You’ve seen the photos. A massive glass structure sitting on a hill in French Lick, promising a tropical escape while the Indiana wind howls outside. It looks like a dream. But if you’re planning a trip to Big Splash Adventure, honestly, there are things nobody tells you until you’re standing there in your swimsuit feeling a bit chilly.
It's a weird, fun, slightly aging, but totally unique spot.
Most people think "indoor water park" and imagine a humid, sweltering sauna. At Big Splash, that's not always the vibe. Because of that famous retractable roof—one of the few in the world—the air inside can feel surprisingly brisk, even if the water is warm.
The Layout You Actually Need to Know
The park covers 40,000 square feet. That sounds huge. In reality, it’s compact enough that you won't lose your kids for three hours, but big enough to keep them busy.
The centerpiece is Buccaneer Bay. It’s a three-story tangle of interactive sprayers, levers, and a 1,000-gallon bucket that dumps water every few minutes with a sound like a small explosion. If you have toddlers, you’ll basically live at Splish Splash pool. It has these little bouncing swings and a tiny slide that doesn’t intimidate the two-year-olds.
For the older kids (and the brave adults), there are four main slides:
💡 You might also like: USA Map Major Cities: What Most People Get Wrong
- Pirate’s Plunder: This is the "toilet bowl" slide. You shoot down a tube and spin around a giant bowl before dropping into the center.
- Jolly Roger Jetty: A fast, dark tube slide.
- Silverbeard’s Revenge: A classic tube slide for single or double riders.
- Scallywag Scuttle: A body slide that’s surprisingly quick.
Why the "Retractable Roof" is a Big Deal
Most indoor parks are concrete boxes. They smell like heavy chlorine and feel claustrophobic. Big Splash is basically a giant greenhouse. This is great for natural light, but it means the internal temperature is heavily influenced by the Indiana weather.
In the summer, they open the roof. It’s glorious. You get the sun and the breeze without the 100% chance of a sunburn since you can duck back into the shade. In the winter, the roof stays shut, but the glass walls can make the air feel cool. Pro tip: bring a plush robe or a very thick towel for the walks between the pool and the locker room.
The Truth About the Hotel Stay vs. Day Passes
You can buy a day pass. They range from $20 to $25 usually. But here is the "hack" that most regulars use: stay at the resort.
When you book a "Water Park" room package at the 153-room hotel, you get passes included. But the real value is the timing. You can show up at noon on your check-in day to start swimming, even if your room isn't ready until 4:00 PM. Then, on your checkout day, you have to leave the room by 11:00 AM, but you can stay in the water park until it closes.
You basically get two full days of swimming for one night’s stay.
📖 Related: US States I Have Been To: Why Your Travel Map Is Probably Lying To You
The rooms are... fine. They’re pirate-themed, which kids love. Some have bunk beds. But don't expect a five-star luxury experience. People have noted the hotel is showing its age—think worn carpets and some rust in the bathrooms. It’s a place built for kids to run around in wet swimsuits; it’s not the Ritz.
Eating and Staying Sane
The food is what you’d expect: pizza, burgers, chicken strips. The Galley Grill is inside the water park area, while the Boatyard Restaurant is the more "sit-down" option.
Honestly? The pizza is the move. It’s roughly $17 for a large, and it's actually decent.
Wait. Here is the part that actually matters: Big Splash is one of the rare parks that is somewhat relaxed about bringing in your own snacks. I’ve seen families with bags of chips and juice boxes. It saves a fortune. Just don't try to bring a full catering spread into the pool area.
Beyond the Water
If the kids get pruney, there's the Treasure Chest Arcade. It has about 20 games and a VR ride. It’s loud. It’s bright. It will take your money.
👉 See also: UNESCO World Heritage Places: What Most People Get Wrong About These Landmarks
If you need a break from the humidity, Big Splash has "sister" attractions nearby.
- Shotz: Lazer tag and cosmic mini-golf.
- Wilstem Wildlife Park: This is about 10 minutes away and is genuinely cool. You can do a drive-thru safari or even meet elephants.
Is Big Splash Water Park Indiana Worth It?
If you have kids under 12, yes. It's the perfect size for them. If you’re looking for a romantic adult getaway, you might find it a bit chaotic, though there is an adults-only hot tub called Palm Cove that stays at 100 degrees.
The "chloramine" issue is real, too. When the windows are shut tight in the winter, the smell can get intense. If you or your kids are sensitive to that, take breaks. Go for a walk in the lobby or step outside for a few minutes of fresh air.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
- Arrive early: If you aren't staying overnight, get there right when they open (usually 11:00 AM). The lines for slides are non-existent for the first hour.
- Goggles are mandatory: Not really, but for kids who hate water in their eyes, the splash-down at the end of the "toilet bowl" slide is a lot. Goggles make them much more confident.
- The Breakfast Hack: If you stay at the hotel, the hot breakfast is included. It’s a buffet with biscuits and gravy, eggs, and sausage. It gets crowded at 9:00 AM, so go at 7:30 AM or grab it to go and eat in your room.
- Pack a "Wet Bag": Even if you’re staying at the hotel, have a separate bag for wet swimsuits if you plan on swimming after checkout.
- Check the Calendar: They aren't open every single day during the off-season. Always check their official site before driving to French Lick.
Big Splash isn't perfect, but it’s a staple for a reason. It’s a loud, splashing, pirate-themed core memory for most Indiana kids. Just bring a warm towel and buy the pizza.
To make the most of your visit, book a room on a Sunday or Monday night if possible; the crowds drop significantly during the week, often leaving you with the slides all to yourself. Before you leave the French Lick area, take the five-minute drive to the West Baden Springs Hotel just to see the dome—it's a massive architectural 180 from the pirate slides and well worth the look. For your gear, ensure everyone has water shoes, as the floor around Buccaneer Bay can get quite slick when the crowds are at their peak.