Are you curious about Aqua Parks or need something different but also super fun to cool off during the summer and get out all your kids’ energy? Here are six floating obstacle courses in South Carolina and Georgia to do just that! (Updated July 2026.)
Floating obstacle courses are one of my new favorite summer activities. Here’s why:
- I get to make my Wipeout and Ninja Warrior dreams come true
- I get in an awesome workout
- My kids are obsessed with and so happy to enjoy these aqua parks
- My kids are completely wiped out afterward because it’s super exhausting
- They are excellent for both kids and adults!
If you haven’t tried one of these, I’ve compiled a list for you so you can try them all too! I’ve noted the differences between the places to help you out in choosing your adventure. I’ve been to all of the places listed below, so these are firsthand reviews and comments. Most are open all summer through September, depending on the weather.
| Aqua Park | Location | Price (aqua park) | Best for | Distance from Greenville |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Splash Island at Big Water Marina | Starr, SC (Lake Hartwell) | From 5/hr | Families, all ages; 42″+ kids | 1 hour |
| Aqua Zone at Shores of Asbury | Anderson, SC (Lake Hartwell) | From 9.98/hr | Families; 47″+ big course, 37″+ kids course | 1 hour |
| SouthTown Wake Park | Rock Hill, SC | 8 wkdy / 0 wknd per 45 min | Ages 7+ and 45″+; also wakeboarding | 1.5 hours |
| Charleston Aqua Park | Johns Island, SC | From 8/45 min | Families 6+; also ropes course & cable park | 3 hr 20 min |
| Marina Station Water Park | Hiawassee, GA (Lake Chatuge) | 8/hr or 2/all day | Families; 45″+ big course, 4–7 yr kids course | 2 hr 20 min |
| Fins Up Water Park | Buford, GA (Lanier Islands) | From 4.99/person | Full water park experience; all ages | 2 hours |
Who says you need a lazy river and wave pool to have a water park, just head to one of these aqua parks on a lake! So, if you have been wondering “Where are the water obstacle courses near me?”, don’t worry. We have all the information you need!
Water Obstacle Courses Near Me: Upstate, South Carolina
Splash Island at Big Water Marina
This huge floating obstacle course opened in the summer of 2022 on Lake Hartwell. It is like a theme park on the water! The Splash Island floating water park is situated at Big Water Marina and Campground, which has a sandy beach, hammocks, chairs, shaded spots, tiny cabins, TV pads, and a delicious restaurant, J.R. Cash’s on-site (it has a pirate ship playground!).
Cost: $15/hour; $25/two hours; $35/all day. Kids must be 42″ tall (under 46″ are allowed with an adult)
Hours: Typically Friday–Sunday (May through Memorial Day weekend) and Thursday–Sunday (post-Memorial Day through Labor Day), 10 am – 8 pm.
Distance from Greenville: One hour
Highlights: Sandy beach, restaurant, hydrobike/SUP/kayak rentals, tiny cabins for rent, restaurant with a playground
Address: 320 Big Water Road, Starr, SC
Kidding Around Review of Big Water
Aqua Zone at The Shores at Asbury
The Shores at Asbury has their giant Aqua Zone floating obstacle course on Lake Hartwell also. It’s situated on a huge sandy beach, with sand imported from Florida, kayak and SUP rentals, and a restaurant on site. They also have a kids obstacle course for kids who are under 47″.
Cost: $19.98/hour or $26.98/two hours if bought online; $36.98/all-day pass, $130/family four pass for all-day access; follow on Facebook for deals on tickets
Hours: 11 am – 7 pm daily
Distance from Greenville: One hour
Highlights: White sandy beach with tents and lounge chairs, kids floating obstacle course, lawn games, a restaurant
Address: 1600 Asbury Park Road, Anderson, SC
Kidding Around Review of the Shores at Asbury
SouthTown Wake Park
Located in Rock Hill, SC, SouthTown Wake Park has wake boarding plus a big floating obstacle course. This is a great activity to tire those kids (and adults) out, as it takes a ton of energy to climb and jump over the obstacles. Kids must be at least 7 years old and 45″ tall to participate on the aqua course.
Cost: $18 for 45 minutes during the weekdays and $20 for 45 minutes on the weekends.
Hours: Open daily Noon-6 pm on Saturdays & Sundays in May; daily in June
Distance from Greenville: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Big aqua park, wakeboarding, disc golf, cornhole
Address: 255 E Rambo Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Kidding Around Review of SouthTown Wake Park
Aqua Parks in Charleston, SC
Are you looking for more fun things to do in Charleston, SC? Check out our Kidding Around Travel Guide to Charleston, SC!
Charleston Aqua Park
The Charleston Aqua Park is super cool because it not only has an aqua park but also the only ropes course over water in the country. It is also one of the area’s only floating water parks. The owner assured us there aren’t gators at Trophy Lake, too. We had such a blast at this park and the water felt so good on a hot, summer day. Plus, it’s really close to the beautiful Angel Oak Tree!
Cost: $18/45 minutes; discounts available during the week and/or if you book both the aqua park and ropes course
Hours: Open May through September; June–August open daily 10 am – 6 pm (weekends only in May and September; check website for current schedule)
Distance from Greenville: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Highlights: Big aqua park, a little beach, and swimming area for smaller kids, only over-water ropes course in the country, kids summer camps (you can send a kid there for a day while you’re on vacation), covered picnic areas, other water activity rentals
Address: 3050 Marlin Road, Johns Island SC
Kidding Around Review of Charleston Aqua Park
Aqua Parks in Georgia
Looking for more fun things to do in Georgia? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Travel Georgia!
Marina Station Water Park
This is one of the most family-friendly aqua parks in Georgia. The park is located on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA, and also has a sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas for rent. They have also upgraded their equipment and life jackets in recent seasons. They also have a smaller kids course for ages 4-7 years old, making for a great floating playground. We really enjoyed our time at Marina Station Water Park.
Cost: $18/hour or $42/all day; family of four all-day pass $150; season passes available. Kids must be 45″ tall or 7 years old for the big course.
Hours: Open daily 10 am – 7 pm (last ticket sold at 6:30 pm); 2026 season runs May 23 through September 7
Distance from Greenville: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Highlights: Huge splash island, kids floating obstacle course, sandy beach, chair, and tent rentals, offers season passes
Address: 3379 US Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA
Marina Station Water Park Website
Fins Up Water Park
This aqua course is part of Fins Up Water Park at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands in North Georgia, about two hours from Greenville. It’s by far the largest one we have been to and since it’s part of the water park, you can go on as many times as you want. You do need to purchase a water park ticket to use it.
Cost: Fins Up Water Park tickets are $59.99/adult online and $44.99 for kids ages 4-7 and seniors if you buy more than 24 hours in advance
Hours: Open daily after Memorial Day Weekend; see website for current schedule
Distance from Greenville: 2 hours
Address: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA
Read our full review of Fins Up Water Park.
Floating Obstacle Course FAQs
What is a floating obstacle course (aqua park)?
A floating obstacle course is an inflatable playground anchored on a lake or pond. You run, jump, climb, and slide across interconnected obstacles — think Wipeout-style slides, trampolines, climbing walls, and balance beams — all over the water. Life jackets are always provided.
Where are aqua parks near Greenville, SC?
The closest aqua parks to Greenville are Splash Island at Big Water Marina and the Aqua Zone at Shores of Asbury, both about one hour away on Lake Hartwell near Anderson, SC. SouthTown Wake Park in Rock Hill, SC is about 1.5 hours away.
How much do aqua parks cost near Greenville?
Prices range from about 5–0 for an hour at the SC lake parks (Big Water Marina, Shores of Asbury, SouthTown) up to 9.99 per person for a full-day ticket at Fins Up Water Park at Lanier Islands. Charleston Aqua Park and Marina Station both start at 8 for a 45-minute to one-hour session.
What age and height do kids need to be?
Requirements vary by park. Big Water Marina requires 42″ for solo use (under 46″ with an adult). Shores of Asbury’s big course requires 47″ (37″ for the kids zone). SouthTown Wake Park requires age 7 AND 45″ tall. Charleston Aqua Park is open to ages 6 and up. Marina Station’s big course requires 45″ or age 7. Fins Up Water Park is open to all ages with a ticket. Always check each park’s website before visiting, as policies can change.
When are these aqua parks open?
Most parks operate late May through September. Shores of Asbury and Marina Station are open daily within their season. Charleston Aqua Park is open May 1–September 30 (daily in June–August; weekends only in May and September). Big Water Marina and SouthTown Wake Park have weekend-focused schedules earlier and later in the season. Always check ahead — hours shift with the season and weather.
Would you try out one of these aqua parks? Did we miss your favorite place? Let us know in the comments
If you are looking for more places to swim, check out our Guide to Where to Swim and Splash This Summer!