Hurricane Bay Ranked #2 Best Outdoor Water Park in the Nation by Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

Kentucky Kingdom is proud to announce that our signature water park, Hurricane Bay, has been named the #2 “Best Outdoor Water Park in the Nation” by Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The annual award, based on nationwide public voting, highlights Hurricane Bay’s position as one of the premier summer destinations in the United States. This recognition celebrates the park’s commitment to delivering high-quality attractions, exceptional guest service, and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

“We’re incredibly honored to be recognized by Newsweek readers and our loyal guests across the country,” said Carly Uglow, Marketing Director at Kentucky Kingdom. “This award reflects the passion and hard work our team puts into making Hurricane Bay a top-tier water park season after season."

A Standout Water Park Experience

Located within Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, KY, Hurricane Bay offers over a dozen water attractions designed to appeal to both thrill-seekers and families alike. The park is home to the towering Deep Water Dive slide, the guest-favorite Tornado funnel ride, the fast-paced Adventure River, and the expansive Family Wave Lagoon.

In addition to high-adrenaline experiences, the park features interactive splash zones for young children, including Splash Zone and Buccaneer Beach, plus plenty of shaded seating and cabana rentals to enhance guest comfort. Complimentary life jackets, clean facilities, and a thoughtful park layout make Hurricane Bay a safe and welcoming environment for guests of all ages.

Award-Winning Attractions and Guest Favorites

Visitors consistently rank Hurricane Bay high for its balance of excitement and accessibility. Must-try attractions include:

• Tornado – A fast-paced funnel ride for groups
• Adventure River – Wild currents, nonstop water excitement
• Family Wave Lagoon – A relaxing and refreshing experience for the whole family
• Plummet Summit – A thrilling splashdown adventure
• Splash Zone - A multi-level water play structure with slides and sprayers

Food, Amenities, and Seasonal Value

Hurricane Bay also features family-friendly dining, such as Scoops for hand-dipped ice cream and Hurricane Bay Beach Club, which serves frozen drinks and beverages for guests 21 and older.

The park offers Season Passes that include unlimited visits, free parking, and additional perks. With the value of a Season Pass paying for itself in just two visits, families are encouraged to take full advantage of this summer’s lineup.

Visit Hurricane Bay in 2025

Hurricane Bay is open daily through August 3 and weekends only through September 1. Guests are invited to see for themselves why the park has earned national recognition.

To learn more about Hurricane Bay or to purchase tickets, visit kentuckykingdom.com.