Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park
Rating
Family of 4
$150-200.
Duration
4-6 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 3-15
About
Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park is Destin's family water park, offering over 40 water attractions on a sprawling property just off Highway 98. Operating seasonally (approximately May through September), it provides a full day of water-based entertainment for families wanting a break from the beach or an alternative on overcast days.
The water attractions span all thrill levels. Speed slides like Jumanji and Bermuda Triangle deliver steep, fast drops for thrill-seeking tweens and teens. Multi-person tube slides let families ride together.
The lazy river winds through tropical landscaping for a relaxing float. The wave pool generates gentle waves for body surfing and bobbing. For the youngest visitors, KidDie Korner has scaled-down water slides, splash pads, and shallow pools designed for ages 2-6.
Beyond the water, Big Kahuna's includes mini golf (54 holes on two courses) and a go-kart track. These non-water attractions provide variety when kids need a break from swimming or when the weather is borderline. Mini golf is particularly popular as an end-of-day activity after the water park.
The park has a food court with typical water park fare (burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, ice cream). Prices are premium, as expected at a water park. Some families bring packed snacks in clear bags (check the current policy on outside food). Lockers are available for rent ($10-15).
Big Kahuna's is best for families with kids ages 3-15. Toddlers enjoy the kiddie area, elementary kids love the variety of slides, and tweens/teens find enough thrill rides to stay engaged. Adults enjoy the lazy river and wave pool. The park is not on the scale of major theme park water parks, but it delivers a solid day of family fun at a reasonable price point.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Open seasonally (approximately May through September). Weekdays are less crowded. Arrive at opening (10 AM) for the shortest lines on popular slides. Check the website for exact operating dates and hours.
Wait Times
Popular slides: 10-20 min on weekdays, 20-40 min on summer weekends. The lazy river, wave pool, and kids' areas have no waits. Arrive at opening for the shortest lines.
Nearby Food
Food court inside the park. Outside: Boshamps Seafood (10 min), McGuire's Irish Pub (15 min, steaks and burgers, fun atmosphere), The Local Market (sandwiches, 5 min).
Why Kids Love It
Big Kahuna's is Destin's water park with over 40 water attractions -- body slides, tube slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and dedicated kids' areas. For families who want a break from the beach (or a rainy-morning alternative), the park delivers a full day of water fun.
The Jumanji and Bermuda Triangle slides are the thrill rides -- steep, fast drops that launch riders into splash pools. The lazy river lets families float through tropical landscaping. The wave pool generates gentle surf. For young kids, the KidDie Korner has scaled-down slides, splash pads, and shallow pools.
The park also has mini golf (54 holes) and a go-kart track for when kids want a break from water. The combination of water park + mini golf + go-karts makes it a flexible all-day family activity center.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Arrive at 10 AM opening for the shortest lines on popular slides
- The lazy river and wave pool are the best hangouts for families -- no lines, relaxing
- KidDie Korner is perfect for kids under 6 -- scaled-down slides and shallow water
- Mini golf and go-karts provide non-water alternatives if kids need a break
- Bring your own towels -- rental towels are an extra cost
What to Bring
- swimsuits
- towels
- sunscreen SPF 50
- water shoes (hot pavement)
- waterproof phone case
- dry clothes for after
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$150-200.
General admission ~$45-50/person.
Under 3 free.
Parking included.
Math: 2($48) + 2($40 kids) = $176.
Food inside: $10-15/person.
Lockers $10-15.
Total day: $200-250.
Tips to Save
- Buy tickets online for discounts.
- Afternoon entry (after 2 PM) is sometimes discounted.
- Bring your own sunscreen (they allow it).
- Pack snacks in a clear bag (check policy).
- Season passes are a great deal if staying a week or more.
- Kids under 3 free.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Monday
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM