9 Water Parks in Eastern Nebraska

Within just two hours of us are lots water parks! When you think of Nebraska you might not think of lots of pools but it is hot here and we all need somewhere to cool off during the summer.

My family and I are working through this list and have been to four. Our photos and mini review is with each one.

We plan on going to more of these this summer and we update it as the summer goes on.

1. Eugene T Mahoney State Park Family Aquatic Center *, Ashland NE

We love Mahoney Water Park. It is big enough for kids to have some independence while going down the slide or jumping waves but small enough that I can keep track of my kids. The wave pool is everyone's favorite (including mine) and it is only 30 minutes away from Lincoln. Mahoney is costs more than most other water parks; when we go we spend the day. May 26-July 31.

Sunday, Monday and Wednesday: noon to 5 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: noon – 5 p.m. & 6 – 8 p.m.

Closed Tuesday & Thursday

Reduced hours begin August 1; please call the park at 402-944-2523 for hours of operation.

2. Steinhart Aquatic Center *, Nebraska City NE

Beach entry? Check. Lazy River? Check. Water slides? Check. Diving well? Check. Splash pad? Check. Does this pool exist? Yes! It is in Nebraska City, the Steinhart Aquatic Center. Depending on where you live in Lincoln it will take 30-45 minutes to get to the pool. I think this pool is great bang for your buck! Their concessions aren't super expensive and you can easily leave and eat your own meal and come back in. Open May 28th, weather permitting, open 1:00-8:00 PM.

3. Pawnee Plunge ** , Pawnee NE

Pawnee Plunge is in Columbus, NE and this is the run-down of what is at their water park: a splash pad, a flow-rider, four large water sides, two diving boards, a climbing wall, a lazy river, an obstacle course, a shipwreck playground with two slides and of course, pools. We left our house at 10:45 AM and didn't arrive back until 7:30 PM. I love visiting Pawnee Plunge, it is definitely a once in a summer outing. Opens: May 27, weather permitting.

Monday- Thursday

12:00pm-5:00pm
6:30pm-8:30pm

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

12pm-7pm

4. Fremont Splash Station*, Fremont NE
Two slides, small wave pool, interactive train slide (perfect for little ones), and splash pad. As a parent I liked this pool because it has great sight lines. My kids enjoyed the slides and they liked the wave pool (not like Mahoney's; it is much smaller). Not a lot of shade; we got hot very quickly. The interactive train slide is great! Open May 29th, weather pending. Daily, 11:30am - 7:00pm