You’re planning a Summer Ozark family vacation. You want to know what the locals are doing, and we’re here to let you in on those insider secrets. When the sun comes out, the weather warms up, and things start getting humid around here, so we do certain things to keep our cool. One of those things is heading to BeeBe’s Roaring River Waterslide.

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Located in proximity to Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Missouri, BeeBe’s is a scenic drive through the Ozarks to a destination locked in time. It has a large parking lot, plenty of shade trees, and just the right amount of fun to cool off a hot afternoon.

BeeBe’s Roaring River Waterslide Cast in Time

If you step out of your car and feel like you landed in the 1980s, you know you’re at BeeBe’s Waterslide. That’s because construction started on this downhill attraction in 1978 and has remained untouched by time since. BeeBe’s isn’t a whole park, it’s one super long waterslide that snakes and turns down a steep hill, and we can never get enough!

The theme at BeeBe’s is just good old-fashioned fun. It’s a little rambunctious. You’ll get a little beat up by the bumpy ’80s fiberglass finish, but you’re guaranteed a good time! The owners are incredibly kind, and nobody is out blowing a whistle at you to slow down, stop running, or call out “no splashing”. Everyone is there to enjoy the experience and share the joy.

BeeBe’s Roaring River Waterslide is 300-feet of fun, built into the downward slope of the hill. There are no climbing stairs or ladders to get to the entrance and no sudden stage fright looking down from the top. Once you go down, you simply walk back up the slope and go again. It’s $10 per person for an hour, and trust us, an hour is enough!

Photo Credit: Beebe’s Waterslide Facebook Page

BeeBe’s Concession Stand and Perks

There’s so much to love about this little hidden gem of the Ozarks. Though the slide remains untouched, nature around it has continued to thrive. That’s fantastic news for the parents bringing their kids to play because BeeBe’s is surrounded by shade trees.

They have a picnic area with plenty of seating and shade for spectators. There aren’t any rules about outside food or drinks, so pack a picnic and feed the after-swim munchies. You can hang out for a while and dry off, so you’re not putting wet kids in the car.

Related: How to Plan an Epic Day at the Water Park

When my family goes to BeeBe’s (a yearly tradition), we’re not packing snacks, though! That’s because one of my favorite attractions is the ice cream here. There are certain assurances in life. One of those is that BeeBe’s is part of our Ozark summer fun, and another is that I’m not leaving without that big twist cone! They have other snacks and treats, including corn dogs, chips, and burgers, which are all surprisingly affordable for a concession stand.

Photo Credit: Beebe’s Waterslide Facebook Page

Insider Tips from a BeeBe’s Veteran

I did mention that you could get some bumps and bruises here. Since the slide is built into the downward slope, it does go fast! At the end, you spit out into a water pool that is churning with ferocity. It gets hard to see the concrete step that allows you to exit the slide. My son missed this one year and took his big toenail nearly clean off. Water shoes! I highly recommend them if you’re going.

Also, while bystanders have plenty of shade, the slide is in direct sunlight keeping you nice and toasty while you’re in the water. Make sure you pack and apply sunscreen. While youngsters are enthusiastically encouraged to have fun, I’d never consider letting a little go down alone. It’s called Roaring River for a reason. That end pool can get crowded and difficult to navigate.

The official ruling is max two at a time, but I’ve seen large groups go down together. Just take the little one with you and help them at the end. They’ll have fun, and it’ll be a memory you keep forever. They do pass out mats, but you can also go without one. You can go forwards, backward, in groups, or solo. However you want to go, I just recommend going!

Is BeeBe’s Roaring River Waterslide Worth it?

You already know I’m going to say yes, right? BeeBe’s is a long-standing tradition that has lasted the test of time. It’s nostalgic, it’s cheap, and it’s so much fun. I caution you to take my insider tips, but even with our toe mishap, there’s never been a regret coming here.

At $10 a person, it’s cheaper than any water park you’ll find. It’s an hour-long adventure, but the owners are super sweet, and I’ve yet to ever see them walk someone out at minute 60. Everyone operates on the honor system, and it’s worked for the past 40 years.

Start Planning Your Trip

If you want to stay at the nearby Roaring River State Park, there are plenty of campsites and RV stations to make that happen. If you’re considering staying somewhere else nearby during your Ozark family vacation, let us help you snag a deal.

• Find a Local Hotel: Check dates and rates on Trip.com
• Rent a Car: Roadtrips are the best way to experience the Ozarks, get the best rates on Economy Bookings

You can also find a local vacation rental with incomparable Ozark views here.

Don’t forget to pack these Water Slide essentials:

✔ Water Shoes for Adults

Keep your toes protected on the ride down with water shoes for the whole family. These are a must-have item for any water activity in the Ozarks, so grab a pair and go!

✔ Water Shoes for Kids

Keep precious little toes safe while your littles enjoy playing in the water. These are great for water parks and splash pads where concrete take rub the skin right off your little tootsies.

✔ Mineral Spray Sun Screen

Stock up on sunscreen this summer so you never run out! Spray-on water-resistant Coppertone Pure & Simple sunscreen is a great way to prevent sunburn when enjoying fun in the sun all day long!