Magic Waters Waterpark
My kids were all about waterpark visits this summer. That seemed to be the only thing they wanted to do. I don’t blame them, it has been a pretty hot summer around here. Magic Waters Waterpark makes the perfect day trip destination.
Location
Magic Waters Waterpark is located in Cherry Valley, IL, just outside of Rockford. They are super easy to find as they are just off of the interstate.
What to Expect
Magic Waters is the perfect family destination. I love that Magic Waters is a smaller waterpark. Don’t let the smaller size fool you though, there is still plenty to keep the whole family busy for the day.
Rides
There is a wide variety of rides that range from kiddy pools to slides that are perfect for the thrill seeker in the family.
Infants and Toddlers
Little Lagoon
The Little Lagoon is perfect for non-walkers, new walkers and toddlers. It has a zero entry all the way around, a few small fountains, a small slide and a few infant swings.
My little guy (who is 2) was able to walk all the way through it and the water came up no higher than his ankles. I loved that I was able to let my little guy explore on his own and know that he was safe doing so.
Toddlers to Little Kids
Tiki Island
Tiki Island is great for the older toddlers (2-3 years old) and up. There aren’t any age limits in this area however, for the kids to ride the slides they need to be able to follow directions and ride alone.
Side Note to Tiki Island
If your kids are not able to do the slides (like my 2 year old) they will still have plenty to do. My little guy didn’t even really notice he was missing anything since there were so many other things for him to do.
Little Kids to Adults
Paradise Pipeline
Paradise Pipelines are some of the calmer slides at Magic Waters Waterpark. All of us (our 2 year old included) enjoyed these slides. They were definitely a family favorite.
Tropical Twisters
Tropical Twisters is a set of body slides. Since these are body slides, there are no tubes allowed on these rides and no double riders. Speed is solely controlled by how the person is positioned in the slide.
The Abyss
The Abyss is a set of 2 tube slides. Riders can go down on single tubes or, double tubes.
These were our 2 year old’s favorite set of rides. As long as they have an adult with them, little ones are welcome to ride too! That makes this the perfect ride for the whole family.
For the Adventurous Ones
The Screaming Lizard
The Screaming Lizard is new to Magic Waters Waterpark as of the 2017 season. This waterslide for the more adventurous ones in your group. For safety reasons any person who rides The Screaming Lizard must be at least 100 pounds and no more than 300 pounds.
Double Dare Drop
The Double Dare Drop slides are another set of single rider body slides. These are also for some of the more adventurous ones in your group as there is a 75 foot drop and they go pretty fast.
Typhoon Terror
Typhoon Terror is a multiple person tube slide. It requires a minimum of two riders but, can can be enjoyed with up to four riders.
More Relaxed Areas of Magic Waters Waterpark
Tsunami Bay
Tsunami Bay is the wave pool area at Magic Waters Waterpark. Everyone is welcome here. Compared to many other water parks the waves are a bit tamer but, there is still plenty of fun to be had for the whole family.
Splash Magic River
Splash Magic River is perfect for any age. Unless they can support themselves in a tube it is best they ride with an adult. Our 8 year old was able to touch the bottom of the river all the way around.
Other Perks of Magic Waters Waterpark
Food
Magic Waters Waterpark does not allow food or drinks to be carried in.
In Park Options
Inside the park there are several different food options. There is a snack shack and a taco truck. The snack shack offers things like hot dogs and burgers all cooked on the grill outside!
Picnic Area
Magic Waters offers a wonderful picnic area called Luau Lanes for you to enjoy your lunch before you return to play again.
Restroom/Changing Rooms
There are plenty of restroom/changing room options. Both the Hula Hut and Beach Hut offer regular restrooms and family restrooms as well. Making it much easier to get the little ones changed when needed.
Sand Volleyball
A sand volleyball court is offered for all waterpark guests to use. It is located in the Cabana Village right next to the Splash Magic River. You can bring your own volleyball or, you can rent one at guest services. The rental fee is $10 but, is fully refundable when the ball is returned.
Shade Options
There are several different types of shade options to rent while spending the day at Magic Waters Waterpark. If you plan to spend the day here I highly recommend getting a Cabana.
Shade Chalets:
These are found near the little lagoon, tiki island and the tsunami wave pool. In these you will find 2 chairs and a small table. Along with these, you get a locker rental and a couple of tube rentals.
Cabanas-
Each cabana can comfortably seat 6-8 people and comes with drink tickets and tube rentals. With a cabana rental you can also have the option to add a food package as well.
Basic Cabanas: These are located by the Tsunami Bay
Bungalows: These come with 1 locker rental and are located by Tsunami Wave Pool.
Little Lagoon Cabanas: These cabanas are found right off of the little lagoon area.
Luxury Cabanas: These are right off of the Splash Magic River
Island Patios-
For groups up to 20 you can rent out the Island Patios which are located by Tiki Island. These come with 2 locker rentals and tube rentals as well.
Some Things I Learned from Our Visit
I loved that my husband and I were able to separate and each play in age appropriate areas with our 2 kids yet, we were easily able to find each other without carrying our phones around all day.
Swim Diapers
Any little ones who are 3 and under need to wear plastic swim pants over their swim diapers. Even if they are potty trained they need to wear them. These are provided at guest services at no charge.
Height Requirements for Rides
I also loved how that by every ride they had the rules clearly listed and a place to measure your kids to make sure that they are big enough to ride the ride.
Lockers
I love that the lockers are covered and the rental is very affordable.
Life Jackets
Magic Waters Waterpark provides life jackets free of charge. They even do a fitting on them to make sure that the life jacket fits properly.
If you can’t make it this year, start planning your trip for next year now! It’s a must for summer day trips!!!
Check out this post on what to pack for a Water Park Trip!