Have you visited OWA in Foley, Alabama yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Located just minutes from the beautiful coast of Gulf Shores, this family-friendly destination is packed with activities and experiences that everyone will enjoy. Owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians tribe, OWA combines modern attractions with a timeless feel. The Park at OWA in Foley is beautifully designed with a convenient layout. Additonally, although it currently operates with plenty to offer, there are plans in the works for even bigger possibilities coming in the near future. I’m sharing reasons why we love visiting OWA, as well as insider tips to make the most of your trip!
(We received complimentary passes from The Park at OWA in exchange for an honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. For more information, please read our Disclosure Policy.)
1. OWA in Foley is more than just an amusement park
Although the 14-acre Park at OWA in Foley does boast an impressive amount of theme park attractions, there is even more to discover right outside the park gates.
Covering a massive 520 acres in total, this family-friendly destination includes the Downtown OWA area, with shops, restaurants, and plenty of unique experiences and events, the Foley Sports Tourism Complex, the centerpiece lake with nightly light show, on-site hotel within walking distance, and an island.
Just take a leisurely stroll down the streets through Downtown OWA to the entrance of the park, and it’s easy to see why it was named “Attraction of the Year” by Alabama’s Tourism Department.
Once inside the Park at OWA in Foley, you’ll be treated to even more surprises. The Park has a line of old-school carnival games, including ring toss, balloon pop, ball in the basket, whack-a-mole, and more.
My toddler was thoroughly entertained by fishing while his big sister rode some of the big kid rides.
Tip: Carnival games are cash-only! However, if you forget to bring cash, there is an ATM located at the end of the row of games.
There is also a retail store conveniently located at the front entrance. While it houses the traditional amusement park souvenirs, you can also find reasonably priced necessities that you may have forgotten. I’m looking at you, moms of littles. This includes sunscreen, swim diapers, wipes, and snacks and drinks.
However, one of the gems for our family was the Wacky Waters Splash Pad. On a hot, summer day in the Gulf Coast, this is the perfect place to cool off from the blazing sun.
Tip: Kids cannot get back on any of the rides until they are completely dry, so plan accordingly & bring a change of clothes!
Parents, there are also three covered cabanas here free of charge. They are generously sized and offer a perfect view of the 10,000 square feet of the interactive splash pad and your littles while enjoying the shade.
Oh yeah, and did I mention that they are free?
2. There is something for everyone
Don’t be fooled by the park’s seemingly modest size. There really is something for everyone here.
We traveled with my tall, roller coaster loving six-year-old, and more timid, two-year-old toddler who barely meets any height requirments, and both had plenty of things to do!
OWA in Foley boasts seven thrill rides for those who love to go fast, upside down, or take on new heights. Rollin’ Thunder, the park’s signature ride, features a 55 mph coaster complete with a 90-degree vertical drop into a water-splash effect and four inversions. Here you’ll also find the epic Wave Rider, which is one of only three rides of this style in the country.
Tip: Don’t miss out on Rollin’ Thunder, which was ranked the #8 top roller coaster in the U.S. in 2017!
However, there are still plenty of family-friendly rides and attractions for tots, toddlers, and those who prefer a milder attraction. This includes the iconic spinning tea cups ride, Southern Express, a smaller, gentler roller coaster, a flying carousel, and much more.
3. It’s all in the details
First impressions, you’ll notice that the Park at OWA in Foley and Downtown OWA are insanely clean. No joke. The park, which initially opened in 2017, is in pristine condition. Like, eat off of the ground clean. I don’t know about you, but I can appreciate this anywhere I’m spending money or taking my kids.
It’s also worth mentioning that there is an insane amount of bathrooms, including family bathrooms. Whether you need to change into dry clothes after spending time at the splash pad, or just need a quick restroom trip, you never have to venture more than a few feet to find one.
When traveling with littles, strollers, and baby gear, this is a huge plus!
The only thing that there may be more of than the bathrooms are security cameras. For the safety conscious travelers, there is only one entrance in and out of the park. Rest assured, the security here is top-notch and you can breathe easy!
Additionally, parking is right outside of the Downtown entrance and is completely free! Once inside the grounds, you’ll have the option of connecting to their free wi-fi as well. If you haven’t noticed, we are all about the freebies!
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4. OWA in Foley offers events year-round
The Park at OWA season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is open seven days a week. In the off-season, hours may vary.
However, no matter the time of year that you visit, both The Park at OWA and Downtown OWA in Foley offer special events and shows. For instance, enjoy fireworks displays on annual holidays, such as Memorial Day and 4th of July.
In the summer, OWA in Foley puts on a spectacular live performance every night (excluding Tuesdays). Known as GLOWA, this free event includes live music, light shows, dancing, and the nightly fountain show and can’t be missed.
Guests are treated to a parkwide Halloween event in the fall, with haunted attractions, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, and a family-friendly scavenger hunt.
There are so many more events and they are constantly adding more. Be sure to check out the latest on OWA events here.
5. Wait Times are Not an Issue
I’m not sure if we just happened to visit at the perfect, off-season time, or the hordes of tourists haven’t yet discovered this newly minted gem. Either way, over the course of our two-day visit, we experienced little to line wait times for attractions.
In fact, we were able to hop on and off several of the top rides, as well as ride them over and over again.
