Need something different but also super fun to cool off during the summer and get out all your kids’ energy? Here are four floating obstacle courses in South Carolina and Georgia to do just that.
Floating obstacle courses are one of my new favorite summer activities. Here’s why:
- I get to make my Wipeout and ninja warrior dreams come true
- I get in an awesome workout
- My kids are obsessed with and so happy to enjoy these aqua parks
- My kids are completely wiped out afterward because it’s super exhausting
If you haven’t tried one of these, I’ve put together a list for you so you can try them all as well! I’ve noted the differences between the places to help you out in choosing your adventure. I’ve been to all of the places listed below so these are firsthand reviews and comments. Most are open all summer through September, depending on weather.
Aqua Parks in South Carolina
Splash Island at Big Water Marina
This huge floating obstacle course opened in the summer of 2022 on Lake Hartwell. Splash Island is situated at Big Water Marina and Campground, which has a sandy beach, hammocks, chairs, shaded spots, tiny cabins, TV pads, and a delicious restaurant, J.R. Cash’s on-site (it has a pirate ship playground!).
Cost: $15/hour; $25/two hours; kids must be 46″ tall (under 46″ are allowed with an adult)
Hours: Thursday-Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm and the two-hour sessions are 10 am – Noon, 1-3 pm, and 4-6 pm.
Distance from Greenville: One hour
Highlights: Sandy beach, restaurant, hydrobike/SUP/kayak rentals, tiny cabins for rent, restaurant with a playground
Address: 320 Big Water Road, Starr, SC
Kidding Around Review of Big Water
Aqua Zone at The Shores at Asbury
The Shores at Asbury has their giant Aqua Zone floating obstacle course on Lake Hartwell also. It’s situated on a huge sandy beach, with sand imported from Florida, kayak and SUP rentals, and a restaurant on site. They also have a kids obstacle course for kids who are under 47″.
Cost: $18/hour or $25/two hours if bought online; $20/hour on site; $35/all day pass, $115/family four pass for all day access; follow on Facebook for deals on tickets
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, closed Noon-1 pm, and 3 – 4 pm for safety checks and lifeguard breaks
Distance from Greenville: One hour
Highlights: White sandy beach with tents and lounge chairs, a kids floating obstacle course, lawn games, a restaurant
Address: 1600 Asbury Park Road, Anderson, SC
Kidding Around Review of the Shores at Asbury
Charleston Aqua Park
The Charleston Aqua Park is super cool because it not only has an aqua park but also the only ropes course over water in the country. The owner assured us there aren’t gators at Trophy Lake, too. We had such a blast at this park and the water felt so good on a hot, summer day. Plus, it’s really close to the beautiful Angel Oak Tree!
Cost: $19/hour; discounts available during the week and/or if you book both the aqua park and ropes course
Hours: Open daily Noon-6 pm
Distance from Greenville: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Highlights: Big aqua park, little beach and swimming area for smaller kids, only over-water ropes course in the country, kids summer camps (you can send a kid there for a day while you’re on vacation), covered picnic areas, other water activity rentals
Address: 3050 Marlin Road, Johns Island SC
Kidding Around Review of Charleston Aqua Park
Aqua Parks in Georgia
Splash Island at The Ridges Resort
This was the largest aqua park we went to and likely the oldest as well judging by some partially deflated obstacles and well-worn life jackets is at Splash Island at The Ridges Resort. The park is located on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA, and also has a sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas for rent.
Cost: $15/hour or $35/all day; kids have to be 45″ tall or 7 years old for the big course; $115/family of four all-day pass
Hours: Monday-Friday from 3-7 pm (last ticket sold at 6 pm); Saturday-Sunday Noon-5 pm (last ticket sold at 4 pm)
Distance from Greenville: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Highlights: Huge splash island, kids floating obstacle course, sandy beach, chair, and tent rentals, offers season passes
Address: 3379 US Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA
Splash Island at The Ridges Resort
Would you try out one of these aqua parks? Did we miss your favorite place? Let us know in the comments