Planning a summer day at Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights? This updated 2026 guide covers Oakland County resident pricing, nonresident ticket prices, free parking, operating hours, the 1,000-foot River Ride, wave-action pool, triple-flume slide, SplashTown, the 43-inch slide rule, food policy, lockers, life jackets, accessibility, weather rules, map and a practical Metro Detroit family visit plan.
- $21 Fri–Sun / holidays
- $18 Monday–Thursday
- Regular Mon–Thu rate: $26
- Under 36″ free with paid adult
- Parking: free
Build Your Red Oaks Visit Plan
Choose your family type, visit day and main priority. This tool gives you a practical Red Oaks strategy rather than generic waterpark advice.
What Is Red Oaks Waterpark?
Red Oaks Waterpark is an outdoor county-operated waterpark in Madison Heights, part of the Oakland County Parks system. It offers a manageable local alternative to a large destination park, with a wave-action pool, triple-flume waterslide, 1,000-foot River Ride and SplashTown children’s area.
Wave Pool
Heated wave-action pool with waves that cycle for approximately 10 minutes followed by a 10-minute rest period.
River Ride
Heated 1,000-foot current-style river attraction that works as a natural family reset between more active areas.
Triple Waterslide
Three-flume slide attraction with a strict 43-inch minimum height.
SplashTown
Children’s splash area with 52 interactive features, climbing elements, smaller slides and a dumping bucket.
Red Oaks Waterpark Ticket Prices 2026
Red Oaks used separate weekday and weekend/holiday pricing during the main 2026 summer season, with a lower rate for verified Oakland County residents.
| Ticket Category | Mon–Thu | Fri–Sun / Holidays | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Rate | $26 | $30 | Main rate for guests who do not qualify for Oakland County resident pricing. |
| Oakland County Resident | $18 | $21 | Residency must be verified through the qualifying address/ID requirements. |
| Children Under 36″ | Free | Free | Free with paid adult admission. Height is verified at entry. |
| Parking | Free | Free | Red Oaks does not charge a separate parking fee. |
How Far Ahead Can You Buy Tickets?
Oakland County Parks allows Red Oaks tickets to be purchased online up to three days before the visit. Online same-day sales stop at 2 PM, while onsite ticket sales stop one hour before waterpark closing.
Red Oaks Discounts & Ways to Save
Oakland County Resident Rate
Residents received a substantial discount in 2026: $18 versus $26 Monday–Thursday and $21 versus $30 Friday–Sunday/holidays.
Under 36″ Free
Children shorter than 36 inches received free admission with a paid adult. Height was verified at the entrance.
Military Appreciation Voucher
During National Military Appreciation Month 2026, qualifying Oakland County veterans, current military personnel and Gold Star families could obtain a recreation voucher that included one free Red Oaks visit.
Does Red Oaks Have a Season Pass?
No. Oakland County Parks’ official Red Oaks FAQ states that the waterpark does not currently offer a season pass. Frequent visitors therefore need to compare individual day-ticket costs rather than assuming a summer pass is available.
Red Oaks Family Ticket Cost Calculator
Select residency, day type and the number of paid guests. Children under 36 inches with a paid adult are shown separately because their published 2026 admission was free.
Red Oaks Waterpark Hours 2026
Red Oaks does not use one identical schedule throughout the entire summer. Oakland County Parks adjusted operating days and hours as the season progressed.
| 2026 Period | Published Hours / Status | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| Main summer period | Generally 11 AM–7 PM daily through mid-August | Individual dates could change because of weather, attendance or staffing. |
| Mid-August to Labor Day | Reduced / date-specific schedule | Oakland County advised visitors to check exact days rather than assuming daily operation. |
| Sept. 5–7 | 11 AM–7 PM | Final published public waterpark weekend/holiday dates. |
| Current status | Closed for season | Future-year hours should be checked when officially posted. |
Red Oaks Waterpark Rides & Attractions
Wave-Action Pool
Heated FamilyRed Oaks’ wave pool runs active waves for approximately 10 minutes followed by a roughly 10-minute rest cycle.
1,000-Foot River Ride
Heated RelaxingA long current-style river attraction that works well as a calmer break between the wave pool, slide and SplashTown.
Triple-Flume Waterslide
43″ minimum Solo riderThe park’s major slide attraction has three flumes and a strict minimum rider height of 43 inches.
SplashTown
Younger kids 52 featuresChildren’s splash pad with interactive sprays, climbing equipment, smaller slides and a dumping bucket.
If your family wants a year-round Michigan waterpark rather than a seasonal outdoor park, our Soaring Eagle Waterpark ticket and day-pass guide is a useful comparison for indoor access, hotel stays and different family ride options.
Red Oaks Waterpark With Toddlers & Children
👶 Under 36 Inches
Children under 36 inches are admitted free with a paid adult. Height is checked at the gate.
💦 SplashTown
Younger children who cannot ride the triple flume still have a large interactive play area with 52 water features.
📏 43-Inch Slide Rule
Measure children before leaving home if the big slide is important to them. The minimum is 43 inches.
Can Children Visit Without an Adult?
Children age 11 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Oakland County Parks says it recommends that children not attend alone, although a child age 12 or older may be granted entry without a parent if the parent/guardian considers them responsible enough.
Strollers & Pack-and-Plays
Strollers and pack-and-plays are allowed, but visitors are asked to be considerate of limited deck space on busy days. Because the waterpark can experience strong wind, lightweight equipment such as pack-and-plays must be properly weighted and cannot be staked into the ground.
Can You Bring Food to Red Oaks Waterpark?
Yes. One of Red Oaks’ most useful family-budget features is that visitors are allowed to bring their own lunch, dinner and snacks. The park also sells concession snacks and treats.
Picnic Food Allowed
Pack sandwiches, fruit, snacks or a family meal instead of depending entirely on waterpark concessions.
No Glass
Glass containers are prohibited inside the waterpark. Repack food and drinks into safe containers before arrival.
No Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited inside the waterpark and in its parking areas.
Lockers, Chairs, Umbrellas & Shade
🔐 Lockers
Red Oaks provides keyed lockers for valuables for a nominal fee.
The official page does not publish a current fixed locker price, so this guide does not guess one. The lockers are described as single-use.
🪑 Chairs
Outside chairs are not allowed because deck space is limited. Red Oaks provides chairs on a first-come, first-served basis and asks guests to share unused chairs on busy days.
☂️ Beach Umbrellas
Personal beach umbrellas are not permitted because strong wind can create a safety risk.
Handheld umbrellas or parasols may be used but must be closed and stowed when not being held.
🦺 Life Jackets
Guests may bring their own U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Red Oaks also has a limited number available to check out for free.
Inflatable water wings and other unapproved swim aids are not allowed.
Can You Leave Red Oaks and Come Back?
Yes, but the re-entry procedure matters. Before leaving, obtain the special wristband from staff at the main entrance. The wristband must be attached by park staff and remain intact.
Important Red Oaks Waterpark Rules
👙 Proper Swimwear
Clean, appropriate swim garments are required. Street clothes are not accepted as swimming attire.
👶 Swim Diapers
Children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.
🧸 No Water Toys
Inflatable toys, inflatable swim aids, fins and similar water-play equipment are not permitted.
🪑 No Outside Chairs
Chairs, sporting equipment and large shade structures should be left at home.
🚭 Smoke-Free
The waterpark is a smoke-free facility.
🐕 Service Animals
Service animals are permitted under applicable rules, but county health rules prohibit animals from entering pools, splash areas and the River Ride.
Red Oaks Accessibility & Adaptive Equipment
Oakland County Parks identifies Red Oaks Waterpark as one of its facilities with adaptive aquatic equipment.
Water Wheelchair
A water wheelchair is listed as available at Red Oaks Waterpark.
Pool Transfer Chair
Oakland County Parks lists Red Oaks as having a water transfer chair to help guests transfer from a wheelchair into the water.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking and access routes are identified through Oakland County Parks facility maps.
Families who specifically prefer an indoor Michigan park because weather or temperature makes outdoor swimming difficult can also compare our Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark planning guide for a year-round Boyne Mountain option.
Red Oaks Rain, Thunder & Weather Policy
Red Oaks has a stricter weather policy than parks that issue automatic rainchecks.
30-Minute Safety Clock
Water attractions close for at least 30 minutes after the last observed thunder or lightning event.
Early Closure Possible
If severe weather continues, management can close the waterpark for the remainder of the day.
No Raincheck
Official rules state that no refunds or rainchecks are given for early closure, inclement weather or mechanical failure.
Special 2026 Red Oaks Programs
Red Oaks also hosted scheduled aquatic programs outside ordinary public waterpark operation.
River Walk
Adults age 18+ could walk with or against the current in the 1,000-foot River Ride during scheduled fitness sessions.
Evening sessions ran on selected Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, while a new morning program was offered on selected Tuesdays and Thursdays during the 2026 summer.
