Bunker Beach vs Water Park of America
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 | Bunker Beach | Water Park of America |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Bunker Beach
- beach area
- cabana rentals
- swimming pool
- picnic areas
Only at Water Park of America
- gift shop
- Arcade
- wifi
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Bunker Beach
Minnesota
Bunker Beach sits on 65 acres in Coon Rapids and feels more like a beach resort than your typical Minnesota water park. The main draw is the massive wave pool that actually generates decent waves every few minutes. Kids spend hours jumping and diving into them while parents float nearby on tubes. The lazy river winds around a good chunk of the property and takes about 15 minutes to complete if you're not stopping to grab a drink. It's wide enough that you won't get stuck behind slow floaters, which happens at smaller parks. The slide complex has something for different comfort levels. The body slides give you that stomach-drop feeling, while the tube slides let families ride together. The kids area is well thought out with smaller slides, dumping buckets, and shallow water that parents can actually sit in comfortably. What sets Bunker Beach apart is the actual beach. Real sand surrounds a swimming area that feels like you're at a lake instead of a chlorinated pool. Kids build sandcastles while parents relax on beach chairs. It's genuinely relaxing in a way most water parks aren't. The food is typical water park fare but the portions are generous. I'd recommend the nachos if you're sharing. Get there when they open at 11am during summer weekends or you'll spend the first hour hunting for chairs. The parking lot fills up fast on hot days. Cabanas book up weeks in advance for weekends but are usually available weekdays. Bring reef-safe sunscreen…
Read the full Bunker Beach guide →Water Park of America
Minnesota
Water Park of America sits inside the Mall of America complex in Bloomington, making it one of the most unique water park experiences you'll find. This indoor park runs year-round, which means you can be splashing around in 84-degree water while it's snowing outside. The centerpiece is a massive wave pool that generates four-foot waves every few minutes - kids love body surfing while parents can wade in the shallow end. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park and moves at just the right pace for floating on tubes. For thrills, there are several body slides and tube slides, including a couple that dump you into deep pools with a serious splash. The kids' area features smaller slides, water buckets that tip over, and plenty of interactive play features at different heights. What really sets this place apart is the convenience factor. You can literally park at Mall of America, shop, eat, and hit the water park all in one trip. The locker rooms are spacious and clean, though they can get crowded during peak times. Food options are typical water park fare but reasonably priced for being inside MOA. The arcade area gives kids something to do when they need a break from the water. Since it's indoors, you don't need sunscreen, but the air can get pretty humid. I'd recommend arriving right when they open to avoid the worst crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays. The park works well for families with kids…
Read the full Water Park of America guide →Ready to visit Bunker Beach?