is the only reason I got it anyways! Lmaooo! But 14 for that? CRAZY! besides that we had a blast! Plenty of chairs for sitting area! My kids loved all the slides! We still went to our car to eat our sandwiches and drink up our own food we brought so don’t hesitate to bring your own food just get a stamp on your hand so you’re able to go back in after lol. Staff was great as well 🙏🏾 had an awesome time here for the 4th of July so thank you Bay Area lol ❤️🤍💙"
Lolani Kay
"Cowabunga has two sessions; morning visits start at 10:30am-2:00pm. Afternoon schedules begin at 2:30pm and ending at 6:00pm.
From June through August 2025, the water park opens 7 days a week.
Except for: Monday 8/18 through Friday 8/22, and Monday 8/25 through Friday 8/29 (the water park is closed)
Monday, 9/1/2025 is the last day of the season. Be sure to plan accordingly.
Arrived at Cowabunga at 3:30pm. The parking lot at the waterpark was already filled up and jammed pack. The parking lot at the water park was fully occupied.
Other vehicles parked elsewhere within the strip shopping center and walked up to the check-in front entrance.
Cowabunga has a wide variety of water rides to accommodate all ages of children. Ages 2-4, 5-7, 8-12+.
The cabana rental has a separate line when you first entered and check-in at the front entrance.
The cabana rental is in the middle line of the check-in front entrance. To reserve a large cabana rental or a small size cabana tiki rental, check in at the front entrance. They'll take your name and add you to the rental list. You pay for the rental at the end of the session.
Cabana rental comes with small tables, chairs, and sunshade wall tarps.
The lazy river, the higher water rides, and the lower heights water slides are within the surroundings of the water park. And while the water park is not a huge facility, it's nice and perfect for families to keep their eyes on their young children.
There are several food stations to order food/drinks. There's also a small gift shop to purchase fun, beach gifts, sweatshirts and alike.
We would strongly recommend that you get there when it opens to get your seats/lounge chairs. The chairs fill up quickly with visitors putting towels, t-shirts, personal belongings, swimsuits, and kiddie toys to claim the chairs. It's a first come, first served basis. The chairs availability is limited with so many guests in the water park.
Once all the chairs are taken, there's nowhere to sit and put your items.
You can rent a large locker for $10 or a small locker for $5 during the duration of your session, whether it's the 1st session from 10:30am-2:00pm or the afternoon session 2:30pm-6:00pm.
If you have items that are not valuable, consider renting a locker.
Public paid lockers have limited security with no guarantees of 100% safety, be mindful that it is for public usage based on a paid fee.
There's a nice, large yellow-green sunshade canopy hung over with tables/chairs for diners to eat/drink and enjoy their time at the water park. This area is for diners only.
The entire facility was well thought out and planned to accommodate guests and families.
The lazy river is relatively small in size to accommodate guests. The water park is only so big based on square footage when it was built
Cowabunga is well maintained and clean without garbage strung all over the floor.
Some helpful tips:
Get there when it opens.
You may bring unopened water bottles inside the park. Outside food and beverages are discouraged.
Reserve your chairs.
The water park will get busy and packed after the 1st hour of the opening during the weekends.
The men/women bathrooms are to the right; once you enter the water park entrance.
Running is discouraged due to slippery wet floors.
If water fun is on your agenda and your to-do list. Cowabunga is the place.
While at the food concession stations, don't forget to order ice cream/dip in dots to complete your day."
Melski Woodbury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cowabunga Bay is located in Draper, Utah. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available, though it can fill up quickly on busy days. +1
Yes, there is a parking lot at the water park. However, it can become completely full, especially on weekends. Visitors may need to park in the surrounding strip shopping center and walk.
Cowabunga Bay typically operates in two sessions: morning (e.g., 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM) and afternoon (e.g., 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM). Hours can vary, so it's best to check their official schedule.
The water park usually closes for the season on Labor Day, which is the first Monday in September. Plan your visit accordingly.
