Rolling Hills Water Park: A Guide for Families – Michigan

Welcome to the amazing Rolling Hills Water Park in Michigan, USA.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your family visit, including the location, best attractions, prices, transport, and much more!

Bonus: we’ll even include some inside tips and tricks in this blog post so you can have the BEST experience with children!

Let’s get started.

Location of the Rolling Hills Water Park

The amazing Rolling Hills Water Park is located at 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 in the United States (you can put this address in your GPS).

This family-friendly water park can be found within the Rolling Hills County Park.

This park is one of the coolest places to be during the summer, offering a variety of attractions to keep visitors entertained.

Things To Do at the Rolling Hills Water Park

The Rolling Hills Water Park offers so many cool attractions that are perfect for a family visit with children!

Below, we list our absolute FAVORITES:

• Water Slides: The park features five water slides, including a thrilling speed slide for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
• Lazy River: A perfect place to float and relax, the lazy river is a popular feature among visitors looking for a more laid-back experience.
• Wave Pool: This pool generates waves, simulating the feeling of being in the ocean. It’s a fun spot for both kids and adults.
• Zero-depth Entry Pools: These pools are designed to mimic a beach-like setting where the water gradually deepens from the edge, making it especially safe for children and less experienced swimmers.
• Splash Pad: An area designed for little ones, the splash pad offers various interactive elements that spray, squirt, or dump water.
• Dry Playground: For those who want a break from the water, there’s a dry playground available.
• Small Child-Friendly Features: The park offers several features designed specifically for small children, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable time.
• Sun Deck with Lounge Chairs: When you’re ready to take a break from all the water activities, the sun deck is a great spot to lounge, sunbathe, or just watch the action.
• Spray Grounds: Another fun water-based feature, the spray grounds, are areas where water shoots up from the ground or falls from structures above.

What to Expect From a Family Visit

Visiting the Rolling Hills Water Park with children promises a day filled with laughter, excitement, and memories.

Here’s what you can expect from your visit:

The park is designed to appeal to kids of all ages. Younger children often enjoy the Activity Pool due to its zero-depth entry, gentle bubbler, geysers, a waterfall, and a kiddie slide for children under 45″. There is also a zero-entry activity pool for young children, complete with a waterfall and kiddie slide.

Older kids and adventurous youngsters might be drawn to the water gymnasium, which boasts dump buckets, water cannons, climbing ropes, monkey bars, and a few slides. Expect to see their faces light up with joy and excitement as they explore these attractions.

As a parent, you’ll definitely appreciate the safety measures put in place. Children 12 years old and younger are required to be supervised by someone 16 or older. This ensures that while your children are having fun, they are also safe.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching your children have fun and experience new things. A visit to Rolling Hills Water Park offers just that – a chance for your kids to explore, laugh, and just be kids, while you as a parent can relax knowing they’re in a safe and fun environment.

Prices

Rolling Hills Park is part of the Washtenaw County Park system. It charges a $6 vehicle entry fee for county residents and a $10 fee for non-residents. An annual vehicle pass costs $30 (county resident)/$45 (non-resident).

Independence Lake is also covered by the annual vehicle pass. Independence Lake is home to the Blue Heron Bay splash park.

The following are the ticket prices for Rolling Hills Water Park:

• $11 for residents
• $13 for non-residents
• Children under the age of 36 inches are always free!

They no longer offer cheaper admission on weekdays (we believe they used to offer $8 resident/$10 non-resident).

Season passes/punch cards are available. This can be a good option if you plan to visit several times in one summer.

Hours of Operation

The park is open from 11 am to 7 pm every day during the summer season, typically from late May to early September.

Getting to Rolling Hills Water Park

Rolling Hills Water Park is located at 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. There are several ways to reach the park.

Below we list the most common ways to get to the Rolling Hills Water Park.

By Car:

Depending on your starting point, you can use a GPS or online map service like Google Maps or MapQuest. Just input “Rolling Hills Water Park” or the address above to get turn-by-turn directions.

By Bus:

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) operates bus services in and around Ypsilanti. You can check their website for routes and schedules. Please note that you may need to walk a bit or take a taxi/rideshare for the last leg of the trip as the bus may not drop you off directly at the water park.

By Train:

Amtrak provides rail service to Ann Arbor, which is near Ypsilanti. From the Ann Arbor station, you can take a taxi, rideshare, or potentially a bus to reach the water park.

By Public Transport:

Generally, public transport options would involve a combination of bus and train services. Again, you’ll likely need to use a service like Google Maps to plan out your route, as it will give you step-by-step instructions based on your location and the current public transit schedules.

