Gulf Islands Waterpark Gulfport MS: Complete Family Guide & Money-Saving Tips (2025)

Guest Post by Lisa

A few years ago, Lisa finally gave up her family’s overpriced country club membership, which they mainly used for the pool. Instead, she grabbed season passes to Gulf Islands Waterpark, and they’ve never looked back. Located just over an hour from New Orleans on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, this Gulfport water park has become one of their go-to summer adventures.

Whether you’re planning a day trip from Louisiana, Alabama, or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, or looking for a spot to cool off all season long, Gulf Islands Waterpark has something for the whole family. Here are Lisa’s mom-approved tips to make your visit smooth, fun, and worth every penny.

Essential Planning: Hours, Location & Getting There

Address: Gulf Islands Waterpark is conveniently located just off Landon Road in Gulfport, Mississippi, making it an ideal spot for day trips from New Orleans, Mobile, Biloxi, or anywhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Operating Hours: The park typically opens at 10 a.m. during operating season (usually late spring through early fall)

Driving Distance:

• From New Orleans: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• From Mobile, AL: About 45 minutes
• From Biloxi: About 20 minutes
• From Pensacola: About 2 hours

Pro Tip #1: Arrive Right at Park Opening

If you’ve got kids, bags, towels, and roughly 47 other things in tow, you’re going to want a spot to settle in. Lisa recommends arriving right at opening so you can snag one of the shaded picnic tables or lounge chairs. Shade is prime real estate at this Mississippi water park, especially during those hot and humid Gulf Coast afternoons. Being able to plop your stuff down under an umbrella makes the day so much easier and more enjoyable.

What To Bring (and Skip) at Gulf Islands Waterpark

Pack These Essentials:

• Swimsuits and towels for everyone
• Plenty of sunscreen (Gulf Coast sun is intense!)
• Hats, flip flops, and maybe rash guards for extra sun protection
• A complete change of clothes for the ride home
• Cash or card for food, souvenirs, and extras
• Your own lock if you plan to rent a locker

Leave These at Home:

• Coolers and outside snacks – Gulf Islands Waterpark doesn’t allow outside food or drinks unless you have prior permission from management
• Glass containers (not permitted for safety reasons)
• Large bags that might slow down security checks

Important: Your bags will be checked at the entrance, so be ready for a quick security screening. The good news? You can leave the park to eat and return as long as you keep your wristbands on, which opens up some money-saving lunch options!

Life Jackets and Safety Equipment

The park provides complimentary life jackets and tubes for attractions like the Lazy Pearl River and the wave pool. If your child prefers their own life vest, you can bring it as long as it meets safety standards; check with the lifeguards upon arrival.

Kid-Friendly Water Features That Make the Trip Worth It

Two Dedicated Play Areas for Little Ones

Gulf Islands Waterpark really shines when it comes to younger kids. There are two fantastic water play areas perfect for families with toddlers and preschoolers:

1. Main Splash Zone (park center): Features a big splash area with mini slides, climbing structures, and plenty of room for kids to explore safely
2. Secondary Play Area (near the bigger slides): A smaller, more intimate space perfect for very young children who aren’t ready for the big thrills yet

These areas include crowd-pleasers like:

• Spray St. Louis: Interactive fountains and water cannons that keep kids engaged
• Lil’ Pelican Zone: Specially designed for toddlers with gentle water features and age-appropriate equipment

Thrill Rides and Height Requirements: What to Know Before You Go

Some of the bigger attractions have height and weight requirements, so it’s worth checking before getting in line (and disappointing the kids!). Most of the major thrill rides require guests to be at least 42 inches tall, including:

• Horn Island Blaster – High-speed water slide adventure
• Deer Island Express – Racing slides for competitive fun
• Riptide Racer – Multi-lane racing experience
• Camille Cutter – Thrilling drop slide

These rides are ideal for older kids and teens who crave an adrenaline rush. But don’t worry if you have mixed ages – there are also plenty of family-style attractions like the rafting adventure slides that let you all ride together and share the fun.

Food Options and Money-Saving Strategies

Dining Inside the Park

If you decide to eat at Gulf Islands Waterpark, you’ve got some tasty options:

• Petit Bois Island Café: Hot-off-the-grill burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, chili-cheese fries, salads, and other classic park fare
• Dockside Pizza: Fresh pizza and Coca-Cola drinks – perfect for sharing
• Polly’s Sweet Spot: The place for treats! Funnel cakes, cotton candy, mini melts, and refreshing shaved ice

Weekend Tip: Food lines can get seriously long on busy days. Lisa suggests sending one adult to grab food while the other takes the kids for a relaxing float around the Lazy Pearl River. That way, everyone’s fed and happy without standing around hungry and hot.

Budget-Friendly Lunch Strategy

Since you can leave and re-enter the park with your wristbands, packing a lunch and eating it in your car (or at a nearby restaurant) can save you a significant amount of money. This is especially smart for larger families where park food costs can add up.

The Season Pass Sweet Spot: When It Makes Financial Sense

If you plan to visit Gulf Islands Waterpark more than once or twice during the season, season passes are worth it. Here’s the math that convinced Lisa:

• Single-day tickets: Start around $30 when purchased in advance
• Season passes: Typically priced between $65-$75
• Break-even point: Just 2-3 visits

Season passes also come with additional perks, such as discounts on food and merchandise, as well as occasional bring-a-friend offers that make them even more valuable.

Lisa’s family typically visits every two weeks throughout the summer, so their passes pay for themselves many times over. Plus, having a season pass eliminates the pressure to “get your money’s worth” in a single day – you can come and go as you please.

Game-Changing Tip: Consider Renting a Cabana

Here’s some gold from a fellow mom who shared her experience: Instead of fighting for free shaded tables, rent a cabana!

The money you’d save by packing a lunch could easily pay for a cabana rental. Here’s why cabanas are worth considering:

• Prime location: Cabana #12, for example, sits right by the kids’ play area and next to the lazy river with easy access
• Built-in storage: Each cabana includes a locker for your belongings (you supply the lock)
• Guaranteed shade: No more arriving early or stress about finding a good spot
• All-day comfort: Makes extended stays much more enjoyable for the whole family

This tip is especially valuable for families planning to spend the entire day at the park or those with young children who need a reliable home base.

Best Times to Visit Gulf Islands Waterpark

Ideal Visit Times:

• Early season (late spring): Smaller crowds, cooler temperatures
• Weekdays: Significantly less busy than weekends
• Early morning: Arrive at opening for best seating options
• Late afternoon: Great for avoiding peak heat and crowds

Peak Times to Expect Crowds:

• Summer weekends
• Holiday periods
• Middle of the day (11 AM – 3 PM)

Making It a Gulf Coast Adventure

Since you’re already making the drive to Gulfport, consider extending your visit to explore more of the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

• Mississippi Aquarium: Perfect complement to your water park day
• Biloxi: Casinos, beaches, and seafood restaurants
• Ocean Springs: Charming downtown with art galleries and shops
• Gulf Islands National Seashore: Beautiful beaches and nature trails

Have you visited Gulf Islands Waterpark? Share your own money-saving tips or favorite attractions in the comments below – we love hearing from fellow parents about their experiences!

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or the big family trip you’ve been dreaming about, I can help make it easy and stress-free. I’ll take care of the details so you can enjoy the journey. Reach out to me at cara@magicaldestinationstravel.com or visit this page, and let’s start planning your next adventure.