Colorful twists, creative designs, and a splash-tastic getaway await at Oklahoma City’s premier indoor aquatic playground and I’m here to provide you with our actual experience from visiting it!
As someone who just was here in Oklahoma City for a weekend exploring this 100,000-square-foot watery wonderland, I’m so pumped to share the multisensory experience these slides delivered. What impressed me most was the level of creativity that went into designing these attractions—offering thrilling adventures without relying solely on intimidating drops.
With vibrant visuals and exciting elements, these slides deliver all the excitement you crave in a way that’s fun rather than scary.
The OKANA Resort Indoor Waterpark just opened its doors March 2025, and I was lucky enough to get a first-hand look at all the exciting rides in this brand-new attraction. As one of the first visitors to experience this crown jewel among OKC’s top attractions and must-try thrill rides, I can tell you the anticipation was absolutely worth it. The OKANA Resort Indoor Waterpark is considered a world-class destination, offering year-round excitement for everyone including little ones all the way up to the adults.
I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to the best slides (and other exciting rides) at OKANA.
Slide-by-Slide Breakdown: The Best Slides + Attractions
| Attraction Name | Type | Thrill Level | Height Requirement | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OKANA | Bowl Slide | High | 48” | 5-person raft experience |
| Wild Rapids | Water Coaster | Extreme | 54” | Uphill launch system |
| Whiplash | Duo Tube | Moderate | 42” | Backward drop element |
| Racing Rapids | Racing Slide | Moderate | 42” | Multi-lane competitive sliding |
| Flow Rider | Surf Simulator | High | 48” | Stand-up wave riding experience |
| High Tide | Wave Pool | Moderate | None (shallow end) | Programmable wave patterns |
| Enchanted River | Adventure River | Moderate | 42” (alone) | Surprising currents and features |
The waterpark offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, ensuring fun for the whole family. There are also dedicated play areas and splash pads designed specifically for younger guests, making it a perfect destination for families with young children.
Whiplash
The Whiplash is one of my favorite attractions at OKANA, offering the perfect balance of excitement without being too intimidating. This two-person tube slide features a unique backward drop element that caught me completely by surprise during my first ride! I see why it’s called whiplash.
As you begin, you’re propelled through a series of twists and turns that build anticipation. Just when you think you know what’s coming next, the slide executes its signature move – a backward drop that creates an exhilarating moment of weightlessness and changes your orientation unexpectedly. And as what seems to be an Okana signature, you’ll definitely have some colorful lights to illuminate your journey along the way.
The waterpark also features floating lily pads, adding to the playful and adventurous elements of the experience.
With a 42-inch height requirement (with parent accompaniment), it’s accessible to older children while still delivering enough thrills to keep adults entertained. I particularly appreciated how this slide offers a moderate thrill level – perfect for those of us who enjoy adventure but might not be ready for the most extreme experiences. The shared tube aspect also makes it a fun bonding activity, as my husband and I couldn’t stop laughing about our reactions to the backward element even hours after experiencing it.
Wild Rapids Water Coaster
If you only have time for one attraction at OKANA, make it Wild Rapids – this was definitely my favorite ride! This isn’t just a water slide; it’s a genuine water coaster that combines the best elements of both experiences.
I didn’t realize there was an initial drop until we were about to go down, but that’s part of what makes this ride so special – it delivers all the thrill of a drop without the overwhelming fear. Once you’re in motion, it’s fast and exhilarating as it takes you through twists and turns and even back uphill with powerful water jets propelling your two-person tube from all sides.
What makes Wild Rapids particularly unique is its multisensory experience. Sometimes you’re enclosed in a tunnel, sometimes you’re in the open, but you’re always surrounded by a dazzling array of rainbow colors and lights that enhance the sensation of speed and movement. There’s even a bowl or two adding some extra spins to the journey!
The waterpark also features an inflatable obstacle course, providing additional fun and excitement for visitors.
With its huge drops, propelled uphill launches, and subsequent plunges, this ride truly earns its description as a water slide with roller-coaster speed. For thrill-seekers visiting OKANA, this is absolutely a must-ride attraction. The 54-inch height requirement means it’s designed for older kids and adults, but the excitement makes it well worth the wait.
Racing Rapids
Not to be confused with the Wild Rapids slide above. This waterslide is for those with a competitive streak, Racing Rapids offers multi-lane sliding action where you can challenge your friends and family to see who makes it to the bottom first. With a moderate 42-inch height requirement, it’s accessible to most kids while still providing enough speed and excitement for adults.
