We had a great family experience at Fort Rapids indoor water park in Columbus, Ohio. It’s central Ohio’s largest indoor water park and it did not disappoint. They offer something for the whole family to enjoy.
Fort Rapids uses a western theme throughout the complex. The water park has displays and attractions that highlight the wild west.
If you have younger kids, the “Kiddie Korral” is an area just for them with lower basketball hoops, small water slides, water mushrooms and bouncing swings for babies.
The first water attraction that we tried was the “Cowboy Creek” which is a lazy river. It was very relaxing …..but we were feeling the need for speed.
We moved on to the water slides next. The water slides start indoors and then twist and turn outside of the side of the building before coming back inside. This makes for more room in the facility and a great advertisement as you drive by the hotel.
The facility does have a workout area but you won’t need it if you ride the slides a lot because you get plenty of cardio going up the stairs. The stairs also help keep your body temp warm too. The inside of water park is climate controlled at 84 degrees. If you want to warm up even more, you can check out the 30 person hot tub.
If you are a parent who likes to read by the pool, my suggestion is to take a seat away from the entrance door so that you don’t feel the cold air as people come in.
The “Shoot out Racer” mat racing slides were our 1st bigger attraction. They were sooo fun! They were the balance of just enough twists and turns in the dark before opening up to a fast dip to the bottom. (As you can tell, I clearly won that race!)
We tried the “Ambush Alley and Raging Bull” racing tube slides next. We opted to race with the double tubes first and then try it as singles.
Next, we tried the “Black Out Pass”. It was great! The ride starts out like a normal tube slide in total darkness and then you are thrusted into a swirl that reminds me of being flushed down a toilet. Depending on how many times you circle around the funnel, you can either go into the hole forwards or backwards. Backwards, in my opinion was the most fun. This ride was such a great time with the boys!
The “Activity pool” is an area for swimming and water basketball for older kids and the “Rascal Roundup” is a nearby play water structure with water cannons, dumping buckets and water slides for kids as well.
My younger son loved the lower basketball hoop for littler kids.
If your kids want a break from swimming for a bit, there is a nearby game room that is steps away from the water park for them to enjoy.
Our room, “Oak Creek Canyon” held two queen size beds, a sofa bed, mini fridge, microwave, mini coffee maker, two tv’s, and a small dryer.
The dryer was really convenient to have with using the pool so often.
The hotel does provide small complimentary towels for the pool on a first come, first serve basis but we preferred to bring our big beach towels.
There are several restaurants inside the hotel.
We opted to get pizza poolside. The price was not bad for the convenience of being able to stay in swimming mode. Everyone agreed that the pizza was pretty good too.
Overall, our family had a great stay at Fort Rapids. We enjoyed getting away and spending quality time together as a family. When you are staying at the hotel, you can swim before your check in time and also enjoy the water park after you check out. I recommend bringing a hairdryer if you plan on using the pool after you check out. There are also lockers available for rent.
Check out the Fort Rapids website to begin planning your next family adventure.
There is currently a coupon for Fort Rapids on the US family guide website until 6/30/13.
**I was not compensated for this post. Our family did receive a complimentary visit for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Such an amazing and exciting place. It has awesome slides. I would love playing on these slides. Recently when I had been to Montana to visit my cousin, she took me to an indoor Waterpark in Montana, where we splashed, jumped and enjoyed to the fullest without having to worry about the cold and fever. I had a great fun. It was one of my happiest days!
We haven’t stayed the night there yet but it’s on our list!
We’ve been there to visit but not for an overnight yet. I want to try staying there too.
Looks like you guys had a great time! This place really reminds me of the Great Wolf Lodge. Have you ever been there? I took the kids there a few weeks back and they are still talking about it. I highly recommend it!
I have a review to get up of a water park in the Cincinnati area–it was a HUGE disappointment! Columbus isn’t far so maybe next time we will go there.