Planning Castaway Cove Waterpark in Wichita Falls, Texas? This updated 2026 guide covers gate ticket prices, the operating calendar, Pirate’s Plunge, Storm Watch Tower, Cliffhanger, Shipwreck Beach wave pool, Nellie’s Rolling River, children’s areas, cabanas, food, lockers, weather rules, supervision, directions, public transit and a practical first-hour family strategy.
- Junior gate ticket: $21.99
- Senior 55+: $22.99
- Military admission: $22.99
- Children age 2 & under: free
- Buy online in advance for available savings
Build Your Castaway Cove Visit
Choose your group and main goal. The tool gives you a useful first-hour plan based on Castaway Cove’s actual attraction mix.
What Is Castaway Cove Waterpark?
Castaway Cove is a seasonal outdoor family waterpark in Wichita Falls, North Texas. It combines high-thrill attractions, tube slides, a wave pool, lazy river, children’s water-play areas, lagoon-style activity pools, cabanas and on-site food.
Thrill Rides
Pirate’s Plunge, Cliffhanger and Storm Watch Tower provide the park’s most intense slide experiences.
Classic Waterpark
Shipwreck Beach wave pool and Nellie’s Rolling River give families lower-intensity water time between slides.
Younger Kids
Buccaneer Bay combines small slides, interactive water features, themed play animals and a dumping bucket.
Castaway Cove Ticket Prices 2026
The official ticket page promotes buying online in advance for savings, while publishing the following 2026 gate prices.
| Admission Type | 2026 Gate Price | Who Qualifies? | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $32.99 | Guest over 42 inches | Standard all-day gate admission. |
| Junior Admission | $21.99 | Age 3 and under 42 inches | Height is verified at Castaway Cove. |
| Senior Admission | $22.99 | Age 55+ | ID verification required. |
| Military Admission | $22.99 | Qualifying military guest | Military ID required. |
| Children 2 & Under | Free | Age-qualified child | Swim-diaper rules still apply when required. |
Families comparing another Texas park where ticket prices vary by date can use our Splashway Waterpark ticket and discount guide to understand how day admission, season passes, camping and extras change the total trip cost.
Official ticket check: Castaway Cove tickets .
Castaway Cove Admission Cost Calculator
Use this calculator for the published 2026 gate admission subtotal. It intentionally does not invent online discounts, taxes, parking, food, lockers or merchandise costs.
Junior: $43.98
Castaway Cove Waterpark Hours 2026
Castaway Cove does not use one simple set of hours for the entire season. The official 2026 calendar includes multiple operating windows.
Longer Days
The 2026 calendar includes operating windows such as 10:30 AM–7 PM and 11 AM–8 PM.
Regular Seasonal Days
Other dates use schedules such as 11 AM–7 PM or 11:30 AM–7 PM.
Shorter Days
Shoulder-season dates may use schedules such as 12 PM–5 PM or 12 PM–6 PM.
2026 Opening Day
Castaway Cove opened its 2026 public season on Saturday, May 16, with opening-day hours of 12 PM–6 PM. The park’s normal pattern is weekends during spring, daily summer operation, then reduced late-summer/early-fall dates.
Official calendar: Castaway Cove 2026 hours .
Castaway Cove Rides, Slides & Height Rules
Castaway Cove has attractions for thrill riders, families and small children. Measure younger riders before promising a particular slide because several major attractions use 42-inch or 48-inch thresholds.
Pirate’s Plunge
48″+ 99–300 lb High thrillRiders enter a launch capsule on a roughly 60-foot tower, then experience a 37-foot vertical free fall and looping slide. The park describes speeds approaching 40 mph.
Cliffhanger
42″+ RaftA roughly 40-foot-high wet/dry-style slide that sends riders down a steep entry before oscillating from side to side.
Storm Watch Tower
42″+ Tube slidesIncludes an open and enclosed serpentine/corkscrew slide setup, transitioning between daylight and enclosed sections.
Cyclone & Black Squall
Storm Watch TowerCyclone is an open-flume tube slide measuring about 356 feet, while Black Squall is an enclosed tube slide measuring about 357 feet.
Annie’s Quest
Mat slideA long open-flume mat-slide experience. Current detailed attraction rules say the younger-rider version may be used by guests over 36 inches with an applicable weight rule.
Tommie’s Torent
Speed slideOpen-flume speed slide measuring roughly 200 feet. Current detailed attraction rules state riders must be over 36 inches and follow the posted weight restriction.
Shipwreck Beach
Wave pool FamilyCastaway Cove’s tidal wave pool includes water geysers and direct connection to the lazy-river system.
Nellie’s Rolling River
Lazy river RelaxingA slower tube float connecting areas around Shipwreck Beach and Hideaway Harbor.
Hideaway Harbor
Lagoon pool ActivitiesIncludes water volleyball, water basketball and a children’s crossing activity in a lagoon-style pool.
