Summer Fun at Wave Waterpark in Vista
The Wave Waterpark in Vista is a relatively unknown gem. It is designed primarily for North County residents. However, it is also a solid low-cost attraction for visitors to the big-ticket attractions down the street at Legoland.
WEBSITE: https://www.thewavewaterpark.com/
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Overview
The Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Vista operates the Wave Waterpark. As a city-owned facility, there is a full program of swimming lessons, summer camps, and other programs. However, it is the water attractions that make Wave Waterpark standout as more than just another community swimming pool.
The Wave Waterpark is located right off the 78 freeway at Vista Village Dr. It is about a 20-minute drive from Legoland in normal traffic.
Parking is free. There are spots for picnics outside the park, but you can not bring food inside. There is a concession stand inside the gates.
Lockers are available for $5 a day. A locker is large enough to fit an average backpack. Lifejackets and inner tubes are provided at no cost. There are plenty of chairs and umbrellas, but you are also free to bring your own.
Pricing and Hours
The Wave Waterpark is seasonal. It usually opens the last week in May and is open weekends the last two weeks in August through the month of September. Normal weekday closing hours are 4 PM. On weekends the park is open until 5:30. Friday Nite Splash goes from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Hours
- Monday through Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Friday Nite Splash 4:00pm to 8:00pm
- Saturday 11:00am to 5:30pm
- Sunday 12:00pm to 5:30pm
Pricing
- Over 42” – $20.95
- Under 42”– $16.95
- Children Under 3 – Free
- Seniors (60 and Over) – $13.95
- Military (with Valid ID) – $13.95
- Spectator Admission – $20.95 ($4.00 deposit returned upon showing dry wristband when exiting the park)
- Happy Hour (last two hours only) – $9.95
- Friday Nite Splash – $9.95 ($3 upgrade for day visitors)
- Cabana Rentals: Small $60; Large $80
https://www.thewavewaterpark.com/parking-info/coupons-deals
Deals and Special Events
- Vista residents get $2 off general admission
- The week school is out (usually third week of June) admission is $9.95 with a report card or teacher ID
- Mid-summer toy drive admission is $9.95 with gift of new toy
- Individual Season Pass: $74 ($69 each for family of 4)
- Father’s Day: fathers are free with child admission
- Military, Fire and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is twice a year (July 4, 2019 and September 15, 2019). Active duty or retired police, fire or military get in free with extra tickets at $9.95.
- Friday Nite Splash is every other Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm for $9.95
Attractions
Slide Tower
The Slide Tower is a main attraction at the Wave Waterpark. It consists of 4 slides that start from a single tower. All slides have a 42″ height requirement. The slides end in a 3.5 foot splash pool. There are three tube slides and a body slide.
- Salsa Twist – All open single or double tube slide
- Tubulation – All dark single tube slide
- Flash Flood – All open single tube slide
- Slam Dunk – All dark body slide
Flow Rider
The Flow Rider is a simulated wave that you can try and body board on. The Wave Waterpark holds special lessons in riding the Flow Rider. Minimum height is 42” tall.
Fun Diego Family 360: Flow Rider
Lazy River
The El Rio Loco (Crazy River) is a fairly rapid moving lazy river that goes around the center of the park. You can use a tube or float on your own. There are multiple entrances flow while relaxing on a tube or enjoy floating through the current without one.
Rip Tide Slide
The Rip Tide slide goes from the top of the Flow Rider into the Lazy River. This is a single tube slide. Height requirement 42”.
Wave Spray Park
This is a play area for kids under 48” tall. It is by the entrance next to the main pool.
Pool
Wave Waterpark has a competition-size pool that is temperature controlled. This is where swimming lessons are held. It has sections for lap swimming.
Special Programs
Swim Lessons
Wave Waterpark offers swim lessons from April through September. Most sessions are 4 classes for $50 (25 to 40 minutes each) and include a free pass to the park upon completion. Private lessons are also available.
Splash Camp
Weekly summer camps run from 8 am to 2 pm with extended play until 4 pm. Camps are for ages 7 to 15. Cost is $140 for each 5-day session. Camps have different themes and sell out quickly. There is a counselor-in-training camp for kids age 12-15.
Junior Lifeguard
These are 5-day training camps for kids age 10-15. Cost is $140 and sessions run from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Flow Rider Classes
Classes on riding the Flow Rider go from beginner (grom) to advanced Rip Riders. A session runs 4 days Monday through Thursday for 40 minutes. Cost is $50 per session. Minimum height is 42” tall.
Water Polo Classes
Water Polo classes are available for ages 7 and up. Sessions run 4 days Monday through Thursday for 60 minutes. Cost is $50 per session.
