Looking for a day packed with excitement, water slides, and maybe a little bit of sunburn? Edmond, Oklahoma, and its lively neighbors have you covered. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a lazy river drifter, or just someone who wants to watch their kids burn off energy, you’ll find plenty of options within a quick drive. Here’s your guide to the best amusement and water parks in and around Edmond, all within a 30 to 50-minute radius.
Edmond’s Own Water Wonderland: Pelican Bay Aquatic Center
Location: 1034 S. Bryant Ave., Edmond, OK
If you want to stay close to home, Pelican Bay Aquatic Center is the place to be. This local favorite is perfect for families, especially those with younger kids. The park features two 150-foot water slides, a lazy river, a splash pool, and a diving board for those brave enough to show off their cannonball skills. There’s a lap pool for swimmers and a shallow area with mini-slides for little ones.
Pelican Bay is known for its clean facilities and friendly staff. It’s open from Memorial Day weekend until early September, making it a top spot for beating the Oklahoma heat. The park even earned the “Best Attraction” title in the 2023 Best of Edmond Awards, so you know you’re in good hands. Just remember: outside snacks need to stay in the car, and everyone gets a 10-minute break every hour for safety and sunscreen reapplication. Most families agree it’s a great value, especially for kids under 13.
Frontier City: Oklahoma’s Wild West of Thrills
Location: Oklahoma City (about 30 minutes south of Edmond)
Ready to step up the excitement? Frontier City is Oklahoma’s classic theme park, serving up Wild West vibes and heart-pounding rides. The Steel Lasso roller coaster offers a panoramic view before sending you looping through the sky. For families, there are plenty of gentler rides, live shows, and even a Western-themed water play area called Wild West Water Works. This five-story structure has eight slides, water cannons, and a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water—perfect for cooling off during the summer.
Frontier City is open from mid-March to the end of October, so there’s plenty of time to visit. Special events like Fright Fest and Oktoberfest add extra fun throughout the year. The park is cashless, so bring your cards or mobile payments for tickets and snacks. Parking can fill up fast, so buying your parking pass online is a smart move.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor OKC: Make a Splash
Location: Oklahoma City (about 35 minutes from Edmond)
When it’s time to get soaked, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor OKC is the ultimate splash zone. This water park is packed with wild slides, a massive wave pool, and a lazy river that’s anything but boring. The Wahoo Racer lets you race your friends down a multi-lane slide, while the high-speed Dive Bomb is for true daredevils. For younger kids, Kid’s Kove is filled with mini slides and giant sea creatures.
Dining options inside the park range from classic burgers and fries to sweet treats like Dippin’ Dots. There are plenty of shaded spots and cabanas to rent if you need a break from the sun. Hurricane Harbor is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so plan your visit while the weather’s hot.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark: Year-Round Fun
Location: Oklahoma City (about 40 minutes from Edmond)
For those who want to swim even when the weather isn’t cooperating, OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is the answer. This 100,000-square-foot indoor water wonderland features 15 slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a special zone for little swimmers. Outside, OKANA Beach offers more slides, a zipline, and plenty of space to relax. Adults can even grab a drink at the indoor Dive Bar or outdoor Cabana Cove.
OKANA is open year-round, making it a great choice for winter birthdays or rainy days. It’s just minutes from downtown OKC, so you can easily pair your water adventure with a trip to Bricktown’s shops and restaurants.
More Fun Beyond the Big Parks
If you’re looking for something a bit different, Edmond and nearby OKC have plenty of parks, playgrounds, and unique attractions. Celebration Station offers go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, and arcade games for a classic family outing. The Wheeler District Ferris Wheel provides stunning city views and is perfect for a low-key evening.
For those who love to mix water with adventure, Riversport OKC brings whitewater rafting, kayaking, surfing, and zip-lining to the heart of the city. It’s not your typical amusement park, but it’s guaranteed to get your heart racing.
Park Essentials: Don’t Forget Your Gear
Before you head out, make sure you’re ready for a full day of fun. Here’s a quick checklist:
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Swimsuits and towels (bring extras for water parks)
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Sunscreen (apply often, especially after water rides)
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Water shoes or flip-flops
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Refillable water bottles
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Snacks (check park rules about outside food)
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Waterproof phone case
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Hats and sunglasses
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Change of clothes for the ride home
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Cashless payment methods (most parks are card-only now)
Food and Fun: More Than Just Rides
All these parks offer more than just rides and slides. Look for live entertainment, magic shows, themed dining events, and special seasonal festivals. Many parks have group discounts, so gather your friends or family for a day to remember.
Edmond and its neighbors know how to keep the fun rolling, whether you’re splashing, screaming, or just soaking up the sun. Grab your swimsuit, round up your crew, and get ready to make some memories!
Sources: travelpro.com, westgatereservations.com, google.com, visitedmondok.com
Header Image Source: Josh Howard on Unsplash
