Itching to go to an island but can’t get away? Spend the weekend or a daycation at Island Waterpark at Showboat in Atlantic City, where the weather is always a balmy 80 degrees, the lush tropics look like an island paradise, and there’s plenty of unlimited fun for kids and adults. This spot is more than just a waterpark—with a dazzling 11 waterslides and pools under a retractable roof, adventure courses, an exclusive adults-only section with bars, and the world’s largest arcade with a go-kart raceway, there’s something for everyone. Read on for all the details to escape to this island getaway down the shore, and check out our guide to indoor waterparks for more local water adventures. (feature photo credit: NJ MOM)

Island Waterpark At Showboat In Atlantic City

Pick your adventure at Island Waterpark

Spending the day at Island Waterpark is like taking an exotic getaway with lush scenery flanked by 11 waterslides, a dedicated kids’ section, and cascading waterfalls that add to the island vibe. The adventurous in your group will want to hit Slide Island, where there are five twisty and turny waterslides for a cool and thrilling adventure. For family time, take a spin on the Island Drift Lazy River, which stretches almost the entire length of the waterpark. As you float along in your inner tube, relax and take in the tropical sites, including the Blue Cascade Waterfall, one of the largest custom aqua forms in the world. Sports fans will want to dip in the Adventure Pool to play wet and wild basketball and more water-based activities. 

Hang ten all-year-round

Ready to hang ten? The Wild Wave Flowrider is the ultimate body surfing destination, where you can catch some epic waves and make unforgettable memories. And if you’ve got a budding board surfer in the family, it’s a great spot to master the art of stand-up surfing before they hit the real thing with a Flow Rider Experience. They can hop on board and enjoy a private one-hour lesson to learn the basics. Availability is limited to select times throughout the day, so signing up online is recommended before you hit the park. 

Get your thrills out

Thrill-seekers can head to the Electric Eel, a wild slide with quick twists and turns that keeps you in the dark until you hit the bottom and off into the water. Similarly, the Barracuda Blaster sends you shooting fast through the tube with g-forces, and with each turn, you’re pushed farther down into the tube. The Sonic Serpent focuses on speed and wraps around the building as well. Up for a race? Grab a mat and fly headfirst on Tidal Racers to compete side by side to see who’s the fastest down. 

Let your kids go wild at Kids Cove

If you’ve got an under-5 crew, you’ll want to hang out at the Kids Cove, which is perfectly sized for littles and lets them feel comfortable in the water in a separate retreat made just for them. You will find low-lying slides, splash pads, and interactive water activities for kids to make lasting memories. After they have jumped out all that excess energy, walk past the Blue Cascade Waterfall, where the water crashes down and provides thrills for littles to look at and touch. 

Boardwalk favorites in one spot

Hungry? Head to The Boardwalk, an indoor promenade featuring the most famous Jersey Shore food and beverages. Take your time strolling along the boards and grab a delicious bite, including burgers, nachos, fries, pizza, and ice cream. And for adult beverages, stop by the poolside Paradise L-Bar, which serves up your tropical favorites like Pina Coladas (and alcohol-free for the kids). 

Spend some adult time

Sure, having lots of family time is fun, but if you get a chance to sneak away, head to the exclusive adults-only section at Island Waterpark at the Paradise Adult Island and Bliss Pool. Here, you can escape, relax, and enjoy a vacation-vibe oasis filled with luxurious lounge chairs, an extensive cocktail menu, a swim-up bar, and massages from the Aura Spa and Salon. Take a dip in the Bliss Pool, where you can float around and unwind, then hang out at one of the dry bars or sip on a specialty cocktail at the swim-up bar while a DJ spins tunes, and you feel like you’re in paradise. 

Test your luck at the Lucky Snake Arcade

Enter the largest arcade in the world—yes, you read that right—Lucky Snake Arcade is open to all ages and features tons of interactive fun, including a go-kart speedway that will rev up the excitement. Choose games that range from Redemption types, where you get a prize, to video and competition games (hello, water guns). Kids will love kicking it back old-school style in the Pinball Galerie, then head over to bowling, indoor mini golf, whack-a-mole, and even a tiny kiddie ride. Older kids (and adults) will want to get their racing gear ready for the 7-lap speedway with state-of-the-art go-karts. Known as the fastest go-karts on the boardwalk—speeds up to 25 mph—you can race seriously or cruise around. Need a break? There are 5 bars and restaurants located within Lucky Snake, so you’re never too far from the games. 

What to know before you go

Island Waterpark is open all year round with seasonal hours. You can choose from day general admission for as low as $49 per ticket, twilight admission at 4 PM starting at $29, or all-access 21+ VIP admission. All kids three and under are free. When you buy your ticket online, you also get free parking. There are lounge chairs throughout the park, but if you want space to spread out, book a cabana with premium service and plenty of comfy sofas and seats to keep your crew feeling at home. Heading to the park without kids? Book a chic cabana in the adults-only Paradise Island section. Island Waterpark does not provide towel service; bring your own or purchase them as souvenirs from the on-site shop. Two different locker sizes are available to rent within the park, with the larger ones by the entrance of the Island Bar. Coming with a group? Groups of 10 or more will enjoy $10 off per ticket.

For more information about Island Waterpark, check out their website, Facebook and Instagram. 

Island Waterpark
801 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.