50+ Swim Parties
Red Oaks scheduled adults-only after-hours swim events for visitors age 50+ with access to the wave pool, River Ride and waterslides.
2026 pricing was $10 with preregistration and $15 for day-of-event registration.
Groups, Camps & Birthday Visits
Red Oaks does not offer a standard public birthday-party package. Families celebrating a birthday can buy general admission for the group, but should purchase early because the park can sell out.
Red Oaks Waterpark Map, Address & Parking
For families turning the trip into a longer Michigan getaway, our Frankenmuth waterpark comparison guide explains the two major indoor waterpark choices in Frankenmuth and how their ticket rules differ.
Best Red Oaks First-Hour & Family Day Plan
If your family decides an indoor resort-style trip is worth the drive, our Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark day-pass guide covers day tickets, hotel access and year-round attractions in Frankenmuth.
What to Bring to Red Oaks Waterpark
Pack
- Ticket confirmation.
- Oakland County resident ID if eligible.
- Proper swimwear.
- Towels.
- Sunscreen.
- Drinking water.
- Picnic food and snacks.
- Swim diapers if needed.
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket if preferred.
- Dry change of clothing.
- Stroller for younger children if useful.
Leave at Home
- Glass containers.
- Alcohol.
- Outside chairs.
- Beach umbrellas.
- Inflatable water toys.
- Water wings.
- Fins and snorkels.
- Sporting equipment.
- Street clothing intended for swimming.
Red Oaks vs a Michigan Indoor Waterpark
Red Oaks is best treated as a local outdoor summer waterpark, not a destination resort. Its advantages are free parking, resident pricing, picnic flexibility, a heated River Ride, wave pool and manageable layout.
| Feature | Red Oaks | Indoor Resort Waterpark |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer / seasonal | Usually year-round |
| Parking | Free | Varies by resort |
| Outside food | Allowed with restrictions | Often restricted |
| Hotel stay | Not part of facility | Often available |
| Weather protection | No | Yes |
8 Red Oaks Mistakes to Avoid
The waterpark can sell out.
Oakland County proof is needed for resident pricing.
The minimum is 43 inches.
They are not allowed because deck space is limited.
Food is welcome; glass is not.
Official rules say no refund or raincheck for weather closure.
Re-entry requires the park-issued wristband.
Red Oaks currently does not offer one.
Red Oaks Waterpark FAQ 2026
How much were Red Oaks Waterpark tickets in 2026?
During the main 2026 season, regular admission was $26 Monday–Thursday and $30 Friday–Sunday and holidays. Oakland County residents paid $18 Monday–Thursday and $21 Friday–Sunday and holidays with qualifying proof of residency.
Are children free at Red Oaks Waterpark?
Children under 36 inches tall are admitted free with paid adult admission. Their height is verified at the entrance.
Is parking free at Red Oaks Waterpark?
Yes. Red Oaks Waterpark does not charge a separate parking fee, although Oakland County Parks encourages carpooling on busy days.
What is the Red Oaks Waterpark address?
Red Oaks Waterpark is located at 1455 E. Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071.
How tall must you be for the Red Oaks waterslide?
Riders must be at least 43 inches tall to use the triple-flume waterslide. A height-measuring stick is located at the attraction.
Can I bring food into Red Oaks Waterpark?
Yes. Guests may bring lunch, dinner and snacks. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.
Can I bring my own chair or beach umbrella?
No outside chairs are allowed. Beach umbrellas are also prohibited because of wind concerns. Handheld umbrellas may be used while being held and must be stowed when not in use.
Does Red Oaks Waterpark have lockers?
Yes. Keyed lockers are available for a nominal fee. The official page describes them as single-use lockers but does not publish a current fixed rental price.
Can I leave Red Oaks and return the same day?
Yes. Before leaving, guests must obtain a special re-entry wristband from staff at the main entrance. The wristband must remain intact.
What happens if bad weather closes Red Oaks Waterpark?
Water attractions remain closed for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning occurrence. Management may close the park for the day if weather persists. Official rules state that no refunds or rainchecks are provided for weather, early closure or mechanical failure.
Official Information Checked
This independent visitor guide was updated using current Oakland County Parks information and official 2026 program materials.
Independent guide: USWaterParkGuide.org is not Oakland County Parks or Red Oaks Waterpark. Ticket prices, residency requirements, operating days, attraction availability, waterpark capacity, group rules, special events and weather procedures can change. Confirm current information directly with Oakland County Parks before buying tickets or traveling.