Located about an hour north of Indianapolis in Lafayette, Tropicanoe Cove is a summer water park inside Columbian Park with slides, a lazy river and enough room for families to make a full afternoon of it. For Indianapolis families looking for a drivable Indiana water park that does not require a hotel stay or an all-day commitment, this is an easy one to put on the list.
The park includes the Banana Peel tube slide, Cattail Crik lazy river, Riptide Racer, Tiki Twist, Toucan Chutes, a fish slide for smaller kids and other water-play features. It is also next to the rest of Columbian Park, which helps if the day turns into a swim, picnic and playground situation.
Water Slides, Lazy River and Family Swim Areas
Tropicanoe Cove has a mix of bigger-kid attractions and lower-key water features, which makes it easier for families with kids at different stages. Older kids can head for the Banana Peel tube slide, Tiki Twist, Toucan Chutes and Riptide Racer, while younger swimmers have options like the fish slide and play areas that do not require quite as much bravery before lunch.
The Cattail Crik lazy river is the slower side of the park, which may be the part parents remember most fondly by the end of the day. Tubes are provided at no additional cost, and Lafayette Parks notes that lifejackets are available for guests at no charge.
Dates and Hours
Tropicanoe Cove is open May 23 through Sept. 7. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Back-to-school hours begin Aug. 6, when the water park switches to weekends only.
For weather closures and schedule changes, check Lafayette Parks and Recreation before making the drive.
Admission Fees
| Admission | Price |
|---|---|
| Over 48 inches | $12 |
| Under 48 inches | $8 |
| Toddlers ages 2 and under | Free |
| Over 48 inches after 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday | $7 |
| Under 48 inches after 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday | $6 |
| Over 48 inches on Wednesday Family Nights after 4 p.m. | $5 |
| Under 48 inches on Wednesday Family Nights after 4 p.m. | $4 |
Wednesday Family Nights are held the first Wednesday of each month during the season. Season passes are also available for $175 for the initial pass and $50 for each additional family member.
Good to Know Before You Go
No outside food or drinks are allowed inside Tropicanoe Cove, and coolers are not permitted. Families may leave the water park to picnic in Columbian Park and return the same day, as long as wristbands stay on.
Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Swimwear is required, and children who normally wear diapers must wear swim pants. Floaties are not allowed, but U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets may be worn, and Lafayette Parks provides lifejackets at no charge.
Height rules apply to some slides. Guests must be at least 48 inches tall for the Banana Peel slide, Toucan Chutes and Tiki Twist. The Mat Racer requires riders to be at least 42 inches tall, and the fish slide is for guests under 48 inches.
Cabana Rentals
Families who want shade can rent a cabana for an additional fee. Cabanas include patio seating, chaise lounge chairs, a safe, ceiling fan and a mini fridge stocked with water. Cabana rental does not include water park admission.
Monday through Saturday cabanas may be rented from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 to 6 p.m. for $45, or all day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $90. Sunday cabana rentals are available from noon to 2:30 p.m. or 3:30 to 6 p.m. for $45, or all day from noon to 6 p.m. for $90.
Where is Tropicanoe Cove located?
Tropicanoe Cove is located in Lafayette’s historic Columbian Park at 1915 Scott Street, Lafayette, IN 47904. Parking is available near the corner of Main and Scott Streets.
For current hours, admission updates, weather closures and cabana reservations, visit the official Tropicanoe Cove page.
