Events at Cowabunga Bay Water Park, Henderson

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About Cowabunga Bay Water Park

Cowabunga Bay is a 23-acre surf-themed water park in Henderson, NV, opened on July 4, 2014 (www.reviewjournal.com). It was developed by local investors (including water park veterans) as a $23 million family entertainment complex (www.reviewjournal.com). The park’s immersion into retro 1950s-60s surf culture – with areas named “Aloha Shores,” “Surf City USA,” and “The Boardwalk” – makes it feel like a vintage beach town in the desert (www.reviewjournal.com) (www.aquaticgroup.com). In practice it occupies about 12 active acres, featuring more than 20 waterslide attractions, multiple pools and a large wave pool, plus cabana cabanas and dining facilities (www.reviewjournal.com) (www.aquaticgroup.com). Notably, Cowabunga Bay’s lazy river was designed to be the longest in Nevada and its 35,000-square-foot “Surf-A-Rama” wave pool is second largest in the state only to Mandalay Bay (www.reviewjournal.com) (cowabungavegas.com). The owners even hold the rights to 1960s cartoon iconography (e.g. Rocky & Bullwinkle), which influences the names of attractions like the Bullwinkle’s Boardwalk Grille (www.reviewjournal.com) (www.aquaticgroup.com). In Henderson’s recreational scene, Cowabunga Bay brought back large-scale water park fun after a long absence, creating hundreds of seasonal jobs and fulfilling the city’s vision of family-friendly attractions (www.reviewjournal.com) (www.reviewjournal.com).

Events and Programming

While Cowabunga Bay is best known for its water attractions, it also hosts seasonal events and special theme days. The park typically runs weekend summer festivals like “SummerFest,” which has included family-themed activities (hula-dancers and luau-style entertainment) and exclusive after-hours parties for season-pass holders (cowabungavegas.com) (cowabungavegas.com). For adults, the park offers 21+ “Grown-Up Getaway” nights with music, cocktails and late-night floating, as well as live-DJ pool parties with beer and BBQ (for example, “Blues, Brews & BBQ” Fridays) (cowabungavegas.com) (cowabungavegas.com). Special holiday events are a highlight: the park’s Fourth of July bash features an all-day celebration with a DJ by the wave pool, themed characters, eating contests, and a fireworks finale after hours (whatsup.vegas). In the past it has also hosted unique one-off events – for instance, in 2015 the park held casting auditions for CBS’s “The Amazing Race” onsite (www.reviewjournal.com). Most event announcements are posted on the park’s site and social pages, so guests should check ahead for dates of concerts, contests or themed parties during their visit.

Tickets and Booking

Visitors can purchase tickets on Cowabunga Bay’s website or at the park entrance on operating days; no reservation is required (the park stopped requiring timed tickets in 2022 (www.cowabungabay.com)). Day passes grant all-day access to slides, pools and life jackets; as of 2025, adult admission is about $50, with discounts for military, seniors and children under 42″ (roughly $35) (touristwire.com). A shorter “Evening” ticket (last few hours before closing) is offered at a reduced rate (around $30) (touristwire.com). Purchasing online in advance is wise for popular summer weekends and holidays, as days can sell out. The park also sells annual season passes (around $100) that cover unlimited entry to Cowabunga Bay (and its sister park Cowabunga Canyon) for the season, plus perks like free parking and F&B discounts (cowabungavegas.com). Season pass holders are encouraged to make a free “reservation” to hold their spot, but general guests simply show an e-ticket or season pass at the gate on the day of visit. Note that the park is entirely cashless – only credit cards, mobile pay or on-site cash-to-wristband exchanges are accepted (arestravel.com).