The side-by-side format creates a social experience that’s often missing from traditional water slides, but here at Okana Indoor Waterpark they take it one (or five) further. Sometimes you’re all alone in your tube and then other times the slide opens up so you can see your opponents right next to you. There’s even a point where white lights take you through a trippy experience before landing in the pool wondering how all that happened in such a short amount of time! The waterpark also features an inflatable obstacle, enhancing the overall experience with unique and playful elements.
Pro Tip: With a clock at the end that tracks your actual time, you can keep going back to try and beat it.
Not Slides But Still Bringing the Thrills!
High Tide Wave Pool
The High Tide wave pool serves as the centerpiece of the waterpark and offers a perfect break between slides. Unlike typical wave pools that just produce gentle ripples, High Tide features programmable wave patterns that range from peaceful swells to more challenging waves that will have you jumping to stay afloat. It is one of the largest in the country, specifically the fourth largest pool, adding to its appeal.
There’s no height requirement for the shallow end, making it accessible to visitors of all ages, though younger children should be closely supervised as the waves can get surprisingly powerful in the deeper sections.
Flow Rider
While not technically a slide, the Flow Rider surf simulator was one of my favorite attractions at the waterpark and where I spent most of my time. Here you get to ride a perpetual wave that lets you try your hand at surfing or bodyboarding without the ocean.
With a 42-inch height requirement for bodyboarding and 48 for standup, it’s suitable for older children and adults. Make sure to sign a waiver upstairs before going downstairs if you plan on standing up.
The instructors were super helpful with everyone and it was cool to see how quickly people were even doing tricks on the body boards. I’ve done surfing a few times, but not enough to be good. However, I appreciate the instruction and help to get out on the waves. I even managed to stand. We did this multiple days and I wish I could do it more. You’ll see everyone from pros to beginners and everything in between.
Pro Tips: I always like to change into a one piece for these! I’ve seen too many people lose their cute bikini tops in front of the park.
If you have a couple of days do this on your first day a couple of times but not enough to wear out yourself. Then when you come back your second day, your muscle memory will kick in a but to make it a little easier!
Enchanted River
Don’t be fooled by comparisons to a lazy river—the Enchanted River is anything but lazy! This adventure river features surprising currents, interactive elements, and even a few mini-rapids sections that keep you engaged throughout the journey.
The Enchanted River area also features built-in seating, providing a relaxing spot for adults to unwind while enjoying the waterpark. With a 42-inch height requirement for solo riders (younger children can ride with adults in double tubes), it’s designed to be enjoyable for most visitors. What I appreciated most was the unpredictable nature of the experience—just when you think you’re in for a relaxing float, a surprise water feature or current change adds an element of excitement. Not to mention some intense waterfalls!
Family-Friendly Options
While I’ve focused on the major attractions, OKANA excels at catering to all ages. The waterpark features areas with smaller slides with lower height restrictions, perfect for the younger crowd. I spent some time observing from the adjacent pool deck and noticed how the incremental thrill levels help build kids’ confidence. The resort also features an outdoor waterpark, offering a wide range of attractions for families to enjoy.
For those who prefer moving at their own pace, the waterpark offers several shallow water play areas with interactive water features and gentle sprays that are perfect for toddlers and younger children.
How to Maximize Your Slide Experience
After spending two full days testing every inch of this park, I’ve gathered some insider knowledge to help you make the most of your visit:
Dining at the Resort
Beyond the unique offerings inside the waterpark, you also have the onsite restaurants for elevated comfort food. For a more vibrant dining experience, Chido Tacos X Tequila serves bold Mexican flavors and premium tequilas in a lively setting, welcoming both resort guests and visitors. Another popular spot is Jack Rabbit, a gastropub inspired by Oklahoma’s black-tailed jackrabbit, offering expertly crafted cocktails.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
The weekend crowd patterns at OKANA are predictable: Fridays and Saturdays are packed from opening until about 7 PM, after which things calm down considerably. Sundays through Thursdays, the sweet spot is between 2-5 PM when many families with young children leave for naps or early dinners.
For the shortest waits on Wild Rapids (regularly 45+ minutes), head there first thing in the morning or within the last hour of operation. Your best bet will always be a weekday though.