Outside food and drinks are generally discouraged, though unopened water bottles are often permitted. Concessions are available inside, but can be pricey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the session and day. It's recommended to check the official Cowabunga Bay website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, the park operates in two distinct sessions, and tickets are typically sold for each session separately.
Cabanas are available for rent and can be reserved at the front entrance. They offer shade and a designated space for your group.
If you plan to leave to eat in your car or elsewhere, get a hand stamp upon exiting to ensure re-entry.
The park offers a variety of rides suitable for different age groups, including areas specifically for toddlers and slides for older children and adults.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the iconic Giant Bucket for a drenching surprise, the relaxing Lazy River, and the diverse range of water slides catering to all thrill levels.
Absolutely! Cowabunga Bay has a dedicated kids' area and a variety of slides suitable for toddlers and younger children, making it a great family destination. +1
The park can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak summer months. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday is recommended to avoid the largest crowds.
Yes, lockers are available for rent in both small and large sizes to store your belongings during your visit.
Cowabunga Bay is generally considered well-maintained and clean, with staff working to keep the facility tidy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has several food stations offering items like funnel cakes, ice cream, and other typical park fare.
Some visitors find the food prices to be on the higher side, with items like funnel cakes costing around $14.
While outside food is generally discouraged, bringing unopened water bottles is usually allowed. For other food, consider eating in your car and using the re-entry stamp.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but typical park food often includes some basic choices. It's best to inquire at the food stations upon arrival.
Yes, there is a designated dining area with tables and chairs under a large sunshade canopy.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture fun moments at the top of slides, by the Giant Bucket, or with the scenic views in the background.
It's generally not recommended to bring phones or cameras on most water slides due to the risk of them falling out or getting damaged. Secure them in a locker or with a non-rider.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other guests' privacy when taking photos.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photo opportunities.
If you have a waterproof phone case or camera, you can capture fun underwater shots in the pools or lazy river.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Pro-tips for families: Arrive early to secure a spot near the kids' zone, pack plenty of snacks and drinks (or plan your exit strategy for car picnics), and take advantage of the two-session schedule to avoid overtired meltdowns. The Lazy River is also a hit for a relaxing family float.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Look for potential deals on tickets or consider visiting on a weekday when crowds might be smaller, potentially leading to shorter wait times for rides and a more relaxed experience without the premium weekend rush.
🎉 Group & Event Planners
When booking, inquire about cabana rentals for a dedicated space for your group. Planning ahead is crucial, especially for larger events, to ensure all needs are met and the day is as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Cowabunga Bay: A Family's Guide
When planning your visit, it's wise to consider the park's two-session schedule. This split helps manage crowds and allows for a more organized experience. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is highly recommended to secure prime seating and avoid the longest lines. Remember that while the park is designed for family fun, concessions can be pricey, so strategizing your food and drink plan is key.
Key takeaways for families include checking the daily session times, arriving before opening to claim lounge chairs, and utilizing the hand stamp for re-entry if you plan to eat outside the park. The park's manageable size also makes it easier for parents to keep an eye on their children, adding to the peace of mind during a fun-filled day.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Visitors
When it comes to sustenance, visitors often suggest bringing unopened water bottles and being strategic about food. While outside food is restricted, the option to leave and re-enter with a hand stamp allows for picnics in your car or nearby. Be prepared for concession prices, which some find steep, especially for treats like funnel cakes.
Practical advice also includes renting lockers for your valuables, wearing appropriate water shoes to navigate slippery surfaces, and being aware of the park's two-session schedule. These small but significant details can transform a good day into a great one, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience at Cowabunga Bay.
Understanding Cowabunga Bay's Operations
It's important to note that the park may have specific closure dates, particularly towards the end of the season. Always check the official Cowabunga Bay calendar for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and any planned closures to avoid disappointment.
Key operational details include the session timings, the seasonal end date, and the potential for parking lot congestion. Being informed about these aspects will help you plan your visit more effectively and ensure you have a full day of fun without unexpected interruptions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit