Note: Water Country is a seasonal attraction open for the summer in late May until Labor Day weekend.
Water Country USA is a great way to spend your day. There is plenty of info on the website and on TripAdvisor, so be sure to do a little research (reviews, forums, etc.) beforehand so know what to expect. The 50's/60's music & theme is entertaining throughout the day while you enjoy the park.
It opens at 10 am. No one is allowed to bring food inside the water park- the Security guards look inside all bags to ensure safety & security & will not allow coolers into the park. It can take a few minutes to get the family, towels and bag out of the vehicle and get them to the gate. The preferred and normal parking are in the same lot, but are separated by plastic cones, with the preferred parking closest to the gate. Sometimes the entrance gates do open prior to 10am but not always.
Be prepared for the concession prices - typical of amusement parks, water parks, ball parks, and the like, across the country. The food ranges from churros at $2.80, a pretzel $4.12, and a sandwich costs $7 or more. To save money on food and/or refreshments, avoid eating in the park. You may bring a cooler with food and drinks but leave them inside your car in parking lot, and go out there to eat when hungry.
At 10am you'll want to first choose your seating and save it for the day. Put your towels on the lounge chairs that are provided and you know you will always have a seat. If you leave any personal belongings there, the park is not responsible so you leave everything at your own risk. There are lockers available at various locations throughout the park. The lockers are small, and there's a fee ($10), part of which is refundable as a $3 coupon, not redeemable for cash. The park also rents cabanas near the Wave Pool which gives you cover/shade as well as other extras such as ice, but at an extra price.
Some of the attractions have maximum height limitations such as 45" or 50". These are the "kiddie" play areas. Obviously parents are allowed to accompany children into those areas and children taller are allowed into the area as well if they're accompanying a child. Children from 1 year and older can spend hours in these areas. The Kiddie Korral and CowaBunga are the two areas specific to small children and they are side-by-side. CowaBunga has one entrance in/out and Kiddie Korral has 2 so it is easy to keep your children "Korraled"! There are trees around both of these kiddie play areas so there are shady areas during parts of the day. Next to Big Daddy Falls is another kiddie play area which is much larger and sunnier. There are large umbrellas covering a lot of the lounge chairs there. If your child is not potty trained, they are required to wear a "swim diaper" at the park. Please be sure the diaper fits snugly and is not loose.- it's not fun for the park guests when attractions close due to the need for an 'unscheduled cleaning'. Restrooms are located throughout the park. (Some patrons have reported that the water in various rides/attractions does not seem to be filtered sufficiently because they've seen loose hair and dirt floating around. Others have reported that the entire park is very clean.)
The Aquazoid is a fun ride that even smaller children can ride. Up to 4 to 5 people can ride in a raft together. It goes down slower than other rides, and is a short ride. This can be scary for small children because part of the ride is in the dark. There is also a long climb up the stairs to get to the top to enter your raft. (FYI-This ride may make you dizzy.)
The Meltdown is a fun ride that even small children can ride with pleasure. Only 3 people are allowed per raft so be prepared to split your group up accordingly. Even 2 adults and 2 small children are not allowed in the same raft. The child sits up front with the adult in the back and an open space in between. You'll go up several flights of stairs to get to the top of this ride. They'll also enjoy the ride.
Big Daddy Falls is on the right side of the entrance to the park and is a lot of fun for the entire family to ride.
Malibu Pipeline is a very popular ride with a strong waterfall at the end of the ride. Two people can ride together.
Hubba Hubba Highway - very popular for everyone. The thing to remember about this attraction is that there are numerous entrances/exits in the area. People seem to congregate around one area (the pool) which can make things congested. Everyone should use a life vest (provided for free at the park) and ride the flowing water.There is also covered seating here which always seems to be full. If you want seating here, you'll want to get there early. Kids love to play in the pool area. There is a bridge which leads to an island which has additional seating in the sun. There are restrooms and food available in this area. Don't miss the chance to spray water on the people on the Hubba Hugga Highway. The sprayers are located beside the men's restroom in the area.
Enjoy your time at Water Country USA!