splash safari santa claus indiana

Splashin' Safari: A Great Water Park That's Free

At Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana

Splashin' Safari is one of the biggest and best water parks in the nation. And it's free.

Well, sort of free. It's included with admission to Holiday World , the holiday-themed park adjacent to Splashin' Safari. Since it is not a standalone water park, it makes the fact that is among the country’s largest and finest water parks all the more impressive. (If you are planning a visit, be sure to bring dry clothes to enjoy Holiday World's incredible coasters and other attractions; likewise, folks planning to visit Holiday World should remember to pack a bathing suit.) Splashin' Safari easily makes the list of the best water parks at theme parks .

The theme is African (that's the "Safari" part), hence the silly ride names. The schizophrenic park also has a California theme (that's the "Splashin' " part we guess) and plays Beach Boys and other surf tunes over the loudspeakers.

Splashin’ Safari’s Slides and Attractions

The park is so big it has not one, not two, but three water coasters . And not just any water coasters, but the world's longest.

When the approximately 1/3-mile-long Wildebeest opened in 2010, it captured the title. It uses linear induction motors to propel its rafts uphill. Wildebeest reaches a top speed of around 25 mph, includes two tunnels (a Holiday World staple on its dry coasters), and lasts two minutes and 30 seconds. In 2012,  Splashin' Safari opened Mammoth and broke its own record. The newer water coaster exceeds Wildebeest by about 50 feet in length. It, too, uses linear induction motors and offers a thrilling ride.

The towering 102-foot tall ZOOMbabwe, among the world's tallest enclosed water slides, is another one of the park's featured rides and is a real winner. Riders experience much of its ride in the dark. Other attractions included Bakuli, a bowl ride, the Jungle Racer mat racing slide, and the Zinga funnel ride .

In 2018, Splashin' Safari expanded with the addition of attractions designed for younger visitors. Tembo Falls is a water slide complex with eight slides geared to kiddos, including a mini-bowl ride, two racing slides, a helix, and twisters. The park also added Tembo Tides, a junior wave pool.

Tembo Tides increased the total number of wave pools to three. With two lazy rivers two interactive water play structures, and a slew of other things to do, the attractions can accommodate a lot of guests. With its enormous capacity, the park generally doesn't feel out-of-control crowded, even on busy, hot days.

What’s New at Splashin’ Safari?

In 2020, the water park introduced its third water coaster, Cheetah Chase. Holiday World is billing it as the “world’s first launched water coaster.” Since no water coasters include lift hills (that we know of) and use water jets, electromagnetic motors, or fast moving conveyor belts to accelerate their rafts, all of them are “launched.” What makes Cheetah Chase unique is that side-by-side rafts are launched along a flat section of the flume after which they race against one another. Passengers experience two "flying saucer” elements that generate strong G-forces and pivot the rafts around.

More Free Stuff

The family-owned park has an almost religious devotion to customer satisfaction. The grounds are spotless, the prices are reasonable, and the ride ops and other staff are unfailingly polite and cheerful.

While other parks seem intent on wringing every last cent out of their guests, get a load of what Splashin' Safari and Holiday World include at no extra charge: free parking, complimentary inner tubes, unlimited free beverages (including soft drinks, coffee, and tea), and free sunscreen. Now, that's what we call putting customers first.

What’s to Eat?

The food is decent at the park. Within Splashin' Safari, the choices include Wildebeestro, which features burgers and salads, Jungle Jake‘s, which offers wings and chicken tenders, Safari Pizza, and Sam’s BBQ. For sweets and snacks, there’s Safari Ice Cream and Bahari Snacks, which has funnel cakes and corn dog bites.

For a good pick beyond the water park, consider Plymouth Rock Cafe. The indoor dining spot has roast turkey, beef brisket, roasted chicken and other entrees on the menu, as well as fixing such as sweet potato casserole, cinnamon apples, and mac & cheese. Another good place is Santa’s Merry Marketplace, which offers pizza, burgers, deli sandwiches, and desserts such as Blueberry Flapjack Cake.

Admission Policy, Operating Schedule, Hotel Info, and Location:

Splashin' Safari is included with general admission to Holiday World. The combined parks offer reduced prices for children (under 54") and seniors (60+). Ages 2 and under are free. Multi-day passes and next-day passes are available. Season passes and group rates are available. Special promotions and discounted tickets may be available online at the park's Web site . Parking is free. Private cabanas are available to rent.

Weather permitting, Splashin' Safari is open mid-May through mid-September. Holiday World is open early May through late October. (Oddly, the Christmas-themed park does not remain open through the holiday season.)

Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort is located next to Holiday World and operated by the same family. There are other lodging options nearby.

Splashin' Safari and Holiday World is located at 452 E. Christmas Blvd. in Santa Claus, Indiana. (Yes, that is the real name of the town.) From I-64: Take Exit 63. Go south on Highway 162 for 7 miles, until 162 comes to a "T." Turn right and head up the hill to the park.

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Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offer two world-class parks for one low price. Nationally known for family fun, this theme park/water park duo is a favorite summer spot in Southern Indiana. Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has been voted the cleanest park for 17 years. Enjoy free unlimited soft drinks, free sunscreen, free parking, free inner tubes, and free Wi-Fi.

Thrill seekers will get an adrenaline rush riding Thunderbird, America’s only launched wing coaster. And by taming Wildebeest, voted the #1 water ride on the planet by Amusement Today. The little ones will love riding Dasher’s Seahorses and playing in Holidog’s Treehouse. With three top-rated wooden roller coasters and the world’s longest water coaster, this one-stop park is filled with tons of family fun.

Special Events

Don’t miss these special treats throughout the year! Rock the World Christian Music Festival is in August, Friday Night Fireworks happen during part of June and July, Happen Halloween Weekends is in the fall, and more.

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Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offer two world-class parks for one low price. Nationally known for family fun, this theme park/wate...

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Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN' SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Sat - Sat 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• (0.58 km) Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph
• (4.44 km) Santa's Lakeside Cottages
• (5.78 km) Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort
• (0.86 km) Santa's Lodge
• (10.74 km) Comfort Inn
• (0.52 km) Plymouth Rock Cafe
• (0.47 km) Casey's
• (0.76 km) Subway
• (0.98 km) Fat Santa's Pizza & More
• (2.50 km) Back 9 Grill
• (0.66 km) Santa Claus Museum & Village
• (0.64 km) 1935 Santa Statue
• (0.58 km) Santa Claus Land of Lights
• (0.82 km) Santa Claus Christmas Store
• (1.09 km) Santa's Candy Castle

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Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, 47579, IN

• Infants 0-2
• Little Kids 3-6
• Big Kids 7-9
• Tweens 10-12
• Teens 13-17

An amusement park where each section celebrates a different holiday? That’s exactly what Holiday World is all about. Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving are all represented with themed rides, decorations and gift shops. Originally opened as Santa Claus Land in 1946, Holiday World is actually the world’s first theme park, opening nine years before the Disney parks. Covering almost 40 acres, the Splashin’ Safari Water Park was added in 1993.

Christmas is geared to the youngest visitors, who can ride just about every ride by themselves. Once you move into the park’s other sections, there are height guidelines for riding with and without an adult. Rides range from roller coasters and a carousel to bumper cars, spinning rides (Kitty’s Tea Party, anyone?) and water rides like the Raging Rapids.

Water Park In Splashin’ Safari, the park’s water park area, you’ll find two wave pools, a lazy river, a small splash pad, a splash area for kids shorter than 54 inches, two water play structures with dumping buckets, and nine waterslides. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the park at all water venues. Showers, changing rooms and rental lockers are available. You’ll find lounge chairs at the wave pools, at the water play structures, and in the kids’ splash area. Cabana rentals also are available.

Food and Freebies All visitors to the park can enjoy free parking, free Wi-Fi, free soft drinks, free sunscreen and, for the water park, free inner tubes. Soft drink and sunscreen stations are spread throughout the park. No outside food or drinks are permitted. There are 22 food and snack options located in the parks; they offer everything from ice cream and soft pretzels to a full Thanksgiving meal, Mexican food, and traditional foods like burgers, hot dogs and pizza.

Admission General one-day tickets are $44.95 for adults, $38.95 for seniors age 60 and older and for guests less than 54 inches tall, and free for children age 2 and younger. Special savings are available for two-day tickets, season passes and group tickets. Discounts available for military, veterans, police, fire, corrections and EMS personnel. Tickets for special events such as Happy Halloween Weekends vary.

Family Hotels Near Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort

Santa’s Lakeside Cottages

Comfort Inn Ferdinand

Red Roof Inn & Suites Ferdinand

Comfort Inn & Suites Rockport

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Jasper

Family Attractions Near Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Santa Claus Museum & Village

Frosty’s Fun Center

Santa’s Stables

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial & Living Histori

Trunnell’s Farm Market & Family Fun Acre

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USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Best Outdoor Water Park

It may be in Santa Claus, Indiana, but Splashin’ Safari’s about as far from the North Pole as you can get, offering myriad thrills to cool guests off in the summer heat. Families who thrill-ride together will revel catching actual air on Mammoth — a water coaster so massive that its seven-story bulk takes up more than 3 acres! Multiple drops employ cutting-edge technology, lifting up to six passengers to plunge again and again and again.

Photo courtesy of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

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Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

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Alex Ojeda, known as @AlexOjeda, is a...   Read More

Alex Ojeda, known as @AlexOjeda, is a Mexican-American short-form video creator renowned for his captivating content centered around the world's most exhilarating travel experiences. With an audience of over 13 million followers across various social media platforms, Alex’s content does over 2 billion views annually across social media.  

Derek Perry

Derek Perry is the Communications Director for the...   Read More

Derek Perry is the Communications Director for the world's largest ride enthusiast group,  American Coaster Enthusiasts.  Derek first joined ACE as a kid with his parents and twin brother on a roller coaster-riding road trip after unexpectedly being at a park the same day as an ACE event. In addition to his love of travel, he is one half of  The Perry Twins , a DJ and music production duo with his brother, Doug. They have written, produced and remixed many songs, including their original songs that topped Billboard Magazine’s dance chart. He has been lucky to combine his love of amusement parks with traveling for DJ gigs and has ridden over 1,200 unique roller coasters around the world and share their adventures on  Instagram ,  Facebook  and  TikTok .

Francis Dominic

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I sleep more in planes than I do my own bed. Probably visiting your local theme park! I am an emotional Aries, with a big love of fantasy-romance books, and continually immersing myself in film and television. I love to live life in color because the world can use a lot of it. And I live it unapologetically! It's okay to continually choose yourself!    Connect with Francis on Instagram . TikTok and Twitter . 

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Jessica Gardner

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Jessica Gardner, aka  Jessica The Theme Parkette , is a Los Angeles-based theme park aficionado who shares her tried-and-true travel tips, fun facts, and coaster appreciation as @themeparkette on  TikTok  and  Instagram . She is the co-host of the American Coaster Enthusiasts’ official podcast, “ Ride With Us ” and “ The Theme Parkettes ” podcast. Jessica is also a working actor  whose credits include the hit shows NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, Grace and Frankie, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, and many more. 

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Robb Alvey is the owner of ThemeParkReview.com , started in 1996 and one of the longest running and largest theme park fan sites with over 3 million followers. Robb travels to theme parks all over the world each year including Europe, Asia, Australia, and all around the Americas, has visited hundreds of different parks and ridden about 2,000 different roller coasters. His background in theme parks started as a cast member for Disneyland when he was 17 years old and has continued more than 30 years later.

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Robert Niles is the founder and editor of ThemeParkInsider.com , an online consumers' guide to the world's leading theme and amusement parks, read by more than 400,000 people each month. It has been named the top theme park site on the Internet by Forbes and Travel + Leisure magazines and was a Webby Award finalist and winner of the Online Journalism Award, presented by the Online News Association and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Robert is a former Walt Disney World cast member and has worked as a reporter, editorial writer, columnist and website editor for several newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register.

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Leaderboard

• 1. Splashway Waterpark - Sheridan, Texas
• 2. Aquatica Orlando - Orlando, Florida
• 3. Island H2O Water Park - Kissimmee, Florida
• 4. Cowabunga Bay Water Park - Henderson, Nevada
• 5. Lost Island Waterpark - Waterloo, Iowa
• 6. Splashin' Safari - Santa Claus, Indiana
• 7. Water World - Federal Heights, Colorado
• 8. Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort - New Braunfels - New Braunfels, Texas
• 9. Soaky Mountain Waterpark - Sevierville, Tennessee
• 10. Dollywood's Splash Country - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
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Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – previously known as Santa Claus Land prior to 1984 – is a combination theme park and water park located in Santa Claus, Indiana, divided into four sections that celebrate Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July with rides, live entertainment, games, and attractions.

Splashin’ Safari was named the Best Waterpark in the United States by USA Today, the world’s #2 water park chosen by the readers of Amusement Today for four consecutive years (2002 to 2005), and the World’s #1 Cleanest Theme Park by Amusement Today magazine in 2015.

Splashin’ Safari features numerous family raft rides, two wave pools, plus water activities for children. The waterpark’s flagship attractions are two water coasters – Mammoth and Wildebeest – as well as ZOOMbabwe – an eight-story, 336-foot long slide – or Bakuli, a 73 foot-tall, 325 foot-long enclosed slide featuring a splashdown into a 60-foot diameter bowl. And for those looking for a more sedate water park experience, they can find it in the form of Tempo Tides, a 3,000 square-foot gentle wave pool.

Holiday World is the world’s first theme park and offers dozens of exciting rides and thrilling roller coasters, including The Raven, The Legend, and The Voyage, as well as Thunderbird – a Bolliger & Mabillard launched Wing Coaster – in addition to The Howler. The safari-themed water park includes the world’s two longest water coasters – Wildebeest and Guinness World Record Holder Mammoth – as well as a launched dueling water coaster named Cheetah Chase, numerous family raft rides and water slides, two wave pools, a junior-sized wave pool, two children’s-sized water slide areas, and a lazy river.

With all kinds of live entertainment, visits with Santa, shopping, and skill games, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offer loads of family fun all summer long. Both parks offer guests free soft drinks, free parking, free inner tube usage, free sunscreen and free Wi-Fi. Plus an online benefit program allows guests to “print and go” so they have their ticket in hand when they get to Holiday World with no waiting in line to purchase tickets.

To find out more, please visit https://www.holidayworld.com .

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari 452 E Christmas Blvd Santa Claus, IN 47579 (800) 467-2682 https://www.holidayworld.com

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Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Sat - Sat 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• (0.58 km) Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph
• (4.44 km) Santa's Lakeside Cottages
• (5.78 km) Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort
• (0.86 km) Santa's Lodge
• (10.74 km) Comfort Inn
• (0.52 km) Plymouth Rock Cafe
• (0.47 km) Casey's
• (0.76 km) Subway
• (0.98 km) Fat Santa's Pizza & More
• (2.50 km) Back 9 Grill
• (0.66 km) Santa Claus Museum & Village
• (0.64 km) 1935 Santa Statue
• (0.58 km) Santa Claus Land of Lights
• (0.82 km) Santa Claus Christmas Store
• (1.09 km) Santa's Candy Castle

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday World and Splashin Safari

Believe it or not, Santa Claus, Indiana is a real place. Not only is it a real place, it’s home to one of the coolest theme parks around, Holiday World. If you’ve never visited Holiday World, consider planning a trip. It’s a little off the beaten path, but it’s one of the cleanest, friendliest theme parks I’ve ever been to. Check out more in this ultimate guide to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Ultimate Guide to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana

In 2017, my family was invited to the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana to experience their main attraction, Holiday World . While they covered a majority of our expenses on our trip in 2017, I plan on sharing my honest opinions with you about our time there. I’ll share with you what to ride, what to eat, and where to say in this ultimate Guide to Holiday World.

The History of Holiday World

Back in the 1940s, Holiday World was known as Santa Claus Land. It consisted of a toy shop, toy displays, a restaurant, themed children’s rides, and, of course, meet and greets with Santa. In the 1980s, it began to expand and include other holidays, like Halloween and the 4th of July, and changed its name to Holiday World.

1993 saw the addition of Splashin Safari water park, and the Thanksgiving area was added to Holiday World in 2006. In 2016, Holiday World celebrated its 70th birthday. Today, it encompasses four themed areas, two full theme parks, and over 125 acres of land.

How to Get to Holiday World

First, you’ll need to know how to get to Holiday World. A good old fashioned road trip is the best bet for getting to Santa Claus, Indiana. It’s five to six hours north of Birmingham, two and a half from Nashville, and about three hours south of Indianapolis. It’s not near any major airport, so you’ll need to factor in some driving time at some point.

Where to Stay in Santa Claus

Next, you’ll need to know where to stay. Several hotels are within a 20 mile radius of Holiday World , but I would highly recommend staying at the Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort. Our stay there was included in our trip, but it cannot be beat for convenience and proximity to the theme park.

We stayed in one of their brand new Holiday Cottages that sleeps 5-7, has a fully furnished kitchen, AC/Heat, a full bathroom, Wifi, 2 flat screen TVs with cable, and a screened in porch! Our cottage was a fantastic place to come back to at the end of a long day at the parks.

Sarah’s Tip: Staying at Lake Rudolph has perks like a free shuttle to and from Holiday World, mini golf, and other fun activities. 

Fun for Kids in Holiday World

After securing your lodging, plan to research what’s fun for kids . My girls’ favorite section was Christmas. Rides in Santa Claus Land have a maximum height of 54″. My girls loved being tall enough to ride without mom and dad!

Their second favorite area was 4th of July. There is a small splash pad, kiddie coaster, and other rides for small children. Caroline probably rode the kiddie coaster four times! Other favorite attractions included Gobbler Getaway (Thanksgiving), Turkey Twirl (Thanksgiving), and Scarecrow Scramble (Halloween).

Grown Up Fun in Holiday World

Adults can also have fun in Holiday World. If you are a coaster fan, do not miss Thunderbird. It’s quite a hike from the front of the park back to this ride, but it is SO worth it. It’s the only steel coaster in the park, and the ride is exhilarating from start to finish.

I am not a huge fan of wooden coasters, but Neil rode The Raven and I rode The Legend, and, while we both agreed that we are getting too old for those, they are great, classic coasters. Fans of other classic rides will enjoy the Halloswings, Rough Riders (bumper cars), and the Liberty Launch.

What to Do in Splashin’ Safari

What about the water park? Y our a dmission to Holiday World includes admission to   Splashin’ Safari . It has so many activities for families to do as well. We rode rides, swam in the wave pool, climbed the play areas, and relaxed in the lazy river. My biggest tip for this area is to rent a locker for the day. Lockers are $15 for all day rentals and can be opened and closed them as many times as needed.

Sarah’s Tip: No-Ad SPF 4 5 Sunscreen is offered freely throughout Splashin’ Safari and Holiday World. Lather up because there isn’t a ton of shade in Splashin’ Safari!

What to Eat in Holiday World

Lastly, let’s discuss food. W ith a few exceptions for special needs and infants, food and drinks are not allowed in Holiday World . However, we found the food to be just fine, and our drinks were free! All soft drinks, including lemonade and Gatorade products, are free with paid admission. This was a huge perk for us. On our first day, we ate at The Alamo (Mexican style food, obviously).

It was one of the better theme park meals I’ve had. The rest of our dining included standard fare like hamburgers, pizza, and chicken nuggets. Furthermore, there are allergy friendly and gluten free options in different areas of the park. Check the guide map to plan for your family’s dietary needs.

Overall Value

To sum it up, Holiday World was a great experience for us. The park was clean and the staff was friendly.

Sarah’s Tip: Purchase your tickets online ahead of time. You’ll save your family $20 before you even hit the road! In addition, Holiday World offers free parking and free Wifi in their parks. I would highly recommend Holiday World as a long weekend trip for your family.

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