Seating and Layout

Cowabunga Bay is an open-air water park with no reserved seating sections. Lounge chairs and picnic areas are scattered around the pools; guests claim spots on a first-come basis. The central wave pool (Surf-A-Rama) has a sandy beachfront where families often set up towels, and this area serves as a natural gathering spot during concerts or DJ events (cowabungavegas.com). For shade, umbrella tables by the food courts and small cabanas (see below) are the main cover. Rental cabanas deliver a VIP layout: for example, the “Bayside Bungalow” cabana is a 10’x10’ shaded structure with lounge furniture, USB charging, safes and an adjoining private pool called Caban-A-Rama (cowabungavegas.com) (cowabungavegas.com). Those private cabana pools overlook the main park attractions and have their own fountains and tanning decks, so cabana guests enjoy a semi-detached view. Other than cabanas, there are no premium seats – everything from the lazy river banks to pool terraces is general access. Families with small children tend to congregate near the shallow Kids Cove pool (cowabungavegas.com), while thrill-seekers queue near the tower of slides. The key tip is to arrive early on busy days to snag a good spot at the wave pool’s sandy beach or near the kid play areas; on quieter weekdays crowds are smaller and a port-side lounge can be found even later in the day.

Getting There and Parking

Cowabunga Bay is located at 900 Galleria Drive in Henderson, just east of Sunset Road (arestravel.com). It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip or the Las Vegas airport (www.tripadvisor.com), via I-515 and Sunset or via Boulder Highway. The park has a large adjacent parking lot which is free for guests (season passes include “free parking” as a perk (cowabungavegas.com)). Entry by car uses Galleria Drive; follow signs for “Cowabunga Bay” once on Sunset or Boulder Hwy. For transit riders, RTC bus routes 212 (Sunset Rd) and the BHX Boulder Highway Express both stop within a block of the park (moovitapp.com). In practice, take the outbound 212 or BHX to the “Galleria Drive” stop; from there it’s roughly a 1–2 minute walk (westbound on Galleria through the parking lot) to the entrance (moovitapp.com). (A southbound BHX stop at Boulder Hwy and Galleria is also about a 5–7 minute walk eastward.) Rideshare drop-offs and taxis can be made at the main entrance on Galleria, which has a covered entry plaza. After events, note that regular RTC service ends by evening, so late-night guests should plan to use rideshare or cabs.

Inside the Venue

Upon entry, guests pass under an island-themed gate and security checkpoint. All bags and towels are searched for prohibited items (cowabungavegas.com). Small hard or soft coolers (up to about 16 quarts) are permitted only if carrying ice and factory-sealed water bottles (cowabungavegas.com); larger coolers or outside food/drink (other than one toddler snack or formula bottle per child) are not allowed (touristwire.com) (cowabungavegas.com). After security, a cashier or scanner area checks tickets (all entrance is cashless, so payment is via card or wristband). Inside, the atmosphere is lively and wet: pipes of cool mist spray in play areas and music often plays at pools. Lifeguards are stationed throughout – the Kids Cove area alone has constant lifeguard supervision and a single gated entry (cowabungavegas.com). The park has three main food outlets (Cowabunga Chill, Bullwinkle’s Boardwalk Grille and Rocky’s Beachside Café (www.reviewjournal.com)) serving burgers, fries, sandwiches, salads, pizza and snacks. (A small gift shop sells sunscreen, towels and souvenirs.) Restrooms with changing areas are found near each pool cluster (look for them adjacent to Bullwinkle’s and Rocky’s). A key is that shoes (even flip-flops) must be removed before riding any slide (cowabungavegas.com) (touristwire.com). For comfort, apply sunscreen and stay hydrated – Nevada sun is intense even if the water feels cool. First aid stations and life jacket loaner racks are located in a few spots. (Parking wristbands allow easy exit. Note that once you exit the park area there is typically no re-entry without a new ticket.)

Nearby Amenities

The Cowabunga Bay area is a busy suburban strip with many dining options within a short drive. Directly across Sunset Road are shopping and dining centers: for example, The District at Green Valley Ranch (with chains like Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and quick bites) is just northeast of the park exit, and The Galleria at Sunset mall (with sit-down restaurants, a food court and a movie theater) lies a couple minutes south on Sunset. Immediately adjacent to the water park is the Bass Pro Shops/HHGregg plaza, which has fast-food (e.g. MOD Pizza) and Starbucks. The nearest full-service casino is Sunset Station Hotel & Casino (about 1.1 miles north (www.tripadvisor.com)), which offers numerous restaurants, a buffet, sports bar and bowling alley – useful for dinner or late-night entertainment after closing. Several hotels cluster in the Green Valley area (roughly 3–4 miles south), including a Best Western Plus and Residence Inn on Green Valley Parkway, and the big Green Valley Ranch and M Resort on the I-215 corridor. In general, Henderson traffic can be heavy 4–7pm on weekdays, so visitors coming from further out may want to leave early for a daytime visit. After-hours, the main road (Sunset) stays well-lit and rideshare services are readily available for late departures.

