Big Kahuna's Water Park vs Sesame Place Philadelphia
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 | Big Kahuna's Water Park | Sesame Place Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Big Kahuna's Water Park
- hot tubs
Only at Sesame Place Philadelphia
- cabana rentals
- tube rentals
- season passes
- Arcade
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Big Kahuna's Water Park
New Jersey
Big Kahuna's Water Park brings year-round aquatic fun to South Jersey with its indoor water wonderland. The park focuses on creating a tropical atmosphere inside, complete with palm trees and island-themed decorations that transport you from New Jersey's winters to a perpetual summer vacation. The main draw is their multi-level play structure that dominates the center of the facility, featuring smaller slides perfect for younger kids and a massive tipping bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water every few minutes. You'll hear the anticipation building as kids gather underneath, waiting for that telltale creaking sound before the deluge. The lazy river winds around the perimeter, providing a relaxing float for adults while parents keep an eye on their kids splashing nearby. Their wave pool generates decent-sized waves every 15 minutes or so, though don't expect ocean-level intensity. The hot tub area is a blessing for parents who need a break from the chaos, positioned strategically so you can still supervise the action. Big Kahuna's really shines for families with kids under 12. The indoor setting means you don't have to worry about sunscreen applications every hour or weather cancellations, making it ideal for birthday parties and group outings during the colder months. The splash pad area keeps toddlers entertained with smaller fountains and gentle water features they can navigate safely. Food options stick to the basics with pizza, nachos, and soft drinks, though you can bring your own snacks if you want to save money. Arrive right when they…
Read the full Big Kahuna's Water Park guide →Sesame Place Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
Sesame Place Philadelphia brings Elmo, Big Bird, and the whole Sesame Street gang to life in what's essentially two parks in one - a theme park with rides and shows, plus a full water park called Count's Splash Castle. The water side is perfect for families with kids under 12, which is really the sweet spot for this place. You'll find a good mix of water slides that aren't too intense, a lazy river called Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave that moves at just the right pace for little ones, and Ernie's Bed Bounce - a massive water play structure that'll keep kids busy for hours. The Big Bird's Rambling River is another lazy river option that's more mellow. What sets this place apart is how well they've themed everything around Sesame Street characters. Kids lose their minds when they spot Elmo walking around, and the character meet-and-greets happen throughout the day in both the dry and wet areas. The water slides have reasonable height requirements - most kids over 42 inches can handle them, though some require 48 inches. Get there early, especially on summer weekends, because this place gets packed by 11 AM. The parking lot fills up fast, and you'll be walking a lot farther if you arrive late. Bring water shoes - the pavement gets scorching hot in summer. Cabana rentals are available but book them when you buy tickets online because they sell out. The food is typical theme park fare but pricier than you'd expect,…
Read the full Sesame Place Philadelphia guide →Ready to visit Big Kahuna's Water Park?