Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure vs Point Mallard Park
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure | Point Mallard Park |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Pool | ||
| Lazy River | ||
| Water Slides | ||
| Kiddie Area | ||
| Tube Rentals | ||
| Food & Dining | ||
| Gift Shop | ||
| Parking | ||
| Picnic Area | ||
| Birthday Parties | ||
| Season Passes | ||
| Swimming Pool | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
- Lazy River
- Gift Shop
- Arcade
Only at Point Mallard Park
- beach-area
- Picnic Area
- camping
- ice-skating
- mini-golf
Both parks share 9 amenities including Wave Pool, Water Slides, Kiddie Area, and 6 more.
About Each Park
Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
Alabama
Alabama Adventure in Bessemer gives you two parks for the price of one. The theme park side has roller coasters and classic rides, but honestly, most people come for Splash Island, the water park portion that's perfect for beating Alabama's brutal summer heat. The wave pool here is solid - not the biggest you'll see, but it gets the job done with decent-sized waves that kids love. The lazy river winds around a good chunk of the water park, and it's actually long enough that you're not doing tiny circles like at some places. They've got a decent collection of water slides ranging from family-friendly tube slides to a few that'll give you that stomach-drop feeling. The kids' area is well thought out with smaller slides and plenty of interactive water features that keep the little ones busy for hours. What really sets Alabama Adventure apart is that combo factor - your ticket gets you into both sides, so when you need a break from the sun, you can hit the dry rides or grab some AC in the arcade. The park feels very much like a regional family destination rather than a big corporate operation. It's not trying to be the flashiest or most extreme water park in the South, but it delivers solid fun without the massive crowds you'd find at places like Dollywood's Splash Country. Best strategy is to hit the water slides early before the lines build up, then settle into the lazy river during the…
Read the full Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure guide →Point Mallard Park
Alabama
Point Mallard Park sits right on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Alabama, and it's been a summer staple for North Alabama families since the 1970s. This isn't your typical massive water park chain - it's a city-owned gem that combines water fun with year-round recreation facilities. The wave pool here generates some decent waves that kids absolutely love, though don't expect anything too intense. The water slide selection includes a couple of body slides and tube slides that provide solid thrills without being terrifying for younger riders. What really sets Point Mallard apart is how it's part of a larger recreational complex. You've got the beach area right on Wheeler Lake where you can actually swim in the lake itself, plus there's an ice skating rink, golf course, and campground all on the same property. The whole setup feels more like a community recreation center that happens to have a great water park attached. Families with elementary and middle school aged kids get the most out of Point Mallard. The scale is perfect for parents who want to keep an eye on their kids without feeling overwhelmed by massive crowds. The lake beach is fantastic for families who want to mix traditional water park fun with some actual lake time. Teenagers might find it a bit tame compared to bigger regional parks, but the combination of activities keeps most kids engaged. Get there early on summer weekends because the wave pool area fills up fast. The concession stands are typical park…
Read the full Point Mallard Park guide →Ready to visit Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure?