FunKidsActivities

Fort Knox Water Park

5539 W Chaffee Ave, Fort Knox, KY 40121, USA

Overview

Category:Indoor Water Parks
Location:Louisville, KY

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Fort Knox Water Park stands out as a consistently clean and well-staffed indoor water park, particularly valued by families for its perceived safety and friendly atmosphere, enhanced by its location on Fort Knox. It offers good value for money on both admission and on-site food.

Key Highlights

  • Consistently very clean water park, including bathrooms and showers, which parents appreciate.
  • Abundant and friendly lifeguards are always on duty, contributing to a strong sense of safety and attentive supervision.
  • Staff consistently maintains excellent attitudes and is described as very friendly, enhancing the visitor experience.
  • Good quality food is available at the snack bar at reasonable prices.
  • Families report feeling safe, attributing this partly to the park's location on Fort Knox, which they feel cuts down on 'rude and trashy public' encounters often experienced at other venues.

Standout Features

  • Plenty of seating available throughout the park, both in and out of direct sun, allowing parents to relax.
  • Free life vests are readily provided for children who need them, enhancing water safety.
  • Clean and well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities are consistently noted by reviewers.
  • The park's location on Fort Knox contributes to a secure and family-friendly environment.
  • Ample and free parking is available, making arrival convenient.

Perfect For

Best for school-aged children (5+) who can enjoy larger pools and slides without needing a dedicated toddler area.
Toddlers (1-4 years) might have limited options if the dedicated kiddie section is closed, as they would be restricted to the main pool which may be less suitable.
No specific mention of attractions or facilities for infants.

Ideal For

Families prioritizing a clean, safe, and well-supervised environment for water play.
Parents looking for good value on both admission and on-site food options.
Families seeking a water park with a high number of attentive lifeguards and friendly staff.
Those who appreciate the added security and community-oriented feel of a venue located on a military base.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Anticipate a mandatory 10-minute break every hour; plan activities or use this time for restrooms or snacks.
  • Arrive during off-peak times or be prepared for potential 10-20 minute lines at the front desk, even if you have season passes.
  • If visiting with toddlers, it is advisable to call ahead to confirm the dedicated kiddie section is open to ensure age-appropriate play options.
  • Exercise caution on the pool deck, particularly where paint markers are present, as they can be slick when wet; consider wearing water shoes.
  • Take advantage of the reasonably priced and good quality food available at the snack bar.

Things to Consider

  • Mandatory 10-minute breaks are enforced every hour, which some parents find disruptive and annoying.
  • The front desk can be understaffed, leading to 10-20 minute wait times during peak hours, even for season pass holders.
  • The dedicated kiddie section has been reported as closed on occasion, forcing toddlers to play in the main, larger pool area.
  • Paint markers used on the pool deck are reported as very slick when wet, posing a potential slipping hazard for children and adults.

Price & Value

Described as having 'great prices' for both entry and food, suggesting excellent value for money compared to other water parks, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., ramps, sensory-friendly hours) are mentioned in the reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Features a snack bar with 'good food' and 'great prices.' No explicit mention of outside food being allowed or disallowed, suggesting on-site purchases are expected.

🚗Parking Info

  • Plenty of parking is available, making it easy for visitors to find a spot.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Can experience lines of 10-20 minutes at the front desk during peak times due to staffing issues, indicating it gets busy enough to cause delays.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Numerous lifeguards are consistently on duty and described as friendly, providing active supervision.
  • Life vests are provided free of charge for children, enhancing water safety.
  • The park's location on Fort Knox contributes to a general feeling of safety and a less 'rude and trashy' public atmosphere.
  • A potential safety concern identified is the slick paint marker on the pool deck, which could lead to slips and falls.

When to Avoid

  • Visiting during peak times if you want to avoid significant wait times at entry due to understaffing.
  • If a dedicated, shallow kiddie section is essential for your toddlers' safety and enjoyment, without confirming its open status first.
  • If frequent, mandatory hourly breaks are likely to disrupt your children's play flow or your family's experience.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

Season Pass - Military Affiliated (Individual)

$125

Duration: Seasonal

For Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, DoD Civilians, Retirees and Family Members.

