FAM ILY T R AV E L
OWA Brings Family Entertainment in a Big Way By Carol Muse Evans
Photos courtesy of OWA unless specified
OWA
Parks & Resort, located just 15 minutes from the beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast in Foley, has quickly become a must see for families, either as an add-on to a beach vacation or a destination unto itself.
The new water park’s outdoor wave pool includes a surf simulator, a stage area to enjoy music and shows from the water, and a restaurant overlooking the simulator, beach area and ample seating, private cabana rentals and restrooms with lockers.
There is truly something for everyone in the family! The original Tropic Falls at OWA, the gated theme park with more than 23 rides/attractions, means everyone in the family has something to enjoy. They even have special ticketing for non-riders. The area features free parking, as well.
The indoor water park is huge, with 100,000 square feet under one room, and 65,000 square feet of the space being the water attractions area. Noteworthy is that the indoor water park will be the only indoor water park in the U.S. with a retractable wall and retractable roof, and it includes 11 water slides, with those for the thrill seekers as well as five family-friendly slides in the kids water play area.
And now OWA has added another “park” – a new water park featuring indoor and outdoor offerings, and the two parks together have become Tropic Falls at OWA, with the water features just opening in late June to the public. Downtown OWA, just next to Tropic Falls, offers a wide array of fantastic restaurants and shops, even if you aren’t going into the theme park. Downtown OWA is free and open to the public daily, and it even includes the OWA Theater with great shows throughout the year, worth the trip alone. The park and downtown area feature numerous special events throughout the year, including the recent Balloon Festival in mid-May. Watch the website (www.visitowa.com) for a list of special events. TROPIC FALLS AT OWA The existing theme park, along with the new water park, have experienced the expansion playing on the tropic theme through both the parks, combining the name and theme. The original theme park has more than 23 attractions, from the tame yet so-fun kiddie rides to the breathtaking Rollin’ Thunder rollercoaster, Air Racer, Crazy Mouse Coaster, Mystic Mansion and even their own take on teacups. This immaculately clean and well-organized theme park truly offers family-friendly fun. 42 | Birmingham Parent | July-August 2022
Now you can purchase just general admission day passes either for the theme park only, or a combo with water park, or 2022 season passes for both. Check the website for special discounts, non-rider passes, and of course, special events throughout the year! Watch for package discounts on lodging at the on-site Marriott TownPlace Suites, discounts on merchandise in the park and even early access. DOWNTOWN OWA Don’t miss eating at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant, sit in the cool indoors or on the patio and enjoy the lake outside while water enthusiasts at OWA’s Aqua Play and Wake Park at Gravity Island. Great seafood, salads, sandwiches and more, and very family friendly. https://visitowa. com/dining/lucys-retired-surfers-bar-restaurant/ One of my favorite restaurants at OWA is Valerio’s. This very affordable Italian restaurant and pizzeria is quick and delicious, and food is plentiful. Counter service means quick turnaround for eating in the restaurant or take out. https://visitowa.com/dining/valerios/ Paula Dean’s Family Kitchen is a classic at OWA, and this home cooking is consistently delicious and served family style. Bring a big appetite! Don’t
