This summer the girls and I have been visiting my family and playing tourist in my hometown – Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Florida. If you’re planning to visit (which I highly recommend) you must visit Big Kahunas Water Park.

It’s been many, many years since I’ve visited the park – I worked here in high school – and my how things have changed. This place is sooo cool!

I wasn’t sure what to expect but I couldn’t get over how much there was to do for kids of all ages. We had a blast and can’t wait to go back next summer.

what to know before you go to big kahunas!

LOCATION: In the heart Destin traffic can get a little congested in the summer, so give yourself enough time coming from Fort Walton Beach, Sandestin and beyond.

PARKING: Parking is $5 for the day. There’s a huge lot however fills up on busy days. Arriving early can help secure a spot closer to the park gates especially when traveling with multiple little kiddos.

CABANAS: The park offers four areas of cabana rentals. Your rental includes a covered, private area, lounge chairs, dining table and chairs, lockers in the cabana area and a server to take and deliver your food and beverage order. Family visitors don’t think twice – just rent a Cabana – it’s worth every single penny. Being at the park all day with small children you’ll want time to rest and get out of the sun. Having your own server means no standing in line waiting for food and you have a dedicated place for your older kids to find you as they come and go.

Cabanas are limited and sell out so be sure to book a few days prior to your visit especially during the summer. Also, PLEASE TIP YOUR SERVER!!  Just because it’s a water park and you’re ordering pizza, ice cream and drinks (possibly beers), doesn’t mean no tip required. These kids work hard running food from the kitchen to your table in the heat. So don’t be cheap!

LITTLE KIDS: If your kids are under 48″ and/or weak or non-swimmers you’ll want them to wear Coast Guard approved lifejackets the entire day. BKWP offers lifejackets throughout the park but it’s first come first serve. Off season visits you should be fine but it’s not worth risking during the summer. Avoid being stressed out and bring your own lifejacket. We bought a Child Universal Life Vest at Kmart for $14.99. 

My youngest is 5 and can swim relatively well, but she just meets the height requirements. The lifejacket was huge especially because she has no fear and was adamant about riding every slide!

HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS:  Five Water Park attractions have height requirements. Only persons 44 inches tall and taller can ride: Raging Rhino River, Thunder River and Tiki River Run. Only persons 48 inches tall and taller may ride Jumanji and Maui Pipeline Speed Slides.

WHEN TO GO:  We arrived the park around 1:00 pm thinking we would have plenty of time since the park closed at 6:00 pm. My girls are 5 and 7 and during our last water park experience (Wet n Wild Cancun) in February, they were worn out within a few hours. Totally regret this decision!! If you’re spending only one day at Big Kahunas get there when it opens at 10:00 am. There is so much to do that you can literally spend 8 hours and never get bored or tired. We closed the park down!

TICKETS: Admission prices purchased at the gate are $29.99 for kids under 48″ and $39.99 for adults -Unlimited use of the water park for one day. You can save a few a dollars purchasing online. Check BigKahunas.com for special rates and season passes.

PARK MAP: Do yourself a favor and review the park map before arriving. There is so much to do and with all the different areas it’s nice to have a game plan on where to start based on your kid’s age and swim level. It’s extremely easy to navigate once you’re on property but it does take a few minutes to acclimate.

Sassy Tip: With 4 kids 7 and under, we started in the back riding the Tahiti Twister, Blue Mambo and Hydro Max and Piranha slides. These were perfect for acclimating everyone for the bigger slides in the front of the park. The lines were quick and the girls were able to ride and repeat easily. Because the slides are located so close together, the adults were able to stand in one spot and still see when they came down.

EAT & DRINK:  You will find a decent offering of food – the standard burgers, pizza, hot dogs, fries, wings, wraps and nachos. A few outlets offer healthier fare like salads and a children’s combo of chicken sandwich with apples and bottled water. Plan to ditch your diet for the day and just go with it. Bringing glass containers, coolers, ice chests, food or beverages of any kind is not allowed into the park. If you or your kids have allergies or special needs, I would call in advance and ask for special consideration.

WATERPROOF YOUR PHONE: Ok this is probably common sense, however I was so annoyed at myself for NOT buying a waterproof case for my iPhone. There were so many cool photo and video opps I missed. There’s also a high probability that I was the only person at BKWP without one. Total blond moment, but one I won’t make again.

The bigger question is how did I survive all summer without waterproofing my phone?

what sassy moms loves about Big Kahunas water park:

• The variety of slides and areas for every age – from babies to grandparents is amazing! My mom went with us and had a blast too. Even if you have a crawling baby, Big Kahunas is manageable with the Tadpole Pond.
• Your ticket covers all the slides including the Honoululu Halfpipe. You have to try this! I was so bummed we ran out time before riding. But there’s always next summer!
• The Tiki River Run was my favorite adrenaline slide. Totally took me off guard how fast it was, but so cool. My 5 year old rode it with me twice!
• The cabana was awesome! It was so convenient to have a place to rest, eat and regroup. We rented the Humunga River Cabana and the location was perfect. I honestly didn’t think any cabana area would have been better over the other. Just do it!!
• As much as we love the beach, Big Kahunas offers a completely different water experience and it’s good exercise. We didn’t stop moving the entire day.
• We can’t wait to go back next summer and will definitely need more than one day to get our fix!
• Lockers were a huge bonus and a necessity for securing our valuables. These were included in our cabana rental, but are located across from the changing rooms on the entry walkway and available to rent.
• Be sure to stop by the duck and fish pond located just outside the The Tropical Golf before leaving too.

Visit Big Kahunas for more information, connect on Facebook here, follow on Twitter @BigKahunasWP and Instagram. 

Disclaimer: Sassy Moms in the City was provided complimentary entrance tickets to the park for purposes of this review. All other items (cabanas and food) were on our own . All sassy opinions are 100% honest.