Parrot Island Waterpark
4.2(1.5K)google
3.3(17)yelp
Water ParkSwimmingFamilyKidsSummer Retreat
Overview
Parrot Island Waterpark is an expansive, Caribbean-themed outdoor aquatic playground offering the ultimate summer escape in Fort Smith. This premier water park boasts a massive wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, children's splash play areas, and four intersecting high-speed waterslides that deliver major adrenaline. Complete with comfortable private cabana rentals, tropical-themed snack bars, and extensive lounging lawns, it provides a safe, clean, and thrilling environment for families looking to beat the summer heat in western Arkansas.
Practical Info
Mon11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-6 hours
Best TimeThis outdoor waterpark operates seasonally from late May (Memorial Day) to early September (Labor Day). The prime window to beat the midday lines is July and August right at the 10:00 AM opening until 2:00 PM, ensuring you secure pristine lounge chairs and enjoy the massive wave pool and speed slides.
Getting ThereSituated within Ben Geren Regional Park at 7300 Zero St in southern Fort Smith. Take I-540 to Exit 11 (Zero St), drive east along Zero St for 1.5 miles, then turn right onto the park access road. Follow the colorful tropical signs directly to the park's massive, complimentary paved parking lots.
Travel Tips
- The waterpark enforces an unyielding ban on external provisions; security searches all guest baggage at the entry turnstiles. Outside of one sealed transparent water bottle per individual, snacks and personal ice coolers are confiscated on the spot.
- The park operates automated lightning tracking networks; any strike logged within a 10-mile safety radius triggers an absolute, non-negotiable clearing of all slides and wave pools. Guests must seek overhead shelter immediately; no inclement weather refunds are granted.
- During mid-summer afternoons, unshaded concrete pavement temperatures soar to 140°F, creating severe foot blistering risks for children. Wearing certified water footwear or rubber deck sandals is mandatory while walking, queuing, or utilizing restroom units.
Reviews
Positive
- A fantastic outdoor waterpark! It features thrilling speed slides, a massive wave pool, a lazy river, and a safe splash zone for toddlers.
- The water quality is excellent, the park layout is well-organized, and the presence of alert, professional lifeguards ensures great safety.
- Changing rooms, showers, and lockers are plentiful and constantly mopped, keeping the hygiene levels far above typical public waterparks.
- The park offers private shaded cabanas for rent with excellent dedicated hospitality services, perfect for a full-day family summer splash party.
Heads up
- Besides pricey general admission, outside food and water are strictly banned at the gate, while inside concessions are heavily marked up.
- On summer holiday weekends, lines for gate check-in and popular speed slides stretch extremely long, leading to exhausting waits under the sun.
- The mandatory daily rental fee for secure electronic clothing lockers is quite high, adding unexpected secondary expenses to the trip.
- The public grounds offer very little natural shade, and complimentary shade umbrellas are severely limited, leaving latecomers baked in the sun.