If you’re like us and love traveling to amusement parks, then you know this can be worth it’s weight in gold! No matter the reason why, I am sure that this luxury won’t last forever once the word starts to get out!
6. Location, Location, Location
Admittedly, we were visiting OWA in Foley from Navarre, Florida. While that’s just over an hour’s drive, I had never been to Foley, Alabama and wasn’t sure what to expect for the area.
For those who might be more familiar with it, this may come as no surprise, but OWA in Foley is in a great location! The park itself is just ten miles from the beautiful Gulf Shores coastline.
Within just a few minutes, you can find beach, shopping, mini-golf, and pretty much anything else you’d expect from one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
We even saw a wild alligator driving back from Gulf Shores to OWA in Foley!
7. They are military friendly
I realize that this won’t be applicable for everyone. Nonetheless, keep reading on as I want to share some information for non-military members as well.
For our fellow military family, OWA is extremely military friendly and offers deals and steals as their way of saying thank you for your service. Outside of discounts on regular ticket prices, The Park at OWA in Foley also runs a special throughout the month of May. Every Friday during Military Appreciation month, military servicemembers can purchase a One-Day pass at the main gate, and receive another admission ticket free.
For those who may not be affiliated with the military, don’t fret! The Park at OWA also offers specials for other occasions as well. For instance, for Mother’s Day, moms were offered free admission with rides with the purchase of a One-Day pass. That’s a great deal!
My absolute favorite deal is the non-rider pass. No matter the time of year, if you want to enter the amusement park, but are not going to be riding any of the rides, admission is completely free.
Why is this not a thing everywhere? It should definitely be a thing!
For more information, including ticketing, park hours, and a resort map, be sure to check out the official OWA website.
Are you planning your own trip to OWA in Foley? Let us know in the comments below!
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geekydaddydave says
This looks like an awesome vacation spot! My toddler recently discovered splash pads and wants to go to one everyday now. Even when it is 45 degrees and rainy like today (Michigan)
Christina says
Too funny! We are from the Midwest so I completely understand. Now that we’re in Florida, it seems like there is a splash pad around every corner (thankfully), but the one at OWA was by far the best we’ve seen anywhere nearby! It’s a great place to keep in mind when you want to escape the cold!
Karen says
What a great review of this park. It looks wonderful and so much fun to take the family to.
Christina says
Thanks so much! OWA was really special and completely immaculate. I hope it inspires others to visit and make some amazing family memories!
janna says
That’s so cool that they have a non rider pass. Agree that they should have that at more amusement parks. Great photos and composition, looks like it was a great trip!
Christina says
Thank you, Janna, we had so much fun! I think the non-rider pass should be the next big trend! It’s so great that they offer this as I know so many could benefit.
Melesia Robinson says
OWA in Foley Looks very family oriented. I would love to take my kids here. It’s perfect for a mini vacation.
Melesiarobinson.com
Christina says
I completely agree! Personally, I was blown away by the amount of rides and activities that my two-year-old could actually ride and enjoy. Usually he is so short he’d have to sit most of them out, however, he was kept busy all day and had a blast!
Tia | Filtercrave Photography Tips says
I love this area, I typically visit Gulf Shores every year with my family so I’m very familiar with Foley. Haven’t been to OWA yet, I’ll have to remember to keep this place in mind when I visit Gulf Shores again.
Christina says
Definitely! Gulf Shores is such a beautiful area with so much to see and do, I think OWA is an awesome new addition that really does have something for everyone to enjoy!
Valerie Hansen says
I’ve never heard of this park, looks like a ton of fun for families or anyone for that matter!
Great pictures!
Valereie
Christina says
Thank you so much! It just opened two years ago so is still very new to the area and I know many locals are just now getting to check it out this summer. We had a blast and can’t wait to go back again!
Rh0z3 says
Wow what a beautiful place and park. Its perfect place for family bonding. I know the kids loves those place and park perfect for family 😊.
I wish I’ve been there someday.
Christina says
I hope you’re able to make it here someday! I know my kids have been asking non-stop when we are going back, and we were just there a few weeks ago! It really did create some wonderful family memories for us.
Kelly says
Clearly I am out of the loop because I didn’t even know this was a theme park! But how cool! I love that they support our military and that, unlike many major theme parks, wait times are not an issue! Great post!
Christina says
Don’t worry, they are still pretty new so the word is just getting out! I think that’s a huge perk and part of why we were able to ride everything multiple times! OWA is in such a great location right near Gulf Shores that it won’t be long before the secret is out. 🙂
Christina says
First of all, you have a beautiful family! The photo of your husband and kids eating ice cream needs to be in a picture frame! Secondly, I love amusement parks and this sounds like a great time! Though my husband and I both love roller coasters, I think the free admission to non-riders is amazing! You are right, more parks should offer this.
Christina says
Thanks so much! I am the same way, but I know when we travel with my mom, she generally sits out and doesn’t like to ride so it would be nice to have that option for those that still want to spend quality time with their family, but are non-riders. Also, because this is such a great amusement park destination for young families, I would imagine that there might be a lot of expecting mothers who are forced to sit out on riding that would greatly benefit from this offer!
Ariel says
Thanks for the tips, it’s just me & the hubby traveling to Foley but you have peaked my interest. Is there a way to get discounts for tickets online?