CoCo Key, Omaha vs Mahoney Family Aquatic Center
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 | CoCo Key, Omaha | Mahoney Family Aquatic Center |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at CoCo Key, Omaha
- wave pool
- hot tubs
- Arcade
- cabana rentals
Only at Mahoney Family Aquatic Center
- picnic areas
- season passes
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
CoCo Key, Omaha
Nebraska
CoCo Key Water Resort in Omaha sits inside the Ramada Plaza hotel, making it one of Nebraska's few year-round water park destinations. The 30,000 square foot indoor facility keeps things tropical even when it's snowing outside, with palm trees and a beach-themed atmosphere that feels surprisingly authentic for the Midwest. The centerpiece is Coral Reef Cove, a massive multi-level water playground with tipping buckets, water cannons, and smaller slides perfect for kids under 12. The Barracuda Blast body slides give older kids and adults their thrill fix, while the Dip-In Theatre lets families watch movies while soaking in the pool. The lazy river here is shorter than what you'll find at bigger resorts, but it's still relaxing enough for a float. Parents with toddlers will appreciate the shallow Coconut Grove area with mini slides and gentle water features. The wave pool cycles every 10 minutes and creates decent waves for an indoor facility, though don't expect anything too intense. What sets CoCo Key apart from other indoor parks is its manageable size. You can easily supervise kids from almost anywhere, and lines rarely get crazy long. The party packages are popular with local families, and the arcade keeps kids busy when they need a break from the water. Since it's connected to the hotel, overnight guests get extended hours, which is a nice perk if you're making a weekend of it. The food court serves typical water park fare but the pizza is actually decent. Pro tips: weekday visits are…
Read the full CoCo Key, Omaha guide →Mahoney Family Aquatic Center
Nebraska
The Mahoney Family Aquatic Center sits right in the heart of Ashland, part of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park's sprawling recreation complex. This isn't your massive corporate water park with towering slides, but it's exactly what families with younger kids are looking for. The main pool area features a zero-depth entry that gradually slopes deeper, perfect for toddlers who want to wade in slowly while older siblings can actually swim in the deeper sections. The real star here is the kids' play structure with smaller slides, water features, and interactive elements that keep the 3-10 age group busy for hours. You'll also find a couple of moderate water slides that give older kids and adults a fun ride without being too intense. The lazy river here moves at a genuinely relaxing pace, and since this place doesn't get the massive crowds of bigger parks, you can actually float without constantly bumping into other tubes. What makes Mahoney different is its connection to the state park. After you're done in the water, kids can hit the playground, families can explore hiking trails, or you can grab dinner at the lodge. The facility feels well-maintained but not flashy, which keeps admission prices reasonable for families. Come early in the day during summer weekends since the pool areas can fill up by mid-afternoon, especially the shallow sections where little ones play. The concession stand covers the basics, but you're allowed to bring your own snacks, which is a nice touch. Parking is free…
Read the full Mahoney Family Aquatic Center guide →Ready to visit CoCo Key, Omaha?