Mahoney Family Aquatic Center vs Star City Shores
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 | Mahoney Family Aquatic Center | Star City Shores |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Star City Shores
- wave pool
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- splash pad
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
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 →Star City Shores
Nebraska
Star City Shores brings tropical vibes to Nebraska's capital, and honestly, it's a solid mid-sized water park that punches above its weight. The park's crown jewel is a massive wave pool that generates surprisingly good waves every 15 minutes - way better than the wimpy ripples you get at some places. The slide complex features four major slides, including a pair of racing lanes that get competitive fast and a bowl slide that'll make your stomach drop. What I really appreciate here is how well they've designed the kids' area. It's not just an afterthought - there's a legitimate splash castle with smaller slides, tipping buckets, and interactive water features that keep the little ones busy for hours. The lazy river actually has some personality too, winding through landscaped areas instead of just being a boring circle. You'll float under bridges and past waterfalls, which sounds cheesy but works well in practice. The food situation is typical water park fare - burgers, pizza, nachos - but portions are generous and prices aren't completely outrageous. Pro tip: grab one of the pavilion tables early if you're visiting with a group, because shade becomes premium real estate by noon. The staff here genuinely seems to care about safety and cleanliness, which isn't always a given at regional parks. Lines move reasonably well, though weekends in July can get crowded. This park works best for families with kids of all ages - there's enough thrill factor for teenagers but plenty of gentler options…
Read the full Star City Shores guide →Ready to visit Mahoney Family Aquatic Center?