What Makes This Venue Special

Cowabunga Bay stands out for its scale and theming. Its attractions include several industry-firsts: for instance, the “Wild Surf” slide features the world’s largest man-made wave and is the first “Surf Safari”-style ride in the U.S. (www.prweb.com) (cowabungavegas.com). The park also boasts the largest lazy river in Nevada (www.aquaticgroup.com) and a 35,000 sq-ft wave pool with four-foot waves (cowabungavegas.com), both of which dwarf many local competitors. The entire experience is wrapped in a quirky surfer/kid cartoon motif – lifeguard stands look retro, play areas are shaped like beach forts, and a giant 1967 VW Bug floats in the lazy river as a photo op (cowabungavegas.com). One restaurant is even named after the moose character Bullwinkle (reflecting the owners’ cartoon branding) (www.reviewjournal.com). Architecturally, the park was built by Aquatic Development Group to “evoke a true 60’s beach surfing theme” in the desert (www.aquaticgroup.com), so it feels more like an immersive theme park than a bare community pool. Over its first decade it has hosted notable moments – site of CBS’s “Amazing Race” auditions in 2015 (www.reviewjournal.com) and annual charity or school events – cementing its role in the local culture. Most importantly, families and roller-coaster thrill-seekers alike love Cowabunga Bay: reviewers on TripAdvisor and local media often praise its clean facilities, fun mix of rides for all ages, and the sheer novelty of a retro-beach oasis in Las Vegas (www.tripadvisor.com) (www.reviewjournal.com).

Visitor Tips and Information

Cowabunga Bay is designed to be family-friendly and accessible. The park is ADA-compliant with wheelchair-friendly parking, ramps, and pool lifts, and wheelchair rentals are available onsite for mobility-impaired guests. There are ADA-accessible restrooms in each section. Free life jackets are provided to anyone who needs them (especially children under 48″, who must wear them on deeper attractions) (cowabungavegas.com). Guests should bring standard swimwear (no jeans or cut-offs) and water-safe sunblock (touristwire.com). The park enforces a strict swimwear dress code (no street clothes, buckles or exposed undergarments) and requires riders to remove shoes on slides (touristwire.com) (touristwire.com). Magnetic items (phones, keys) can be kept in cabana safes or lockers rented at entrance. Towels and goggles can be brought from home, but note outside food and loose snacks (beyond infant formula or a child’s sealed snack) are prohibited (touristwire.com) (cowabungavegas.com). It’s wise to arrive close to opening time: the sun is cooler early, crowds are lighter before noon, and you’ll have better access to chairs and slides. Be aware that popular slides like Rock-A-Hoola and Point Panic can see 45–60 minute waits on busy days (www.reviewjournal.com), so use downtime for snacks or to float the lazy river (a quiet reprieve). Keep young children safe by designating a meeting spot (the wave pool ramp or a feature like the big VW) and using colored flotation vests if needed. Check the calendar before you go – the park closes for a season in fall and may shut attractions for thunderstorms or maintenance mid-summer. Finally, remember that all payments in the park are by card; if you arrive with cash you can convert it to credit at the admissions kiosk or retail shops (arestravel.com). By following these tips, families can enjoy a smooth and memorable day splashing at Cowabunga Bay.

What are Cowabunga Bay’s ticket prices and discounts?

All-day admission is roughly $50 for adults. There are lower rates for military, seniors (65+), and children under 42 inches (about $35) (touristwire.com). An evening ticket (last 3 hours before close) is usually under $30 (touristwire.com). Season passes (around $100) offer unlimited visits and perks. (cowabungavegas.com)

Can I buy tickets at the park or do I need to reserve a date?

