Schlitterbahn vs. Oceans of Fun

A couple weeks ago the boys and I headed to KC for the annual Kimbrough Oceans of Fun Trip (we have been going for at least 20 years I think…).  After much deliberation, we agreed to try Schlitterbahn.  Though it was a fun day and it had its perks, we will be going back to Oceans of Fun next year.

I don’t proclaim to be a professional waterpark critic, but here’s what I can tell you:

Schlitterbahn Pros:

• cooled cement
• picnics and coolers welcome
• no height requirement on rides
• double-seated tubes with lining on one side (so kids can sit and not fall through the holes)
• free parking
• free tubes (no rental fees)

Schlitterbahn cons:

• no height requirement=less thrilling rides
• fewer attractions
• no large pool/swimming area

Oceans of Fun Pros:

• many more attractions (wave pool, additional large pool with climbing toys and slides, 3 large slides, etc.  We missed Paradise Falls the most.)
• height requirements=slides that are longer, more intense, and overall a lot more fun

Oceans of Fun Cons:

• tube rental fee; however, this isn’t a big deal to us because we rarely rent tubes.  We prefer to put on a life jacket and float around the lazy river that way – so we are actually IN the water.  People laugh at us because they assume no one in our extended family can swim.  If only they knew our little secret and the fun they’re missing out on…
• $10 parking charge BUT tickets to enter park are cheaper
• No coolers (unless you hide them in your bag, which is pretty easy to do)

Final thoughts:

If you are going with a bunch of young children (under 42″), Schlitterbahn is for you.  For everyone else, I’d wait until it has more to offer (still building) and stick with Oceans of Fun.  I mean come on…they don’t call it Oceans of fun for nothing. 😉