H2OBX Waterpark has almost completed it's first OBX Summer Season and we (and our guests) have certainly enjoyed it! It's the perfect place to spend the day with the family and adds to the Outer Banks beach vacation experience.
Here's our 9 tips for making the most out of the area's newest attraction.
Buy Your Tickets Early (and Save!) 
In order to keep the lines short and give you the best possible experience, attendance at H2OBX is limited to 4,000 people a day. In order to avoid disappointment at the door, it's best to buy your tickets in advance through our link. Also, when you buy though our link as opposed to at the gate, you get $5 off per ticket for your entire party. After all, the only thing better than a fun filled day of waterpark fun, is saving on one!
Plan Your Trip
10am to 2pm is the hottest part of the day. It's also the most popular. However, if you're already certain that you're not going to spend all day there, consider going after two, the less hot, less crowded part of the day. The park doesn't close until 7, so that still gives you five hours to play.
Of course, if you want to spend all day there, you can. The park has some great eatery options for lunch, snacks, and even adult beverages.
Bring Sun Protection 
Even if your body is underwater most of the time, you can still get sunburned. Bring appropriate protection, sun screen, and cover-ups to wear out of the water when you go. This way a nasty sunburn doesn't ruin your day. If you forgot the sun protection, donâ??t' worry. The waterpark's gift shop sells cover-ups, towels, sunscreen and more.
Eat Lunch At The Park
Though the Outer Banks has many excellent dining options, they are a little too far from the park. Fortunately, the food is here is more than typical amusement park food. In fact, it rivals some of the casual places on the Outer Banks. They have all the kid's favorites like burgers, chicken tenders and fries, as well as amusement park favorites like funnel cakes, pretzels, shakes and ice-cream. They even have adult frozen beverages to help you beat that the heat.
Bring Towels
It's easy to overlook towels when you visit a waterpark, after all, you might be too busy to need them. There certainly is enough to do. However the best use for towels isn't to dry off, it's to save your seats. The waterpark has tons of chairs and huge umbrellas that provide shade. Depending on how may people are visiting the park that day, the best shaded spots fill up fast. However, most people mark their spots by leaving towels on the chairs. This is the best way 'reserve' a spot, aside from leaving a person on the chairs. This way, everyone can have fun.
Rent A Cabana
Of course, if you don't want to bother with towels and saving seats, you can always rent a cabana. H2OBX offers 2 sizes of cabanas, small (that fits 8 people) and large (that fits 12 people). Not only do the cabanas provide great shade and remain yours for the entire day, they also provide wait service for food and drinks and a complimentary fruits, water, and snacks. Cabana rentals also come with complimentary lockers, so that your valuables are safe and secure all day.
Wear Water Shoes
The park is an easy walk, but we do recommend water shoes. The concrete can get hot in the middle of the day and many of the wave pools have rough texture at the entrances to prevent slips and falls. Water shoes have rubber soles to protect your feet and fit completely over your foot so they won't come off even during the most extreme rides. Flip flops are great for walking around, but are not allowed on any rides.
Rent A Locker
Lockers are a great way to securely store your valuables, bags, clothes, and towels while you enjoy the park. There are 3 sizes available. You can purchase your rental with a credit card and they open and lock with a keyless code, so no keys to lose and the entire family can access it when they need it. Super convenient!
Complimentary Life Jackets
If you or your little one needs a life jacket, the park has them for free. All you have to do is go up to the life jacket rack, pick your size, cinch it up and you're good to go. You can wear this jacket all day and on rides like the lazy river and the wave pool. Younger kids can wear theirs on the younger kid slides. This ensures a fun and safe time for everyone.
The waterpark is lots of fun for everyone. With a little advanced planning, discounted tickets and an idea of what to expect when you get there, you can add lots of fun to your vacation and memories that will last a lifetime. We hope you'll check out H2OBX Waterpark on your next Outer Banks visit!