You can purchase tickets online or at the gate on any open day; no advance reservation or timed entry is required (www.cowabungabay.com). It’s recommended to buy ahead for busy summer weekends or holidays. Upon arrival you simply present your e-ticket or pay admission; there is no separate box office.

Are there season passes and what do they include?

Yes. Cowabunga Bay sells season passes (for example, the 2026 pass is $99.99 (cowabungavegas.com)) that give unlimited entries for the summer season. Pass perks include free parking at Cowabunga Bay & Canyon, priority entry, discounts on food/drinks and cabanas, and a free “bring a friend” ticket (cowabungavegas.com).

What is the address of Cowabunga Bay Water Park?

The park is at 900 Galleria Drive in Henderson, Nevada (zip 89011) (arestravel.com). It’s east of the Las Vegas Strip on Sunset Road. For driving directions, approach via Sunset or Boulder Highway and turn onto Galleria.

Is parking free and are there any fees?

Yes, parking is free for all guests in the park’s on-site lot. (cowabungavegas.com) There are no additional parking fees, and season passes even list “free parking” as a benefit. Just pull into the large parking area off Galleria Drive when you arrive.

What public transit serves the park?

The RTC bus lines 212 (Sunset Road) and BHX (Boulder Highway Express) stop by Cowabunga Bay (moovitapp.com). For example, there is a stop on westbound Galleria Drive just before Middlegate (about a 1-minute walk to the entrance) (moovitapp.com), and another on southbound Boulder Hwy after Galleria (roughly a 5–7 minute walk). Adjust your route to arrive on these lines.

Do I need to arrive early to get a good spot? Are there reserved areas?

All seating and lounging spaces are general admission (first-come, first-served). On busy days, the wave pool beach and poolside chairs can fill by late morning. For best views or shade, arrive close to opening and claim a spot. The only “reserved” areas are rented cabanas (see next question) – otherwise there is no assigned seating, so early birds get priority choice of lounges.

What are the premium cabanas and how do they work?

Cowabunga Bay rents private cabanas that include daily admission and extra amenities. For example, the “Bayside Bungalow” is a large 10’x10’ shaded cabana with lounge furniture, a safe, USB charging, and even lawn games for up to 20 people (cowabungavegas.com). Cabana rental comes with access to a private side pool (the Caban-A-Rama pool) (cowabungavegas.com) and personal service. Prices vary (a large cabana starts around $600 per day (cowabungavegas.com)). Cabanas sell out on busy days, so book early if interested.

Can I bring outside food, drinks or a cooler?

Cowabunga Bay does not allow outside food or drinks, except for very limited toddler needs. Small coolers (up to 16 quarts) *are* allowed if they contain only ice and sealed water bottles (cowabungavegas.com). No glass, large coolers, or snack boxes are permitted. If you want to pack a lunch for kids, you may exit and use the picnic area outside the gate and then re-enter. Otherwise plan to buy food inside or use the neighboring restaurants. (touristwire.com) (cowabungavegas.com)

What is the dress code at Cowabunga Bay?

Proper swimwear is required. Guests should wear swimsuits or swim trunks (no cut-offs or street clothes). Clothing with metal (zippers, buttons) or exposed undergarments is not allowed (touristwire.com). Flip-flops can be worn around the park, but shoes must be removed before any slide (touristwire.com). In short, dress for water activities only.

Can I leave the park and come back in on the same ticket?

Generally, Cowabunga Bay does not allow re-entry once you exit the turnstiles. Your ticket covers one continuous visit. If you must leave (for a quick break), be sure to confirm re-entry rules at the admissions gate or consider renting a cabana with a private exit. For safety and headcounts, most guests stay inside until the day is done.

Can I use cash at Cowabunga Bay?

No – the park is fully cashless (arestravel.com). All transactions (admission, food, lockers, cabanas) must be paid by credit/debit card or mobile payment. If you have cash, you can convert it to park credit on a wristband at the admissions or retail counters, but all points of sale are otherwise cash-free.

What food and drinks are available inside the park?

Cowabunga Bay has multiple snack bars and cafes. The main eateries (Cowabunga Chill, Bullwinkle’s Boardwalk Grille, Rocky’s Beachside Cafe) serve burgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken strips, salads and similar fare. There are also stands for drinks, shaved ice and souvenirs. The park even offers cocktails and beer during certain adult events. Prices are standard for a theme park; outside food (beyond the small toddler exceptions) isn’t allowed (touristwire.com) (touristwire.com).

