Big Kahuna’s water park in Destin is the big summer splash on this stretch of coast. It sits on Highway 98 East, a few minutes from the beach, with slides, rivers, a wave pool and five kids’ areas on one side and mini golf and a Skycoaster on the other. If your kids have had enough sand by day three, this is where many Destin families spend day four.
It is a seasonal park, and the 2026 season is over. Here is what it costs, what to ride by age, what you can bring, and how to plan around the calendar so you are not standing at a locked gate in November.
Quick answer
- Season: Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park opened its 40th season on April 4, 2026. It is now closed for winter, and 2027 dates had not been posted as of November 2026.
- Price: Single-day water park tickets were $64.99 at the gate and as low as $54.99 online. Kids 2 and under are free.
- Parking: Everyone pays to park. Buying online saves $5 to $10 a car.
- Best for: Ages 4 to 14. Toddlers have their own splash zones, and older kids head for Jumanji and the racing slides.
- Next door: The Track is just down Highway 98 for go-karts on the same trip, and it stays open after summer.
When Big Kahuna’s is open
Big Kahuna’s runs spring through late summer. The 2026 season opened on Saturday, April 4, which the Destin Area Chamber listed as the park’s 40th season opening. Daily hours shift through the year, from shorter weekend days in spring to longer days in June and July, so check the park calendar for the exact date you want.
As of November 2026 the park is closed for the season. Its calendar shows every day from late October through early December as closed, and the homepage says the 2027 opening date is “coming soon.” If you are visiting in fall or winter, plan a different splash day (more on that below).
The park says it is open rain or shine. Slides and pools pause for heavy rain or lightning, and if they close for more than an hour in a row you can claim a free return ticket at Guest Services before you leave. Rain checks are not issued after you exit or for tickets bought within an hour of closing.
Big Kahuna’s prices
These are the prices posted on the park’s Tickets and Deals page as of November 2026. They reflect the 2026 season. Expect 2027 prices to be announced closer to opening, and check before you buy.
| Ticket or add-on | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-day water park ticket | $64.99 at the gate; from $54.99 online | Good on the date you choose |
| Any Day ticket | $59.99 online | Online only; use any operating day |
| Twilight Tide | $43.99 | Last 2 hours of the day; in park only |
| Senior (62+) | $10 off the gate price | Photo ID; in park only |
| Military and first responders | $15 off the gate price | Military or medical ID plus photo ID; in park only |
| Kids 2 and under | Free | Proof of age may be requested |
| Standard parking | $10 online Mon to Thu; $15 online Fri to Sun; $20 at the booth | Charged per entry |
| VIP parking | $20 online Mon to Thu; $30 online Fri to Sun; $35 at the booth | Closer spots |
| Tropical Mini Golf | $12.99 | Ages 3 and under free |
| Skycoaster ride | $17.99 | Riders 42 inches and up |
| Mini Golf + Flight Pack | $25.99 | One round plus one Skycoaster ride |
| Souvenir cup | $15.99 | Refills $1.99 all season |
The Adventure Park is ticketed separately. A water park ticket does not cover mini golf or the Skycoaster, and the combo pack does not include water park admission.
Season passes for 2027
If you live nearby or come back every summer, a pass can pay for itself in three visits. The 2027 passes were already on sale in November 2026. Silver was listed at $149.99, Platinum at $189.99 (includes standard parking and one bring-a-friend ticket) and Elite at $209.99 (VIP parking, two bring-a-friend tickets and bigger discounts). All three have no blackout dates, and new for 2027 they include admission to sister park Shipwreck Island in Panama City Beach. Pass prices often change as opening day gets closer, so lock in early if you are sure.
What to ride, by age
The park lists more than a dozen slides and rivers plus five kids’ areas. Height rules are posted at each ride, so measure your kids at home and check the signs as you go.
Toddlers and preschoolers
Start at the kids’ zones: Tadpole Pond, Fun Fountains, Crocodile Flats, Pleasure Island and Buccaneer Cove. They are shallow and built for small swimmers. The Lazy River is an easy float with a parent. Free Coast Guard-approved life jackets hang near the pools and big rides, and the park strongly recommends them for anyone under 48 inches. Arm floaties and inflatable suits are not allowed.
Ages 6 to 10
This age group gets the most out of the park. Try the Wave Pool, Raging Rhino River (a faster river ride), Monkey River and Bombs Away Bay. Kowabunga Racer lets siblings race each other side by side, which tends to settle arguments about who is faster.
