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OWA itinerary

Family Itinerary: An Action Packed Day at OWA

August 29, 2022

With four national forests, miles of stunning beaches, and dozens of hiking and biking trails, it’s safe to say you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities in Alabama. It’s also home to OWA, a 520-acre entertainment complex in Foley, an epic adventure your family won’t want to miss!

No need to choose between water slides and amusement rides; you’ll find both at OWA, alongside restaurants, shopping, and an array of midway games. Equal parts family-friendly attractions and non-stop entertainment, OWA spells F-U-N in every direction. We can’t think of a better place for families to share exciting experiences and create new memories. Don’t know where to begin? Our OWA itinerary is an excellent way to start with a few tips to help you plan accordingly and get the most out of your visit.

Plan Your Visit

Check the website before arriving for important information, including park hours, seasonal events, and any special offers that might be available. Grab breakfast beforehand so you can see and do as much as possible, and plan to arrive before the park opens. You’ll want plenty of time to park, walk to the entrance, and pick up a map before venturing out. Take a minute to orient yourself with park features and amenities and consider storing excess baggage and essentials you don’t want to carry in a locker. Now on to Tropic Falls, and let the fun begin!

Adventures at Tropic Falls

With over 20 attractions ranging from gentle, kiddie rides to jaw-dropping thrill rides, you’ll find it all at Tropic Falls Theme Park. Divided in half by Rollin’ Thunder, OWA’s largest and most exciting roller coaster, it also delineates the milder rides from those more intense. If you’ve got tweens or teenagers and plan to split up, all thrill seekers should head left. They’re sure to get an adrenaline rush on the Air Racer, Alabama Wham’a, and Rollin’ Thunder. Veer to the right with the little ones and prepare for squeals of delight as they set their sights on kiddie rides galore. From Flying Aces and Happy Hauler to Gully Washer, a safe free-fall ride designed for toddlers, they’ll be brimming with smiles and ready for more. Gather everyone together again for a few family-friendly rides, like Rockin’ Raft and Mystic Mansion, a ghost train through a fun haunted mansion with comical ghosts and interactive targets.

You’ll find even more family-friendly activities at Tropic Falls Indoor Water Park, the region’s largest indoor water park. First stop is the Tangarine Scream, a body slide with a nearly vertical drop simulating free falling at high-speed velocity. From there, hop on inflatables at Forbidden Falls or the Citrus Cyclone, and twist and turn your way on funnel water rides the whole family will love. Toddlers will have a ball at Tuki’s Tower, a tropical play structure with five slides and a dump-bucket tower, then slow it down in the lazy river at Castaway Creek. Don’t forget to swing by the midway games for a chance to win an awesome souvenir!

Mid-Day Lunch Break

After all the activity, everyone will be starving and ready for a tasty meal. Plus, mom and dad could probably use a light refreshment. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of options at Downtown OWA, boasting a mix of delicious restaurants and a wide variety of cuisine. The kids will love the cheese fries and chicken tender basket while you scarf down a Banzai cheeseburger and a cold beer at Baja Grill. You can also re-energize on burgers, wings, salads, and sandwiches at the Groovy Goat, the perfect place to catch a game, a great meal, and a cold one. Sip on a draft or bottled beer, signature cocktails, or a frozen drink and watch your favorite sporting event while the kids make their way to the arcade featuring over 50 games!

Afternoon Shopping at Downtown OWA

You’ll more than likely want a keepsake or memento to remember the awesome time you had, and you might want to pick up a few gifts. Browse through a wide selection of sandals, t-shirts, jewelry, and stuffed animals at the Trop Shop, and check out Alvin’s Island for everything from resort wear and beach towels to swimwear and souvenirs. Better yet, let the kids create their keepsakes with make-and-take art, like acrylic coasters and canvas paintings, at Paint Party Studios. While they’re getting their art on, parents can swing by Libations for a refreshing tropical cocktail like the Big Kahuna Margarita, Key Lime Colada, or a Bushwacker for a late afternoon pick-me-up.

Top It Off With Dinner and a Show

The kiddos are bound to be hungry again after an afternoon of shopping, so next stop, dinner! You’ll find several great options, including Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar and Restaurant, featuring a coastal-inspired menu, refreshing cocktails, and live music. If you’re on the hunt for authentic Southern cuisine, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen serves up down-home dishes like fried chicken, beef pot roast, and chicken and dumplings sure to fill those growling tummies.

Although you’ve packed in a full day, there’s still more to do! The day wouldn’t be complete without catching a show at the OWA Theater. With a rotating event lineup, you’ll find everything from variety, magic, and dinner theater shows at the Brandon Styles Theater. The summer lineup includes Legends in Concert, a collection of tribute shows highlighting over 70 stars, including Michael Jackson, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, and more. Reference their event calendar for upcoming family-friendly shows not to be missed. Didn’t get to see everything? No worries, your OWA itinerary will work anytime, so come back tomorrow and take in whatever you missed!

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