Includes:
  • Admission to Fort Knox Water Park for the season
  • Admission to Pass Holder Preview Day (May 23, 2025)
  • Admission to Juneteenth at Water Park (June 19)
  • Admission to Late Night at Water Park (June 24, 6pm-8pm)
  • Admission to World's Largest Swim Lesson (June 26)
  • Admission to Fourth of July at Water Park (July 4)
  • Admission to Late Night at Water Park (July 22, 6pm-8pm)
  • Admission to Christmas in July at the Water Park (July 25)
  • Admission to Back to School Morning Splash at Water Park (Aug 2, 10am-12pm)

Season Pass - Military Affiliated (Family)

$225

Duration: Seasonal

For Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, DoD Civilians, Retirees and Family Members. For immediate family and those living in the household. Limits apply, see front desk for more information.

Includes:
  • Admission to Fort Knox Water Park for the season
  • Admission to Pass Holder Preview Day (May 23, 2025)
  • Admission to Juneteenth at Water Park (June 19)
  • Admission to Late Night at Water Park (June 24, 6pm-8pm)
  • Admission to World's Largest Swim Lesson (June 26)
  • Admission to Fourth of July at Water Park (July 4)
  • Admission to Late Night at Water Park (July 22, 6pm-8pm)
  • Admission to Christmas in July at the Water Park (July 25)
  • Admission to Back to School Morning Splash at Water Park (Aug 2, 10am-12pm)

Season Pass - Non-Military Affiliated (Individual)

$165

Duration: Seasonal

For Unaffiliated Civilians.

Includes:
  • Admission to Fort Knox Water Park for the season
  • Admission to Pass Holder Preview Day (May 23, 2025)
  • Admission to Juneteenth at Water Park (June 19)
  • Admission to Late Night at Water Park (June 24, 6pm-8pm)
  • Admission to World's Largest Swim Lesson (June 26)
  • Admission to Fourth of July at Water Park (July 4)
  • Admission to Late Night at Water Park (July 22, 6pm-8pm)
  • Admission to Christmas in July at the Water Park (July 25)
  • Admission to Back to School Morning Splash at Water Park (Aug 2, 10am-12pm)

Season Pass - Non-Military Affiliated (Family)

$310

Duration: Seasonal

For Unaffiliated Civilians. For immediate family and those living in the household. Limits apply, see front desk for more information.

Includes:
  • Admission to Fort Knox Water Park for the season
  • Admission to Pass Holder Preview Day (May 23, 2025)
  • Admission to Juneteenth at Water Park (June 19)
  • Admission to Late Night at Water Park (June 24, 6pm-8pm)
  • Admission to World's Largest Swim Lesson (June 26)
  • Admission to Fourth of July at Water Park (July 4)
  • Admission to Late Night at Water Park (July 22, 6pm-8pm)
  • Admission to Christmas in July at the Water Park (July 25)
  • Admission to Back to School Morning Splash at Water Park (Aug 2, 10am-12pm)

Add-On to 6-month Anderson Aquatic Center Pass - Military Affiliated (Individual)

$65

Duration: 6-month

Add-on rate to an existing 6-month Anderson Aquatic Center Pass.

Add-On to 6-month Anderson Aquatic Center Pass - Military Affiliated (Family)

$125

Duration: 6-month

Add-on rate to an existing 6-month Anderson Aquatic Center Pass.

Birthday Party / Group Rental - Military Affiliated

$40

Duration: 2 hours

For hosting a birthday party, SFRG event, sports celebration or gathering of friends. Available time frames: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. OR 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Birthday Party / Group Rental - Non-Military Affiliated

$60

Duration: 2 hours

For hosting a birthday party, SFRG event, sports celebration or gathering of friends. Available time frames: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. OR 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Juneteenth at Water Park

June 19

Admission included for Season Passholders (pre-registration required)

Late Night at Water Park

June 24

Admission included for Season Passholders (pre-registration required)

Extended hours from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

World's Largest Swim Lesson

June 26

Admission included for Season Passholders (pre-registration required)

Fourth of July at Water Park

July 4

Admission included for Season Passholders (pre-registration required)

Late Night at Water Park

July 22

Admission included for Season Passholders (pre-registration required)

Extended hours from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Christmas in July at the Water Park

July 25

Admission included for Season Passholders (pre-registration required)

Back to School Morning Splash at Water Park

August 2

Admission included for Season Passholders (pre-registration required)