Tweens and teens
Older kids want Jumanji, the park’s five-story slide, plus Cobra Twister, Hammerhead, Maui Pipeline and Pirate’s Escape. The Honolulu Half Pipe surf simulator is a good break between slide lines. Across the lot, the Skycoaster lifts riders about 100 feet and swings them at up to 60 mph. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall, and the combined weight limit is 800 pounds.
Food, coolers and what to bring
This is where first-timers get surprised. Coolers, ice chests and outside food and drinks are not allowed. Each guest may bring one individual-size snack and one factory-sealed bottle of water. Empty refillable bottles and insulated tumblers are fine, and you can fill them with ice water inside. Baby food and formula are allowed. No glass.
The whole park is cashless. Cards and phone wallets work everywhere. If you only have cash, kiosks inside turn bills into a prepaid card for free, but they do not give change.
Pack these:
- Swimsuits without metal rivets, buckles or zippers. Cotton T-shirts, cutoff jeans and see-through cover-ups are not allowed on rides.
- Water shoes for hot walkways. You will carry them on some slides, since shoes are not allowed on slides or tube rides.
- Sunscreen and hats. There is not much shade unless you rent a cabana.
- A plan for meeting up. The park does not page lost guests, and kids 12 and under must stay with an adult 18 or older.
Tips for a better day
- Buy online the night before. Tickets and parking are both cheaper online, and you skip a line.
- Go midweek. Weekday parking is cheaper, and Monday through Thursday is calmer than weekends in June and July.
- Watch the clouds. The park itself notes that overcast days often mean shorter lines. A gray morning is a good water park morning.
- Use re-entry. Get a hand stamp at the exit and come back the same day with your ticket. You will pay parking again, though.
- Rent a cabana for big groups. It guarantees shade and a home base. Book early in peak summer.
- Try Twilight Tide. If you only want a couple of hours, the last-two-hours ticket is about $20 less than a full day.
Visiting in the off-season
From fall through early spring the gates are closed, but there is still plenty to do with kids in Destin. The Track keeps running go-karts and rides (with shorter off-season hours), and we cover it in our guide to The Track. A harbor trip with Southern Star Dolphin Cruise can work in cooler weather too; check the winter sailing schedule before you go. Up the road in Fort Walton Beach, our Gulfarium guide covers the marine park that is open year-round. For more cold or wet-weather ideas, see our rainy day guide.
Planning further ahead? Our Destin with kids guide sorts the whole town by age, and the Emerald Coast with kids guide covers the full coast from Pensacola to Panama City Beach.
Before you go
- Address: 1007 Highway 98 East, Destin. Main line 850-837-8319.
- Season status: Closed for winter as of November 2026. The 2027 opening date had not been announced. Check the park calendar before you plan around it.
- Hurricane Isaias: We found no reports of storm damage or closure notices for the park after the October 9 storm. It was already near the end of its season. Check the official site for any updates before 2027 opening.
- Parking: Paid for every car, every entry. Elite passholders get free VIP parking and Platinum passholders get free standard parking.
- Lockers: Two sizes for rent. Ask Guest Services for current rates.
- Accessibility: Ask Guest Services about ride access on arrival.
Staying in town? Our where to stay in Destin guide breaks down the beach and harbor options, and the Destin beaches guide covers the rest of your days. Browse more in the Destin area guide and along the Emerald Coast Parkway corridor.
Big Kahuna’s Water Park FAQ
Is Big Kahuna’s open in the winter? No. Big Kahuna’s is a seasonal park. The 2026 season opened April 4, and the park is closed for winter as of November 2026. The 2027 opening date had not been announced yet.
How much are Big Kahuna’s tickets? As of November 2026, single-day tickets were listed at $64.99 at the gate and as low as $54.99 online. Kids 2 and under get in free. Parking is extra, from $10 online on weekdays.
Can you bring food into Big Kahuna’s? Mostly no. Coolers and outside food and drinks are not allowed. Each guest can bring one individual-size snack and one sealed bottle of water, and baby food and formula are fine.
Is Big Kahuna’s good for toddlers? Yes. The park has five kids’ areas, including Tadpole Pond and Fun Fountains, and free life jackets. They are recommended for anyone under 48 inches.
Do you need a separate ticket for mini golf at Big Kahuna’s? Yes. Tropical Mini Golf ($12.99) and the Skycoaster ($17.99) are ticketed separately from the water park. A combo with one round and one Skycoaster ride was $25.99.
Does Big Kahuna’s give rain checks? Yes, if slides and pools close for more than one hour in a row. Claim it at Guest Services before you leave. Season passholders are not eligible.