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Photo courtesy Greater Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wildebeest, the world’s longest water coaster

Wildebeest, the world’s longest water coaster

Photo courtesy Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, IN

Free parking, free drinks, free sunscreen, priceless fun

by Carrie Daut | July 31, 2011

1 Comments

School’s out, the kids are bored and everyone’s looking for a way to cool off. If you’re in the Louisville area, there should be no second-guessing your plan. Head to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, just a quick hour away in Southern Indiana.

(Insider Tip: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is on Central Standard Time. The city of Louisville is an hour ahead, on Eastern Standard Time. Make note of the time difference when planning your trip!)

A dual theme park/water park, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has been rated the world’s friendliest and cleanest park for the last 12 years. Yes, you just read that right:  twelve.

At various stations throughout the two parks, guests can help themselves to free SPF 30 sunscreen and free soft drinks (also includes iced tea, Gatorade, lemonade and water). Parking is always free, and so is the use of inner tubes. Now that’s what I call “friendliest.”

Splashin’ Safari features over 18 water rides. There are two different lazy rivers (the Bahari and the Congo), two different wave pools (the Bahari and the Wave) and a variety of slides for all ages and swim levels.

Race against your family or friends at Jungle Racer, a five-story-tall set of 10 racing water slides. At the bottom, an electronic scoreboard announces the winner. Dare to try ZOOMbabwe, an in-the-dark ride with steep drops and plenty of twists. Or get in line for the park’s newest thrill: the Wildebeest. As the world’s longest water coaster, Wildebeest was named the world’s #1 Water Park Ride and Best New Water Park Ride in 2010.

(Insider Tip: On their website, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari lists height requirements and handy tips for each of their rides. Do your research beforehand to find out where to sit for the biggest splash and when lines are the shortest. There’s also a downloadable park map.)

Admission prices to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari range from $32.95 to $42.95. Discounts are often available by bringing in Pepsi cans, Bunny Bread wrappers or by purchasing tickets online. Check their site for specific details.

For more information on rides, shows, eating, directions, nearby accommodations, hours and season schedule, visit holidayworld.com.


Carrie Daut's photo

Meet the Louisville, KY Insider

Carrie Daut

Carrie is a Louisvillian who's been gone for the past six years and is "home… more





1 Comment

Paula Werne, Holiday World

July 31, 2011 - 12:23 pm

Thanks for reminding folks about the time difference from Louisville! Something else that’s handy is our “Holiday World & More!” app for iPhones and Androids. Interactive maps and tons of other info.



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