If you’ve been following our adventures, then you know one of our favorite things to do on the Gulf Coast is to visit The Park at OWA in Foley, Alabama. As a four-year veteran of Panhandle summers, I can tell you that the heat and humidity here is no joke, even with that adjacent ocean breeze. However, even the hottest weather doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on an amazing family adventure. Read on to learn a few tips and tricks to stay cool during your next visit to the OWA theme park in Foley, Alabama.
We received complimentary passes and gift cards 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. Gravity Island
One of OWA’s newest features, Gravity Island Watersports, offers the perfect way to cool down on the hottest of days. The outdoor wake park and aqua center provides a safer option to play in the water without having to worry about dangerous rip tides or ocean creatures seen in nearby Gulf Shores.
Located in Downtown OWA, the water complex offers families the chance to try water skiing, tubing, wake boarding, and more. It also has a water obstacle course that is both fun and challenging. For locals, Gravity Island also offers summer camp options.
To learn more about Gravity Island Watersports at OWA, click here.
2. Take a Break by Going Indoors
There are several options inside The Park at OWA to head indoors to enjoy the air conditioning if you or your littles need to take a break from the heat. OWA’s indoor ride, Mystic Mansion, has a height requirement of only 36 inches, so even the smallest ones can join in.
The Park at OWA is also home to Shady Arbor, an outdoor eating area adjacent to the Hancock Whitney Chill Room, an indoor seating option with the air conditioning set to full blast.
Tip: This room can be rented out for birthday parties as well!
And of course, there is also the park’s main gift shop, located at the front entrance, which is large enough to peruse and shop while taking the opportunity to cool off.
They’ve even added this awesome, Instagram worthy photo booth.
3. Legends in Concert at OWA
Although we have been to OWA as a family several times now, this was the first chance we’ve had to check out the infamous Legends in Concert at OWA. I can honestly say I’m sorry that it took us this long because we had such a great time! In fact, here we are, several weeks later, and my kids are still talking about it and acting out their own legends concert in our living room.
If you’re looking for a way to get out of that Alabama sun for a few hours, Legends in Concert offers a fantastic solution that is fun for the whole family. Our line-up included Elvis Presley, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, and Jimmy Buffett, and lasted around two hours with a small intermission.
Tip: The performers are subject to change, so be sure to check their website for updates before you go!
The auditorium also includes memorabilia from some of the most beloved music legends, including Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, and the King of Rock and Roll himself. There is a small concession stand inside as well, which is super convenient for those traveling with littles who may need to snack throughout the show.
Related:
- 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at The Park at OWA
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit OWA in Foley
- Everything You Need to Know About The OWA Hotel in Foley
4. Cool off at the Splash Pad
Of course, one of the best ways to cool off while inside the gates of the OWA theme park is to head over to the splash pad. Not only does the area offer over 10,000 square feet of interactive splash zones, but there are also several covered cabanas so that parents can cool off and relax in the shade while their little ones play.
And while this may cost you at other amusement parks, the splash pad and covered cabanas are included with your general admission.
Just a heads up, if you are planning to visit the OWA theme park in 2022 or later, you’ll have the chance to check out their incredible indoor/outdoor water park, which is set to open sometime next year.
Photo credit: The Park at OWA Water Park
5. Dine Indoors
One of my favorite things about visiting The Park at OWA is that the fun extends outside of the main theme park itself. Downtown OWA is free to enter and is comprised of live performances, shopping, dining, and unique experiences, such as the Legends in Concert series, and the Brandon Styles’ Magic Show.
There are tons of restaurants here to choose from:
- Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
- El Diablo Taqueria & Cantina
- Trattoria Pizza & Italian
- Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
- Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill
- Sushi Co
- Groovy Goat
- and more!
Our personal favorites have been Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant, where you can choose to sit at waterside tables that swing back and forth, and El Diablo, for some of the best Mexican food we’ve found in the area. However, there are so many amazing options here, you really can’t go wrong, and all offer the perfect opportunity to take some time indoors to cool down.
6. Cool Treats at the OWA theme park
Of course, no visit to The Park at OWA would be complete without a famous cone from Hershey’s Ice Cream Parlor. My kids won’t let us leave without a sweet treat, and in Downtown OWA, there are tons of options to choose from.
You can find cold treats at the OWA theme park at the following locations:
- Hershey’s Ice Cream Parlor
- Coco’s Italian Ice
- Cinnabon
- Auntie Anne’s
- The Spice & Tea Exchange
- Sweet Tooth at OWA
For some adult treats, be sure to check out the C’est Le Vin Wine Bar & Shop and the new Murder Creek Distillery, where you can taste moonshine that is distilled, mixed, bottled, and labeled right onsite.
7. Game at the Arcades
I don’t know who loves this idea more – my husband, or my kids! There is both an arcade and an esports center, Clash, located in Downtown OWA, and both offer very different styles, which can appeal from the novice to the most avid gamer. The bonus here is that both gaming centers can be great options to escape the warm weather or if you need to kill some time while a rain shower passes by.
For more information about the OWA theme park, including ticketing, park hours, and a resort map, be sure to check out the official OWA website.
Where is your favorite place to go at the OWA theme park on a hot and humid day? Let us know in the comments below!
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