One of the largest and most popular parks in the state, and by far the most convenient to Birmingham, is Alabama Adventure. Located in Bessemer, just west of the city, Alabama Adventure is two parks in one -- a conventional theme park, Magic City USA, and Splash Beach Water Park. The park also hosts shows and concerts. Alabama Adventure has about 30 rides, and about seven water rides. Some of the rides at the park include the Acapulco Drop, which is a free-fall drop slide, UpSurge and Splashdown. The water park also has a lazy river and wave pool.
About an hour north of Birmingham in Bloutsville is Spring Valley Beach. While not quite as large as Splash Beach, Spring Valley features numerous rides and other activities. Thrill rides include The Sidewinder, a four-story free-fall slide, Black Out, a pitch black tunnel slide and Need for Speed. The park also has one of the largest swimming pools in the southeast, a children's area and a picnic area. To get to Blountsville, take Interstate 65 north.
About 1-1/2 hours from Birmingham is the Point Mallard complex in Decatur, Alabama. Like Alabama Adventure, Point Mallard is also a multipark facility. Along with the waterpark, the park also has a full golf course, an ice skating rink, batting cages and a camp ground. The water park is the main attraction and claims to be the home of America's first Wave Pool. The park also has a variety of rides such as Speed Slide, flume rides, a kids area and an artificial beach.
A convenient and more cost-effective option, but not quite as thrilling, are municipal pools. Located throughout the city, a pool can be an option for spending a day in the water while saving the drive and a few dollars.