Is Cowabunga Bay accessible for guests with disabilities?

Yes. The park provides ADA-accessible parking spaces and ramps into the pools (especially the ‘beach entry’ Lazy River). There are accessible restrooms and lockers. Life jackets and - where needed - pool lifts are available on request. If you have specific needs, the park staff can assist; large groups with special requirements sometimes arrange a private visit.

Are there lockers or storage for valuables?

Yes, day-use lockers can be rented at the entrance area for safekeeping towels, phones or cameras. If you rent a cabana, it includes a secure safe for valuables (cowabungavegas.com). Otherwise, valuables can be kept on your person, left in a locked car, or rented in a locker. Bringing only essentials into the park is recommended to keep belongings safe from water.

Are there height or age restrictions for the slides?

Yes. Most major slides require riders to be at least 48 inches tall (Solitary riders on tube slides) (cowabungavegas.com) (cowabungavegas.com). Some slides allow younger kids (42"+) in a two-person tube if accompanied by someone over 48″. Toddlers and very young children are limited to the shallow Kids Cove area and must wear life jackets (cowabungavegas.com). There is no overall upper age limit, but all riders must meet the height/weight rules posted at each slide.

What happens if it rains or storms during my visit?

Cowabunga Bay is outdoors, so in thunderstorms or heavy rain, rides will close for safety. Lightning especially will shut down slides and pools until cleared. The park may close early for weather with no refund, so it’s best to check forecast in advance. Light rain won’t cancel: if conditions permit, guests can resume sliding after a brief pause. Always follow staff instructions in bad weather.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

Smoking and e-cigarette use are not allowed within the fenced park areas for guest health and safety. If needed, there may be designated areas outside the park perimeter where smoking is permitted. Be sure to fully extinguish and dispose of cigarettes in waste receptacles outside before returning.

What are the main attractions at Cowabunga Bay?

Key attractions include the Surf-A-Rama wave pool (35,000 sq ft) (cowabungavegas.com), the Cowabunga River lazy river with giant surfboard decor (cowabungavegas.com), and thrill slides like Wild Surf (60' raft drop) (cowabungavegas.com), Rock-A-Hoola (300' bowl slide) (cowabungavegas.com), Surfin’ USA (6-rider mat slide) (cowabungavegas.com), Zuma Zooma (73' launch loop) (cowabungavegas.com), and Laser Panic (enclosed tube slide). For kids there is a heated play pool (Kids Cove) with mini slides and splash features (cowabungavegas.com). Many other multi-lane racers and tube slides round out the lineup. (See the park map or brochure for full specifics.)

What is unique about the Wild Surf slide?

The Wild Surf slide is special because it creates the world’s largest man-made breaking wave (www.prweb.com). Four people ride a large raft down a 60-foot drop into a 40-foot-high synthetic wave, where the wave’s crest keeps them throwing side-to-side to simulate surfing (cowabungavegas.com) (www.prweb.com). It’s also the first-of-its-kind “Surf Safari” ride in the U.S., making it a signature attraction at Cowabunga Bay.

How large are the wave pool and lazy river?

Cowabunga Bay’s Surf-A-Rama wave pool covers 35,000 square feet and can generate waves up to four feet high (cowabungavegas.com). It’s announced as the second-largest wave pool in Vegas. The Cowabunga River lazy river is the longest in Nevada (www.aquaticgroup.com) – a gentle, winding circuit that passes by surfboards, a faux VW Bug and other theming as it loops around the park (cowabungavegas.com).

Who owns and operates Cowabunga Bay?

Cowabunga Bay is a family-owned park operated by the Huish family (also behind the Cowabunga Bay in Utah and other family entertainment centers) (www.reviewjournal.com) (www.tripadvisor.com). It was designed and built with Aquatic Development Group as a consultant, but the business is local and privately held. The owners have ties to Lone Peak Investments, a Henderson-based development firm, and emphasize a family-friendly culture throughout the park.

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