Castaway Cove With Toddlers & Younger Children
Buccaneer Bay is the main younger-family play area and combines smaller slides with interactive water features.
Multi-Level Play
Includes three body slides, water cannons and interactive play elements.
Dumping Bucket
A classic large water-play feature adds periodic splashes to the play structure.
Kiddie Features
Beached Boat and Baby Octopus slides, plus whale and tortoise-themed water-play elements.
Important Supervision Rule
Swim Diapers
Infants, toddlers and children age three and under must wear a swim diaper specifically designed for water use. Castaway Cove says swim diapers are available at its retail store.
Families who want a different Texas experience with a beachfront setting can compare Castaway Cove with our Volente Beach Waterpark 2026 guide , where weekday and weekend access work very differently.
Castaway Cove Cabana Prices 2026
Cabanas can be useful during a hot Wichita Falls full-day visit, especially for families with young children, older relatives or anyone who wants a guaranteed shaded base.
| Cabana | Location | Mon–Thu | Fri–Sun | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | Tropical Bar area | $59.99 | $89.99 | Shaded seating with coffee table and lounge furniture. |
| Premium | Hideaway Harbor | $69.99 | $99.99 | Extra space beside the lazy-river / Hideaway area. |
| Premium | Buccaneer Bay | $79.99 | $109.99 | Useful location for families centered on the children’s area. |
| Large Luxury | Buccaneer Bay | $109.99 | $149.99 | Sectional, dining table, stools, ceiling fan, power outlet, refrigerator and six waters. |
Official reservation details: Castaway Cove cabanas .
Lockers, Changing Rooms & Life Jackets
Lockers
Rental lockers are available through electronic kiosks at the front gate and at the lockers inside the park.
Changing Facilities
Restrooms, showers and changing facilities are located on the northeast side of the entrance complex.
Life Jackets
Life jackets are supplied free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Outside Flotation Devices
Personal tubes, rafts and similar outside flotation devices are not permitted. Castaway Cove provides ride-specific tubes or rafts where required and also offers rental tubes for guests who want a dedicated tube during the day.
Food, Drinks & Outside-Food Rules
Coolers, picnic baskets and outside food or beverages are not allowed inside Castaway Cove. Bags may be checked at the main entrance.
Castaway Café
Food options include burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, hot dogs, grilled cheese, fries, nachos, pretzels and snacks.
Dippin’ Dots
Frozen treat location positioned near Shipwreck Beach.
Tropical Bar & Eats
Adult beverages including beer, wine and frozen drinks are available to qualifying guests with proper ID.
Payment Methods
Castaway Cove lists cash, money orders, personal and corporate checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, debit cards and credit cards as accepted payment methods. The park also offers gift cards that can reduce the need to carry cash around the park.
Castaway Cove Rain & Weather Policy
Lightning and severe storms can temporarily close water attractions. Guests must leave the water and take shelter until management decides conditions are safe.
Temporary Closure
Attractions may stop while unsafe weather is nearby.
Longer Shutdown
Current park policy says rain checks may be issued if the park remains closed for more than one hour or for the rest of the day.
Before Driving
Check both Wichita Falls weather and the official park calendar immediately before departure.
For families who prefer a Texas park where weather protection is a bigger part of the trip, our broader Schlitterbahn Waterpark 2026 guide explains how to compare location-specific calendars and park options.
Important Castaway Cove Rules
Clothing with metal/plastic rivets that can damage slides is restricted, along with prohibited revealing swimwear.
Children age 3 and under must use a proper swim diaper.
Personal tubes and rafts cannot be brought into the park.
Smoking is not allowed inside the waterpark.
Outside food, beverages and coolers are prohibited inside.
Guests 14 and under need an adult guardian age 18+ present.
Castaway Cove Group Rates 2026
Groups of 15 or more can qualify for published group pricing when booked under Castaway Cove’s group program.
| Group Size | Admission Only | Admission + Meal |
|---|---|---|
| 15–99 | $23.99/person | $32.99/person |
| 100–299 | $22.99/person | $31.99/person |
| 300–499 | $21.99/person | $30.99/person |
| 500–999 | $19.99/person | $28.99/person |
| 1,000–1,499 | $17.99/person | $26.99/person |
Unlimited Drink Wristband
Castaway Cove lists a $9 group drink wristband for all-day fountain soft drinks when purchased as part of a qualifying group reservation.
Pavilion Rental
Current group information lists an $200 full-day pavilion rental.
Special-Needs Visits, First Aid & Safety
Castaway Cove hosted a dedicated Special Needs Day during the 2026 season, with sensory-sensitive access scheduled before normal public operation on the selected date.
First Aid
The First Aid facility is located to the right of the lockers.
Aquatic Staff
Castaway Cove states trained lifeguards and aquatic staff are present throughout operating hours.
Plan Before Travel
For mobility, sensory or medical questions, call 940-322-5500 before your visit.