Best time to visit Rolling Hills Water Park

The best time to visit the Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti, Michigan, is during the summer season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The weather is lovely and if it is too warm, the park might give you some cooling.

The park is open daily from 12pm to 7pm during this period.

Inside tip: visiting on weekdays can often result in a less crowded experience. However, please note that due to schools being back in session, the water park may be closed on some weekdays towards the end of the summer.

Also, if you plan to have a meal at the park, be aware that concession stands tend to close about 1.5 hours before the park’s closing time.

Where To Stay

Luxury: Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest
This hotel is located on the eastern edge of Ann Arbor, near the water park. It offers an upscale experience with amenities like a golf course, fitness center, indoor pool, and multiple dining options. The hotel boasts spacious rooms with modern decor, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges.

Mid-Budget: Hampton Inn & Suites Ypsilanti
This mid-range hotel provides comfortable accommodations with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, free hot breakfast, and an indoor pool. The rooms are equipped with a coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, and HDTV.

Budget: Detroit / Ann Arbor KOA
The Detroit / Ann Arbor KOA features pull-through RV sites with full hookups, tent camping sites, and even cabin rentals for those who prefer a bit more comfort. Amenities at the campground include Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, bike rentals, a dog park, and a camp store for any supplies you might need.

Each of these accommodations provides easy access to Rolling Hills Water Park and other local attractions.

Restaurants

You can find a concession stand inside the Rolling Hills Water Park that offers a variety of summertime treats including hamburgers, hot dogs, jumbo pretzels, nachos, chips, and churros.

As for restaurants near Rolling Hills Water Park, here are some of our favorable options:

• Maiz Mexican Cantina: A popular spot offering a variety of Mexican dishes.
• Confections by Lynn: Known for their sweet treats and pastries.
• Casablanca: Serving a mix of Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Aubree’s: A local favorite for pizza and other Italian fare.
• Sidetrack Bar & Grill: Located about 5.23 miles from the park, this bar and grill is a great place for casual dining.
• Pacific Rim By Kana: About 8.82 miles from the park, this restaurant offers Asian-Fusion cuisine.
• Frita Batidos: Located approximately 8.88 miles from the park, it serves Cuban-inspired street food.

Nearby Attractions

Rolling Hills Water Park is surrounded by several attractions that cater to a variety of interests. Here are some you might enjoy:

• Rolling Hills County Park: Right next to the water park, this expansive nature park offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, disc golf, and more. This could especially be practical if you visit the water park in the morning and over lunch. In the afternoon you still have plenty of time to go hiking in the Rolling Hills County Park.
• Ann Arbor: This bustling university town is known for its culinary scene, tech hubs, and a walkable downtown filled with arts and culture. It’s located about 13.7km from the park.
• University of Michigan Museum of Art: Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this museum. It boasts an expansive collection and is open from 11:00-20:00.
• Depot Town: This historic neighborhood in Ypsilanti is filled with unique, locally-owned businesses, offering visitors a chance to explore and shop.
• Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum and Michigan Firehouse Museum: These museums offer a glimpse into the history of the automotive industry and firefighting respectively.
• Hamburg Historical Museum: Another museum option for history buffs, this one focuses mostly on local history.
• Colonial Lanes: A fun spot for bowling, located not too far from the park.
• Playground at High Point School: A nice place for kids to burn off some energy.
• Southern Michigan Railroad: Experience a fun and scenic train ride through the southern Michigan countryside.
• Houpt’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze: If you’re visiting in the fall, this pumpkin patch and corn maze can provide a fun, seasonal activity.

Final Tips and Tricks

Here are some final tips and tricks for a visit to the Rolling Hills Water Park:

What to Wear: Opt for a swimsuit that is comfortable and secure, as you’ll be moving around a lot. Water shoes can protect your feet from hot pavement and any rough surfaces. Don’t forget a cover-up or change of clothes for after your water fun.

Sunscreen: It’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, and remember to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re in and out of the water.

Food and Beverages: The park has a concession stand where you can buy some drinks and food. Please note that outside food and drinks is not allowed.

Chlorine Protection: To protect your skin and hair from chlorine, consider applying a waterproof lotion before swimming and rinsing off in the showers provided as soon as you get out of the water. For hair protection, you could also wear a swim cap.

Advance Tickets: The water park can get really popular and there is limited capacity. You can buy your tickets in advance online on their website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a day at the Rolling Hills Water Park is an adventure filled with laughter, excitement, and fun for children of all ages.

Let us know in the comments if you also liked your visit as much as we did!