Editorial and Photos BY JODY NARANTIC
I hate to admit this but this was my very first time I’d been to Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point, IN. As close as I live it was just one of those places I hadn’t yet visited. And after a day full of fun and perfect weather I thought to myself, why haven’t I been here before!
Deep River Waterpark is about 4 1/2 miles east of I-65 on U.S. Highway 30. Only 30 minutes or less from all of N.W. Indiana and south suburban Chicago. 60 minutes or so from O’Hare airport and a little over 2 hours from Indianapolis.
When google searching, their website link list them in Merrillville, IN and that’s where I’d consider their location but their google and Facebook addresses show Crown Point. It’s just one of those areas where you might think it’s one area when it’s another. Just making sure you’re not confused.
If you live in Northwest Indiana you’ve probably heard their commercials – Deep River Waterpark – It’s simply SPLASHtastic!
And it is!
Whether you enjoy water slides …Or just floating along the lazy river …There’s so much to enjoy..For the little ones.. Or for any age.
About the waterpark:
Parking is free.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – We arrived about 15 minutes before they opened and waited in line about 20 minutes. It actually went pretty fast. I noticed throughout the day there wasn’t much waiting. But now that summers here I imagine it will start to get busier. But again, the lines went quickly.
Pricing varies during the summer season and reduced rates with family packages are available. They have special pricing for season passes and discounted rates after 5:00 p.m.
Your bags are searched just like they are when entering any event.
Coolers of any size are allowed, which makes it nice when spending an entire day at the park. But there are restrictions – No alcohol, knives or anything sharp, glass, or anything that heats.
Once inside the waterpark, there are many seating areas to choose from. We ended up sitting at the wave pool area, which was kind of a center location within the park.
There’s a nice area of lockers for your belongings.
There are areas to rent cabanas, gazebos, or large group shelters. Which is nice for parties and when booking group rates.
There are lifeguards every where. It doesn’t mean it’s alright to wonder and leave your kids alone but know they are all around in case they’re needed.
Even though you’re able to bring your own cooler full of drinks and snacks, I have to say they had a very nice seating area by the Surfside Cafe where you could get drinks, nachos, hot dogs, chicken, hamburgers, fries, cheese sticks, etc. Such a nice variety of food and drinks. And very inexpensive. They also had a little restaurant serving pizzas and an ice cream spot. The food was really good. Especially when you have little ones that are picky eaters. Our kids loved the cheese sticks and cheese fries.
About the water slides:
From one end of the park to the other, there was so much water fun to be had by all. I spent the day with my nieces and their babies and after a while I thought, I need to come here with my sisters without all the kids just to float around the lazy river all day. It isn’t just for kids! But it was nice seeing how much fun they had.
If you’re planning a weekend visit, there are plenty of hotels in the area and a wide variety of dining options.
If you’d like to get more information you can do so at their website: Deep River Waterpark
They have a very detailed questions and answers page: Deep River Waterpark Q&A Page
They are also open during the winter months for ice skating!
Be sure to follow their Facebook: Deep River Waterpark Facebook
Looking for more waterpark information in Indiana ~ please visit the ~ Travel Indiana Waterparks
And you can follow more of my travel adventures here ~ Loving Life Adventures
