There’s water everywhere in coastal Rhode Island, as you’ll discover oceanfront beaches, tranquil ponds, and winding rivers while exploring the area. In fact, you’ll probably spend the majority of your South County vacation at the region’s various beaches because they’re scenic, lively, and accessible.
There is another option if you’re looking for something a little different, though, at the Yawgoo Valley Water Park. This facility is Rhode Island’s only water park and has tons of activities for the entire family.
The park enjoys a central location in Exeter, about ten miles from Narragansett and 16 miles from Matunuck, making it easily accessible from South County’s most popular vacation areas.
Here’s a look at what you can expect when visiting South County’s Yawgoo Valley Water Park in 2022.
Pool and Waterslides
The main reason you’d visit Yawgoo Valley in the summer is for the pools and waterslides. This facility has two slides with a combined length of over 750 feet, offering a wonderful opportunity to cool off when temperatures rise.
There’s also a full-sized swimming pool that ranges from three to six feet deep, making it an excellent place for adults and kids alike to get in the water.
If you have young kids, you can take advantage of the splash pool, too. This pool is only a foot deep, so it’s an excellent place for smaller children to cool off in the summer.
While these facilities aren’t world-class, they offer a unique summer experience for South County vacationers and provide hours of entertainment for your children.
Bar and Restaurant
You can’t bring outside food or drinks into the Yawgoo Valley Water Park, but you can buy something to eat at Ryder’s Tiki Bar. The menu is basic, featuring summertime staples like burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs, nachos, and French fries, and they also have plenty of iced drinks for the kids. Beer, spritzers, and cocktails are on sale for the adults in your group, as well.
The tiki bar has a patio area adults can enjoy while their kids play on the waterslides and a covered area if you need to get out of the sun for a bit.
Ryder’s Tiki Bar is a very popular spot with parents in the summer because it provides some relaxation while your children use the water park.
Hours, Tickets, and Rules
Yawgoo Valley is open every day of the summer between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with a few exceptions. The facility opens until 5:00 PM on many Saturdays in July and August, giving visitors an extra hour to play.
You should know that tickets are available on an hourly basis because of space limitations. So, you’ll purchase a ticket for a designated time period, and you must leave the park or purchase another ticket, if available, to extend your stay.
Purchasing your ticket before arrival is recommended to ensure you can get in at your desired time. The cost is $18 per hour for those five and up and $10 per hour for visitors four and under. The park also has a $10 spectator surcharge for those not entering the water. However, you don’t need a spectator pass to use the tiki bar or washrooms.
You’ll have to sign a waiver before entering the park. This waiver is part of the online buying process, so you only have to fill out paperwork when buying tickets in person at the venue.
As long as you understand the process before you arrive, your time at the Yawgoo Valley Water Park should be enjoyable.
A Different Way to Spend a Day
While you probably won’t want to visit Yawgoo Valley more than once on your South County vacation unless your kids genuinely love it, the facility provides a break from the beach while keeping you outdoors.
The venue is easily accessible from most South County towns, and you can purchase your tickets ahead of time, making it an ideal spot to spend a couple of hours.
There’s also a small ski area and a tube park at Yawgoo Valley in the winter, so you can even visit this facility if you’re staying in the region in the off-season.
Overall, Yawgoo Valley is a nice option to have that’s never far from your South County vacation rental.