Morning event from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

🍎Food Policy

  • Food is only permitted in designated eating areas.
  • Chewing gum, glassware, alcohol, and pets are NOT allowed in the facility at any time.
  • Coolers are subject to be searched by staff.
  • Smoking/Vaping/Chewing and any other nicotine products are prohibited inside the facility.
  • Smoking/Vaping/Chewing and other forms of nicotine products must be 50 feet away from facility perimeter.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Everyone who enters the park must pay.
  • Shower with soap and water before entering pool.
  • Lifeguards are the final authority on all safety matters and may adjust the rules at their discretion.
  • 10 minute safety breaks will be called at the end of each hour.
  • Rowdy and/or unruly patrons will be asked to leave (without refund).
  • No running, rough housing, dunking or other forms of horseplay allowed.
  • Water wings are NOT authorized. Only U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are authorized.
  • Children in life jackets must be within arm’s reach of a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult.
  • Toys are only permitted if they do not endanger others or act as a nuisance to other patrons.
  • Spitting or spurting water is prohibited.
  • No diving in any area of the pool.
  • Lifeguards are not permitted to mind children in absence of parents/guardians.
  • Profanity or foul language is prohibited.
  • Family appropriate bathing suits are required.
  • Public display of affection is not permitted in any part of the facility.
  • Emergency Telephone is located inside the first aid room.
  • Prolonged underwater breath holding is not permitted at any time.
  • Facility reserves the right to expel patrons refusing to follow rules and regulations; no refund required.
  • Patrons will be asked to exit the water if there is lightning or thunder within a 10-mile radius (30-minute wait from last occurrence).
  • No weather-related refunds or rain checks will be issued.
  • **Mini Shark Shallows Rules:** For Children 6 and under with adult supervision at all times. No Lifeguards - Play at your own risk. All patrons should stay off fence and not climb on the spray features. Please walk in the splash zone.
  • **Crossing Activities Rules (Log and Lily Pads):** One person at a time on log and lily pads. Follow directional signs. No pushing, no running and no cutting line. Horseplay will not be permitted at any time. No swimming in crossing area. Parents may assist small children across the activities.
  • **Slide Rules:** Swimming ability is REQUIRED. Parents/Lifeguard are NOT PERMITTED TO CATCH CHILDREN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SLIDE. ONE person on each slide at a time. You must go feet first on your back, ankles and arms crossed. DO NOT stop inside the slide. Goggles, swim masks, life jackets or other Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) are not permitted. Loose clothing (Street Clothes) or clothing with metal zippers or buttons are NOT permitted. Failure to follow any of the above rules may result in you being prohibited to use this feature. Line up on appropriate side of the stairs: White Slide-Left Side, Blue Slide-Right Slide.

📅Booking Policy

  • Available time frames for parties/group rentals are 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. OR 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Sep 29, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Clean and well-maintained facilities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 5 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 5 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Emily Morrissey

Emily Morrissey

2 years ago

Absolutely love this place. Plenty of chairs in and out of the sun. Tons of lifeguards and they are all super friendly. The staff has always had the best attitudes every time we have been. The water park is very clean with plenty to do. The bathroom/showers are very clean. The snack bar has good food.

Jonathon Stevens

Jonathon Stevens

7 months ago

Its not a bad place but the 10 minute forced break every hours is annoying. Also they never seem to have enough staff working the front desk to not cause a buildup of a line during peak times. We went several times with season passes and still spent 10-20mins just waiting in line.

Lewis Messer

Lewis Messer

10 months ago

Very nice place but the kiddie section was closed so toddlers had to play in the big pool. Also the paint marker they have around the pool is very slick when it's wet. Could pose a serious Hazzard should someone slip on it and hit their head on the concrete. Plenty of parking and lots of seats to sit on. They also have life vests for kids that need them.

Dank Sentinel

Dank Sentinel

2 months ago

this is where they keep all the gold. Otherwise fantastic water park. The water was wet too

Shannon Torgersen

Shannon Torgersen

8 years ago

We've been there twice and absolutely LOVE it! It's clean, everyone is nice, they have great prices to get in and on food. My family and I feel safe there. Other water parks you have to deal with rude and trashy public. This one being on Fort Knox cuts down on those encounters.

Contact Information

5539 W Chaffee Ave, Fort Knox, KY 40121, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.6
Total Reviews134
Recent Reviews5