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To some, escaping the summer heat means staying indoors for the air conditioning. Others prefer to cool off by hitting the water. For those whose ideal summer day is filled with swimming, splashing and sliding, a visit to a water park may be the perfect choice.
Blue Bayou and Dixie Landin’ in Baton Rouge is the largest combination water-theme park in the South, according to Elizabeth Haynes Harrison, director of media, marketing and entertainment. Its water park attractions match its amusement park rides in size and intensity.
“Blue Bayou has six of the world’s largest slides of their kind. We refer to it as ‘The Land of the Giants,’” Harrison said. “That kind of sets us apart: We have the biggest slides.”
In August 2012, the park introduced Mambo, the first and only quadruple aqua loop water slide in the United States. The ride starts in a tube, where the rider stands on a sheet of plexiglass, which is suddenly removed, sending the rider down a chute, through a 360-degree loop, to the bottom of the slide.
Harrison said Mambo is the attraction Blue Bayou is most proud of because of the thrill and novelty. Other attractions include Azuka, a tornado slide where guests board a four-person raft and spin around in a funnel, Lafitte’s Plunge, which involves a 90-foot drop, and the Mad Moccasin, whose twists and turns mimic coiled snakes.
Those looking for a more relaxing time can visit the Hurricane Bay wave pool or float down the lazy river. Children can explore Pirate’s Cove, complete with slides and a splash zone.
“Basically, we have something for everyone,” Harrison said. “We have rides for children that are able to sit up all the way to adults. There’s plenty for anyone of any age to do.”
In addition to the water attractions, Blue Bayou offers a variety of concessions, from tacos and fried chicken to popcorn and ice cream. A recent addition to the menu is the Bayou Dippin’ Dog, a tortilla-wrapped hot dog served with chili and cheese sauce for dipping.
On Friday nights through August 2, the park hosts Young Band Nation concerts featuring teenage musicians from Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. The concerts are included in the park’s daily admission and season passes or with the reduced Dixie Landin’ admission after 5 p.m.
The park advertises in Louisiana markets and throughout the Gulf Coast, from southeast Texas to the Florida Panhandle. Visitors to Blue Bayou can expect “a lot of fun, a lot of sun and memories that will last a lifetime,” Harrison said.
Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Miss., is the largest water park on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, according to Betty Wallace, director of marketing.
Gulf Islands focuses more on family-oriented attractions than amusement park-style rides, although thrill-seekers can still find things to do. The park is home to the Gulf Coast’s lone water roller coaster, the Horn Island Blaster, which takes guests on a raft ride that goes uphill and includes curves and drops. Guests can also compete against friends, family or other park visitors on the six-lane, 45-foot-high Riptide Racer water slide.
Gulf Islands offers guests a vacation-style getaway while paying homage to its location. “The park is island-themed, and the attractions are named after local landmarks and cities,” Wallace said. The Padscagoula attraction challenges younger visitors to cross a pool by walking on floating pads and logs and holding onto a hanging rope net. Spray St. Louis allows guests to splash and soak. The Lazy Pearl River flows throughout the park and is accessible from most of the attractions.
One attraction Wallace is particularly fond of is Pelican’s Bay, created especially for young children. It’s where “families can go to relax,” Wallace said. “Many families tell us they appreciate that they can watch their kids without having to be right by their side.”
When Gulf Islands’ visitors get hungry, they can choose from items such as chicken tenders, salads and homemade pizza. The park’s hamburgers are grilled over an open flame where guests can watch them cook.
Gulf Islands holds a variety of events and activities each year that are geared toward the typical park visitors, which are parents with children up to age 15. In store for July 5-14 is the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, which celebrates logging through history, comedy and various contests, including sawing, axe throwing and logrolling. On July 20, Alexandria Deberry of the Disney Channel series “A.N.T. Farm” will be available for a meet-and-greet from 1-4 p.m. The events are included in guests’ daily admission or season passes.
Wallace said Gulf Islands is an ideal park for “good, clean family fun.”
With thrill rides, family attractions and more, Blue Bayou and Gulf Islands water parks have plenty to offer for anyone seeking to cool off this summer.
– bridget@gumboguide.com
Children brave the Horn Island Blaster at Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Miss. One-day admission for guests 42 inches and taller is $29.99.
