Review: Splash Island Waterpark in Charleston, SC
Looking for a waterpark for younger kids where they won’t get run over by older kids and teens or overwhelmed by scary rides? Splash Island is the answer!
Charleston’s smallest and least overwhelming waterpark is geared towards the little ones. It’s got splash areas, short slides, and a main pool that maxes out at 3.5ft deep.
Let’s look at all the amenities, food, and options for getting in the water, and decide if this is the right waterpark for you!
Splash Island Quick Info
- Location: Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant area
- Cost:
- $10 per adult (anyone over 48” tall)
- $9 per kid (under 48” tall)
- $7 per senior (age 60+)
- Free for kids age 2 and under
- Additional $2 per person county park entry fee required
- Season: mid-May to first weekend in August
- Fun Stuff: 1 toddler splash pad area, 1 shallow pool with little kids’ slide, & 1 slide for older kids
- Amenities: changing rooms, showers, locker rentals, lounge chairs
- Food: standard theme park-type food
- Who’s it good for?: Young kids and their parents
Park Overview
Splash Island Waterpark, located inside of Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant, is made for toddlers and young kids.
It’s small and relatively quiet, until a school group shows up! The splash area, slides, and pool are all low-key exciting, exactly what a toddler or early elementary-aged kid would be thrilled to see.
Mornings are busier because many visitors leave in the afternoon to take their kids home for nap time.
This isn’t for teens or solo adults, or really most kids over the age of 8-10. They’ll lose interest quickly since most of the water features are aimed at young kids. Go to one of the other Charleston waterparks if you have older kids or teens.
On the flip side, you’ll never have to wait in line longer than 5 minutes. The pool and splash area aren’t crowded. You’ll always be able to find a lounge chair.
Lockers are available to secure your valuables if you’re worried, but, honestly, this park is so small you can keep your eye on your chair and bag from pretty much anywhere.
If you have little ones, this is the waterpark for you.
Recommendations
- For young kids, say age 8 or younger.
- Not much for big kids, teens, or solo adults to do here.
Good to Know: The only waterpark in Charleston open in August is Whirlin Waters at Wannamaker County Park in the Summerville/North Charleston area.
It has a kiddie section, called Otter Bay, but overall Whirlin Waters is more for older kids. You could hang out in the kiddie section and be just fine, but there will be loud noises nearby.
Slides & Areas
Kiddie Pool Splash area
The first water area in the park is the kiddie pool splash area. It’s like a bowl: zero-entry that increases to just 1ft of water in the center.
It’s a good starter area for younger or smaller kids, but you will get splashed here!
There are water jets and movable channels to splash your friends, a large mushroom/umbrella shower for those that want to get soaked, and even a very short turtle slide, away from the splashing elements.
Main Pool with Set of 4 Otter Slides
The main pool at Splash Island is zero-entry on the long side with a gradual increase in depth that maxes out around 3.5ft.
Three large umbrella sunshades cover the water on the right end, perfect for relaxing in the shade in just a few inches of water.
The right end of the main pool is also where you’ll find the Otter Slides. The height requirement is just 30” for these slides. They’re a big hit for kids ages 3ish to 6ish.
The deepest section of the pool is a small section at the back, where the body flume slide comes out, and along the back wall, where you’ll find most adults that aren’t actively supervising a little one.
Older elementary-aged kids like to hang out in this pool, usually splashing each other and sometimes throwing toys they can dive for.
It’s not too deep, though, so there’s no diving or jumping from the walls allowed. Most (older) kids are able to stand up and have their head above water.
Body Flume Slide
The most adventurous thing to do at Splash Island is the body flume slide. You must be 48” to ride, but you can either sit up or lay down and enjoy a quick ride down this loopy slide.
The stairs up are shaded and made of material that won’t burn your feet, which is super nice, but I’ve never seen a long line for this slide.
It’s enough excitement to keep older siblings entertained while their younger siblings splash in the kiddie area.
