Mississippi doesn’t have many water parks to begin with – couple that with COVID-19-related closures and the options are even fewer. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have any options. At the end of May, Gulf Islands Waterpark opened for the 2020 season (with a few changes to ensure everyone’s safety, of course). And with miles of slides and rides, it’s the perfect place to dive into summer. Take a look:

Boasting miles of slides, Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport takes the title of the largest water park on the coast.

Hilda S/TripAdvisor

On May 30th, the park opened for the 2020 season…with a few changes due to COVID-19, such as properly spaced beach chairs, loungers, and dining tables.

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Facebook The park is taking several other precautions to ensure everyone’s safety, which you can read about here.

And while a few things have changed, many have stayed the same, such as the incredible slides and rides that fill the park.

Kiranda Duval/Google

Fun for the entire family, Gulf Islands Waterpark is home to nearly a dozen water attractions, including Horn Island Blaster, the Gulf Coast’s first and only water roller coaster.

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Facebook

Built for two, the high-speed slide features 500’ of twists and turns, 45-degree drops, and gravity-defying uphill blasts.

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Flickr

That’s not the only adrenaline-pumping slide, though. There are several others, including the Riptide Racer.

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Facebook

Able to accommodate six, Riptide Racer is perfect for a little friendly competition as riders simultaneously plunge headfirst down the 45’ slide.

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Facebook

Other adrenaline-pumping slides include the Camille Cutter (a 400’ rafting adventure), Deer Island Express (a tunnel slide that takes you 357’ on a single or double tube), and Cat Island Catapult (a 155’ tube slide).

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Flickr

But that’s not all of the park’s perks. For younger visitors, there are designated play areas, along with a few slides.

Vickie magee/Google

And don’t forget about Padscagoula, an on-the-water obstacle course that’s fun for toddlers – tweens.

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Facebook

Not much of a thrill-seeker? No problem; the park has several amenities, like a lazy river, wave pool, and cabanas, geared toward visitors who are just looking to have some (mild) fun in the sun.

gulfislandswaterpark.com

So, are you ready to pay a visit to Gulf Islands Waterpark?

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Facebook

Know before you go: Gulf Islands Waterpark is encouraging guests to purchase tickets online prior to visiting the park in order to reduce wait times and assist with social distancing.

Hilda S/TripAdvisor

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Facebook

The park is taking several other precautions to ensure everyone’s safety, which you can read about here.

Kiranda Duval/Google

Gulf Islands Waterpark/Flickr

Vickie magee/Google

gulfislandswaterpark.com

Gulf Islands Waterpark is open daily through August 5th. From August 8th – September 7th, it’ll be open on weekends only. For more information, call (228) 328-1266. You can also visit the Gulf Islands Waterpark website or Facebook page.

So, did you know about Gulf Islands Waterpark? Ever visited? Have you already been this year? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only place to cool off in the Magnolia State. Read about another here.

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Address: 17200 16th St, Gulfport, MS 39503, USA