What to Wear
I found my standard bikini worked perfectly fine for most attractions at OKANA, contrary to what you might expect at some waterparks. However, like I mentioned above, I preferred wearing a one-piece with sleeves for added comfort and coverage on the flow rider. For everyone, grippy water shoes would be a game-changer for navigating the park – the concrete steps can get slippery, and your feet will thank you by day’s end!
One important note about towels: they’re available for an extra fee if you’re a day visitor, but they’re included complimentary if you’re staying as a resort guest. This is definitely something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Cabana Strategy
If you’re planning a full day, the cabana investment is worth every penny—but location matters. It’s all about whether you want to be near the food, closer to the bar with more opportunities for peace, or right in front of the splash falls if that’s where you expect your kids to be all day. Book these at least two weeks in advance for weekend visits; they sell out regularly.
Okana vs Other Midwest Indoor Waterparks
Having visited many major indoor waterparks in the Midwest (it’s a strange hobby, I admit), I can confidently say OKANA has carved out some distinctive advantages:
- Unique Technology: OKANA is the only OKC waterpark with a legitimate surf simulator—FlowRider—that actually gives you the sensation of riding a wave. As someone who’s tried surfing in California with limited success, this controlled environment is much more forgiving for beginners.
- Climate Perfection: Unlike some indoor parks that feel like a tropical greenhouse, OKANA maintains a perfect 84-degree air temperature with 40% humidity—comfortable without the signature “chlorine fog” that plagues many indoor facilities.
- Luxury Integration: The seamless connection between thrill rides and upscale amenities sets OKANA apart.
Additionally, OKANA features an outdoor lagoon, providing a unique and inviting space for relaxation and fun.
My Personal Experience
As someone who travels with my husband and without kids, I was initially concerned that OKANA might be too family-focused for my taste. I couldn’t have been more wrong! The park strikes an impressive balance between family entertainment and adult thrill-seeking so all groups of people have an experience that fits them.
What impressed me most was the attention to detail throughout the facility. The slides aren’t just functional; they’re beautifully integrated into the resort’s Chickasaw-inspired design elements. Learning about the Chickasaw Nation’s hospitality legacy added cultural context that elevated the experience beyond mere entertainment. Located along the Oklahoma River, the resort enhances its appeal as a recreational destination with cultural significance.
The water quality deserves special mention—crystal clear and without the overwhelming chlorine smell found at many indoor parks. I later learned that OKANA uses an advanced UV filtration system backed by NSF International water quality certification, which explains the difference.
OKANA Resort Indoor Waterpark: FAQs
Are there adult-only areas at OKANA Waterpark?
While the waterpark itself is family-oriented, the resort does offer some adults-only relaxation areas like the soothing springs. There’s also a bar in the indoor waterpark as well. These adults-only areas feature built-in seating, providing a comfortable and leisurely experience.
Can I bring my own tube or floatation devices?
Outside flotation devices aren’t permitted except for coast guard-approved life jackets for safety reasons. OKANA provides all necessary tubes and rafts for each attraction at no additional cost. The waterpark also features floating lily pads, adding to the variety of water-based activities available.
Do slides close during thunderstorms?
The indoor portions remain operational during inclement weather, but slides with outdoor sections may temporarily close during lightning events. The resort also features an outdoor waterpark, which may temporarily close during thunderstorms.
What’s the best slide for first-time visitors who are nervous about big drops?
Start with Racing Rapids or Whiplash to build confidence. Both offer exciting experiences without the intimidating vertical drops or extreme elements. The waterpark also features attractions suitable for younger guests, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience these incredible slides yourself? Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to OKANA Resort Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City:
- Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation, ticket prices, and any special events happening during your planned visit.
- Consider staying at the resort if you’re coming from out of town. Resort guests typically enjoy benefits like complimentary towels. I also cannot stress how convenient it was to just go on up a couple floors after being so exhausted after rides all day or how stress-free it was to get a little sleep-in without having to drive to the resort.
- Arrive early to make the most of your day, especially if you’re visiting during weekends or holiday periods when it might be busier.
As a Texas-based travel blogger who made the trip to Oklahoma City specifically for this experience, I can confirm it’s absolutely worth the drive. The brand-new facilities, creative slide designs, and overall park atmosphere make OKANA a standout destination for water enthusiasts in the region. OKANA Resort Indoor Waterpark is considered a world-class destination, making it a must-visit location for water enthusiasts.
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Last Updated 3 days ago by Jessica Serna | Published: March 18, 2025
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