The Cyclone
The Cyclone was closed for the 2024 season. We’ll let you know if it reopens for the 2025 season.
The Food
A concession stand is available for on-site food, selling the same theme park-type food you’d find at any of the waterparks in the Charleston area: burgers, hot dogs, fries, and chicken tenders.
There’s also Dippin Dots ice cream, a big hit with the kids. There’s usually a line around lunch time, but it moves quickly.
There are a few healthier options if you want a small salad or wrap instead, and they cater to young palates with Smucker’s Uncrustables, fruit pouches, and Capri Sun juice.
Prices are pretty reasonable, comparable to fast food. A cheeseburger is $7 and a large fountain drink is $3.50
Good to Know: Outside food and drinks, besides water, are not allowed inside the waterpark.
This waterpark is probably the most flexible on this policy, but only with regards to the youngest kids. Coolers are not allowed, but they’re also not going to fight you about a small lunchbox-sized cooler with milk for the baby.
The Amenities
Splash Island has the same comfort amenities as the other Charleston County waterparks:
- Paid Locker Rentals
- Free Changing Rooms & Showers
- Free Lounge Chairs & Sunshades
Chairs are free at Splash Island, no rental required. Find a free one, put down your towel, bag, and shoes, and go enjoy the park.
The live oak trees provide a lot of shade, but there are also a few sunshades in the middle of the concrete area between pools, too.
Rent lockers from the main desk at the entrance. Locker keys come on a flexible wristlet strap so you won’t lose it while you’re enjoying the slide or pools. The lockers aren’t very big, best for small valuables like a purse.
Good to Know: You don’t really need a locker here. The park is small enough you can see from one end to the other. Adults are too busy watching their little ones to bother with your stuff.
We might consider a locker if there’s a lot of kids’ groups running around, but even then, that’s just out of an abundance of caution.
Changing rooms and showers are super helpful. It’s so nice to change into dry clothes before getting in your car to drive home. Or, go out to dinner or the store straight from the waterpark!
The Price
Splash Island is the least expensive of the three Charleston County waterparks. It’s also geared towards the youngest age group, so you probably won’t spend a full day here.
They also have a raincheck policy in case of severe weather. Keep your receipt, and you can come back another day in the same season.
If you have a Charleston County Parks Gold Pass you won’t have to pay the $2 park entry fee, just the waterpark entry fees.
If you get a Charleston County Parks Splash Pass season pass, it covers both your park entry fee and your waterpark entry fee.
Keep in mind that Splash Passes are per person. Gold Passes are good for park admission of up to 15 people in the same vehicle but do not get you into the water parks.
The Gist:
A Basic Splash Pass will break even after 7 visits to just Splash Island. A Super Splash Pass will break even after 10 visits from just Splash Island.
However, there’s more nuance to the breakeven point as both passes get you into other water parks. Here’s our full analysis and cost breakdown of the Splash Pass options.
Is Splash Island Worth It?
Yes, Splash Island is perfect for little kids! It’s not too overwhelming, and they won’t get run over by older kids.
However, if you have older kids or are an adult with no kids, you’ll be more comfortable at a different park. There’s not much for older kids to do here, and adults without kids are clear outliers at this park.
Other Water Parks in the Charleston Area
If your kids aren’t quite big enough to enjoy big slides but need some adventure, then Splash Zone in James Island County Park is a good alternative.
If you’re craving more adventure, like lots of slides, bigger slides, and/or a wave pool, then Whirlin’ Waters is for you. It’s the best waterpark in Charleston, in our opinion.
Prefer lakes over pools? Charleston Aqua Park is a better fit for you.
Safe travels, adventurer!
Rachel Means is the founder and author of Adventures in the Carolinas. She’s lived in the Carolinas for over a decade and has been creating useful travel guides and tips for almost 5 years. She enjoys sharing fun things to do across the region, not just the big touristy areas. There are plenty of adventures to be had in the Carolinas!
Share it!
