The Venetian vs Paul Bunyan Water Park
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 | The Venetian | Paul Bunyan Water Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at The Venetian
- swimming pool
- birthday party packages
- group rates
Only at Paul Bunyan Water Park
- lazy river
- hot tubs
- Arcade
- towel rentals
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
The Venetian
Minnesota
The Venetian in Minnesota brings a unique Italian-inspired atmosphere to the indoor water park scene. Walking in, you'll notice the attention to detail in the theming - think gondola-style decorations and Mediterranean colors that transport you from Minnesota's harsh winters to a warmer place. The centerpiece is a multi-level water playground that works perfectly for families with kids aged 3-12. You'll find smaller slides, tipping buckets, and plenty of interactive water features that keep the younger crowd entertained for hours. The park also features a decent-sized leisure pool where parents can actually relax while keeping an eye on their kids. What I really appreciate here is the manageable size - it's not overwhelming like some of the massive resort complexes, but there's still enough to fill a solid 4-5 hours. The temperature stays comfortable year-round, usually around 82-84 degrees, so you can visit any time without worrying about weather. The kiddie area is thoughtfully designed with shallow water and age-appropriate features. Parents don't have to stress about safety since sight lines are good throughout the facility. Food options are standard water park fare - pizza, burgers, snacks - nothing gourmet but it gets the job done. My biggest tip: arrive right when they open to claim your preferred seating area, especially on weekends. The locker situation can get tight during peak times, so bring minimal stuff if possible. Parking is typically free, which is a nice bonus. This isn't the place for adrenaline junkies looking for massive slides, but it…
Read the full The Venetian guide →Paul Bunyan Water Park
Minnesota
Paul Bunyan Water Park sits inside the Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, making it a true resort water park experience in Minnesota's lake country. The Paul Bunyan theme runs throughout, with giant ax and boot decorations that kids love posing with for photos. The park feels cozy compared to massive resort chains, but that's actually a plus if you're traveling with younger kids who can get overwhelmed in sprawling facilities. The main attraction is a solid collection of water slides that wind around the space, including tube slides that families can ride together. There's a decent-sized kids area with smaller slides, water features, and plenty of interactive elements that keep toddlers busy. The lazy river moves at a perfect pace for floating, and the hot tubs are a lifesaver if you're visiting during Minnesota's colder months. Since you're staying at the lodge, you can easily pop back to your room to rest or grab forgotten items. The food court serves typical water park fare, but the portions are generous and the prices aren't as brutal as some resort parks. Weekdays are definitely your best bet for smaller crowds, especially during school months. The park gets busy on winter weekends when families are looking for indoor activities. Bring water shoes since the concrete can get slippery, and consider renting a cabana if you're there with a larger group. The arcade near the entrance is solid for keeping older kids entertained when they need a break from the water. What sets Paul Bunyan…
Read the full Paul Bunyan Water Park guide →Ready to visit The Venetian?