Best First-Hour Plan at Castaway Cove
What to Bring to Castaway Cove
Pack
- Ticket confirmation.
- ID for senior or military admission.
- Appropriate swimsuit.
- Towels.
- Sunscreen.
- Dry change of clothing.
- Water-friendly footwear.
- Waterproof phone pouch.
- Swim diaper when required.
- Eyewear strap for glasses.
- Payment card or other accepted payment method.
Do Not Assume You Can Bring
- Coolers.
- Outside meals.
- Outside beverages.
- Personal pool tubes.
- Inflatable rafts.
- Glass containers.
- Alcohol from outside the park.
- Slide-damaging clothing with exposed hardware.
Castaway Cove Waterpark Map & Directions
Castaway Cove is southeast of downtown Wichita Falls near Highway 287. Enter the full street address into navigation rather than searching only for “Castaway Cove,” because similarly named resorts and attractions exist elsewhere in the U.S.
Open the official Castaway Cove park map to locate Cliffhanger, Storm Watch Tower, Buccaneer Bay, Shipwreck Beach, Nellie’s Rolling River, lockers, First Aid, food and cabana areas.
No Car? Wichita Falls Transit
Castaway Cove says it is an established stop on the Wichita Falls Transit System MESA route. Visitors can also use local taxi services for drop-off at 1000 Central Freeway East.
How Castaway Cove Fits Into a Texas Waterpark Trip
Castaway Cove is particularly practical for Wichita Falls and North Texas families who want an outdoor waterpark without making a multi-hour trip to Central or South Texas.
Want a Houston-Area Alternative?
If your trip continues toward Houston, compare current date-specific admission, longer event days and a larger slide lineup in our Typhoon Texas Katy visitor guide .
Planning Central Texas?
Families making a longer Texas road trip can also compare the two major Texas locations covered in our Schlitterbahn tickets, hours and map guide .
8 Castaway Cove Mistakes to Avoid
The 2026 calendar changes by date.
Check official advance online pricing first.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside.
Outside flotation devices are prohibited.
Major attractions use 42″ and 48″ thresholds.
Age 14 and under requires an adult guardian onsite.
Age 3 and under must use a proper water-use diaper.
Weather treatment depends on current closure policy.
Castaway Cove Waterpark FAQ 2026
Where is Castaway Cove Waterpark?
Castaway Cove Waterpark is located at 1000 Central Freeway East, Wichita Falls, Texas 76301, southeast of downtown Wichita Falls near Highway 287.
How much are Castaway Cove tickets in 2026?
Published 2026 gate prices are $32.99 for general admission over 42 inches, $21.99 for junior admission, and $22.99 for senior and qualifying military admission. Castaway Cove also promotes advance online purchase for available savings.
Are children free at Castaway Cove?
Castaway Cove’s 2026 season-pass information states that children age two and under are admitted free. Children age three who qualify for junior admission use the junior ticket category.
What are Castaway Cove’s hours?
Hours vary by date. The 2026 calendar includes schedules such as 10:30 AM–7 PM, 11 AM–7 PM, 11 AM–8 PM, 11:30 AM–7 PM, 12 PM–5 PM and 12 PM–6 PM, along with closed dates.
Can I bring food or a cooler into Castaway Cove?
No. Outside food, beverages, coolers and picnic baskets are prohibited inside the waterpark. A covered picnic area is available outside the main entrance.
Does Castaway Cove have a lazy river?
Yes. Nellie’s Rolling River is the park’s lazy-river attraction and connects areas around Shipwreck Beach and Hideaway Harbor.
Does Castaway Cove have a wave pool?
Yes. Shipwreck Beach is Castaway Cove’s tidal wave pool and includes water geysers and access toward the lazy-river system.
What is the minimum height for Castaway Cove’s biggest slides?
Requirements vary. Cliffhanger and Storm Watch Tower use a 42-inch minimum, while Pirate’s Plunge requires riders to be over 48 inches and also uses minimum and maximum weight requirements.
Does Castaway Cove have cabanas?
Yes. 2026 cabana pricing starts at $59.99 Monday–Thursday for regular cabanas and increases by location, day and cabana type. Large luxury cabanas are listed as high as $149.99 Friday–Sunday, with prices subject to change.
What happens if it rains at Castaway Cove?
Attractions may temporarily close for lightning or severe weather. The current park-policy page says rain checks may be issued if the park remains closed for more than one hour or for the rest of the operating day. Ask Guest Services what applies on your date.
Official Information Checked
This independent visitor guide uses Castaway Cove’s official 2026 ticket, calendar, attraction, cabana, food, policy, group, map and contact information.
Independent planning guide: USWaterParkGuide.org is not Castaway Cove Waterpark. Ticket prices, online discounts, taxes, operating hours, attraction availability, height and weight rules, cabana rates, food policies, locker pricing, weather procedures and group offers can change. Verify final details directly with Castaway Cove before purchasing tickets or making a long drive.