Cascade Bay vs Soak City
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 | Cascade Bay | Soak City |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Cascade Bay
- lazy river
- splash pad
Only at Soak City
- wave pool
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- birthday party packages
- group rates
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Cascade Bay
Minnesota
Cascade Bay delivers that classic community water park experience that reminds you why these local gems matter. Located just minutes from the Mall of America in Eagan, this outdoor park punches above its weight for a municipal facility. The centerpiece is a solid collection of water slides that range from gentle slopes perfect for younger kids to faster tube slides that'll give tweens and teens their thrills. The main pool area stays busy but never feels overcrowded, and there's a dedicated shallow area where toddlers can splash around safely while parents actually relax nearby. What I love about Cascade Bay is how it nails the fundamentals without trying to be something it's not. The lazy river moves at the perfect pace for floating away an afternoon, and the kids' play area features all the sprays, dumps, and climbing structures that keep little ones entertained for hours. The staff clearly knows the community and treats everyone like neighbors. Food prices stay reasonable compared to the big commercial parks, and you can actually find a good spot to sit without arriving at opening time. The changing rooms and facilities are clean and well-maintained, which matters more than you'd think after a full day in the sun. Parking is free and plentiful, another win for families watching their budget. This park works best for families with kids under 14 who want a fun day without the chaos and expense of mega-parks. Sure, thrill seekers looking for massive slides might want to look elsewhere,…
Read the full Cascade Bay guide →Soak City
Minnesota
Soak City at Valley Fair gives you two parks for the price of one, though honestly, most families spend their whole day just at the water park. The wave pool here is legit - it creates decent-sized waves every few minutes, and kids love jumping into them while adults float on tubes nearby. The water slide collection covers all the basics, from gentle family slides where parents and kids can ride together to steeper speed slides that'll get your heart pumping. The kiddie area is where Soak City really shines for families with toddlers. It's got miniature slides, water fountains, and shallow pools where little ones can splash around safely while parents relax on nearby lounge chairs. The whole setup feels connected but not overwhelming, which is perfect when you're trying to keep track of kids of different ages. Since it's part of Valley Fair, you get that amusement park level of maintenance and staffing, so the facilities stay clean and the lines move reasonably well. The food situation is standard water park fare - burgers, pizza, nachos - but it's filling and you don't have to leave the park. Pro tip: arrive right when they open to snag the best lounge chairs near the wave pool. They go fast on busy summer days. The concrete gets scorching hot by afternoon, so water shoes are a must-have. If you're planning to make a full day of it, consider splitting time between Soak City and the main Valley Fair rides. The…
Read the full Soak City guide →Ready to visit Cascade Bay?