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This is how it all began.
“Mom, are you going to chicken out?”
“No way,” I said with a forced smile. “I’m in.”
I chose the red car. Why not be flashy while at top speed with all those Mario Andretti channeling 52” tall drivers. Yes, we kicked our adrenaline rush time off with the Razorback Roundup Bumper Cars at Magic Springs. And, I rocked it. If there would have been a checkered flag, I would have beat that recent kindergarten graduate in the turquoise swimsuit by a mile.
With my courage up, we headed to Big Bad John, a runaway mine train adventure across 3,500 feet of twisting and turning. We screamed, we laughed, we rode it four times. A summer day of #MagicMoments with my boys began.
This was our first trip to Magic Springs Water and Theme Park in Hot Springs, and there was so much to enjoy. Here are @TheParkWife’s top 10 things to know when you are heading out to Magic Springs or any of the other wonderful water or theme parks in Arkansas.
- Get there early.
Arrive when it opens so you can claim lounge chairs and ride the choice rides and water slides to avoid long lines later. - Get a Locker:
You should not leave your personal belongings unattended when visiting the park. There are several locker locations located near the front gate and the water park. Lockers can be rented for $10 (small locker) or $14 (large locker), and you may pay at the locker with cash or debit/credit card. - Know the rules.
Read the signs, respect the rules. If this is done, the day will be best for everyone. - Set up a meeting place.
If you’re going to let your older children roam freely, always set up a meeting place, like your lounge chairs. - Get to know the park.
Download a map ahead of time and figure out which rides you want to go on, how old/tall you have to be for each ride, where you want to eat, etc. This saved us a lot of wandering around time.
- Don’t forget to apply plenty of sunblock, frequently.
- Drink plenty of water. We hydrated before we left home and were diligent about staying well hydrated. This was an effort as we were having fun and rushing to the next attraction. We tried to drink water at least every hour we were there.
- Check the weather before going.
This is Arkansas and the weather can change any minute. Make sure that Ed Buckner says it’s going to be a nice day before you head out. If the weather gets bad while you are there, some rides and attractions may be shut down for certain periods of time. The good news, Magic Springs has a Rain Check Guarantee! When all attractions are closed for over one hour, you may present your receipt for one-day general admission tickets the same day at Guest Relations to receive a complimentary ticket for a visit on another day. If the park closes for inclement weather after 4 p.m., you will be issued an evening ticket valid for a visit on another day after 4 p.m.
- Buy a Season Ticket, it will be worth it!
Every Season Pass includes monthly online coupons for use throughout the park and entry to the entire Concert Series! Find them HERE. - Bring your friends and family.
On hot summer days in Arkansas, Magic Springs Water & Amusement Park is a great place to take your family. Kids and adults alike get to cool off and get an adrenaline rush at the same time. I got to just relax and float around the lazy river only worrying about putting on more sunscreen. I highly recommend gathering a group of friends at meeting at the park. Let us know when you are going, we’ll meet you there.
What are some of your favorite water or theme parks in Arkansas? And, inquiring minds want to know, what is your favorite ride?
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