Kentucky Kingdom Hurricane Bay vs Big Splash Adventure
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 | Kentucky Kingdom Hurricane Bay | Big Splash Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Kentucky Kingdom Hurricane Bay
- wave pool
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- picnic areas
- group rates
- season passes
Only at Big Splash Adventure
- hot tubs
- swimming pool
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Kentucky Kingdom Hurricane Bay
Kentucky
Hurricane Bay sits right next to Kentucky Kingdom's roller coasters in Louisville, making it one of the few places where you can catch glimpses of screaming coaster riders while floating down a lazy river. This seasonal water park opened as part of the theme park's revival and focuses on delivering solid water fun without trying to be the biggest or flashiest around. The wave pool generates decent-sized waves that kids love body surfing, while parents can hang out in the shallow end. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park and actually stays lazy - no crazy rapids or surprise waterfalls to dump on you unexpectedly. Hurricane Bay's water slides range from gentle family slides to a few that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The kids' area features smaller slides and interactive water features that keep the little ones busy for hours. What I like about this place is that it doesn't feel overwhelming. You can easily keep track of your family, and the sightlines are good throughout the park. The combination ticket with Kentucky Kingdom is where the real value kicks in - you can ride roller coasters in the morning when it's cooler, then hit the water park during the hot afternoon hours. Parking is shared with the theme park, so you're walking a bit to get to Hurricane Bay's entrance. The food options are typical water park fare, though you're paying theme park prices. I'd recommend bringing your own snacks if the park allows it.…
Read the full Kentucky Kingdom Hurricane Bay guide →Big Splash Adventure
Indiana
Big Splash Adventure sits inside the French Lick Springs Hotel, making it part of that resort's year-round indoor water attraction. The park runs about 30,000 square feet and keeps things comfortable with a tropical 84-degree temperature all year. You'll find a good mix of attractions that work well for families with kids ranging from toddlers to teens. The centerpiece is a large activity pool with basketball hoops and volleyball nets, plus a decent-sized lazy river that actually moves at a relaxing pace. The slide selection includes a couple of body slides and tube slides that provide solid thrills without being too intense. Little ones get their own dedicated area with smaller slides, interactive play features, and shallow water that parents can easily supervise. The hot tub area is spacious enough to actually relax in, which isn't always the case at smaller indoor parks. Since it's attached to the resort, the food situation is better than typical water park fare. You can grab standard pool snacks, but you also have access to the hotel's dining options if you want something more substantial. The locker and changing room setup is clean and well-maintained, though it can get crowded during peak resort times like weekends and holidays. Your best bet is arriving right when they open if you're visiting during busy periods. The park gets packed with hotel guests, especially families on weekend getaways. The French Lick location means you're also close to the casino and other resort amenities, so it works well…
Read the full Big Splash Adventure guide →Ready to visit Kentucky Kingdom Hurricane Bay?