Bunker Beach Water Park: Tickets, Hours, Prices & Map 2026
Bunker Beach Water Park is Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park, located inside Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids, not downtown Minneapolis. For families searching “Bunker Beach Water Park Minneapolis,” the real trip is a north-metro summer waterpark day with a heated wave pool, lazy river, slides, splash pad, kids’ pools, cabanas, food, lockers, and a regional park entrance permit.
This guide covers the real visitor intent behind Bunker Beach tickets, 2026 hours, admission prices, twilight rates, parking cost, map directions, season passes, group reservations, cabanas, shelters, discounts, weather/rain policy, what to bring, and whether it is worth the drive from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brooklyn Park, Blaine, Anoka, Maple Grove, Fridley, or the wider Twin Cities area.
Fast answer: Bunker Beach Water Park is at 701 County Parkway A, Coon Rapids, MN 55433, inside Bunker Hills Regional Park. The official 2026 daily admission page lists the season as June 6 to August 30, 2026, daily hours as 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM, regular general admission at $20.50, senior admission at $16.25, twilight general admission after 4 PM at $16.25, twilight senior admission at $14.25, and guests under 18 months at no charge. Bunker Hills Regional Park also requires a vehicle entrance permit: $7 daily or $30 annual.
What Visitors Really Need to Know First
People searching for Bunker Beach Water Park Minneapolis usually want a practical answer, not a generic waterpark description. The biggest confusion is location, price, vehicle entrance fee, online tickets, rain policy, and whether a non-swimming adult has to pay. This page answers those questions directly.
Minneapolis intent
Bunker Beach is near Minneapolis and St. Paul, but the address is in Coon Rapids inside Bunker Hills Regional Park. Use the Coon Rapids map, not downtown Minneapolis.
Ticket intent
Visitors need regular price, senior price, twilight price, online ticket limits, refund rules, and whether spectators pay admission.
Parking intent
The waterpark admission price does not include the Bunker Hills Regional Park vehicle entrance permit. Plan for $7 daily or $30 annual permit unless you are using a no-charge drop-off pass.
Unique Bunker Beach Daily Trip Checker
Bookmark this page and use this before leaving home. It helps you decide whether to buy online, pay at the gate, use twilight, add a locker, or skip the day because of weather.
Bunker Beach Tickets, Admission Prices and Twilight Rates 2026
Bunker Beach pricing has two parts: waterpark admission and the regional park vehicle entrance permit. A family that only checks admission price can under-budget the trip. Also, every person entering Bunker Beach, including spectators, must pay the daily fee.
| Ticket or fee | 2026 official listing | Best for | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular general admission | $20.50 per day | Adults, kids older than 18 months, full-day visitors. | Everyone entering, including spectators, pays the daily fee. |
| Regular senior admission | $16.25 per day | Senior citizens age 62+. | Good for grandparents who are watching or swimming. |
| Guests under 18 months | No charge | Babies and very young toddlers. | Bring swim diapers for children in diapers. |
| Twilight general admission | $16.25 after 4 PM | Short evening visits, local families, budget trips. | Less park time; not the best first-visit choice if kids want every attraction. |
| Twilight senior admission | $14.25 after 4 PM | Senior citizens age 62+ on shorter visits. | Useful for grandparents joining a late-day family trip. |
| Vehicle entrance permit | $7 daily / $30 annual | Drivers entering Bunker Hills Regional Park. | Not included with daily admission, season pass or class purchase. |
| Lockers | $7 small / $10 large / $15 jumbo | Phones, keys, wallets, towels, dry clothes and valuables. | Staff will not hold personal belongings. |
Real cost example: A family of four paying regular admission may also need a $7 vehicle permit and a locker. That means the real trip is more than four admission tickets. Add food, drinks, sunscreen, locker, permit and any cabana or group add-ons before deciding the budget.
How Online Tickets Work at Bunker Beach
Bunker Beach online tickets are useful, but they are not the same as buying anytime. Official information says online daily tickets can be purchased up to 3 days before your planned visit, guarantee entrance for that ticket day, are not refundable, are not eligible for rain checks, and cannot be purchased the same day.
Check the forecast first
Because online tickets are not refundable and not rain-check eligible, check thunder, lightning and heavy-rain risk before buying.
Buy within the 3-day window
Use official online daily tickets only when your visit is close enough and you are confident about the date.
Do not wait until same day
Official information says online daily tickets cannot be purchased same day. Plan ahead if capacity is a concern.
Still budget for vehicle permit
The online ticket does not remove the Bunker Hills Regional Park vehicle entrance permit requirement.
Hard warning: Buying online is smart on high-demand days, but risky if storms are likely. If weather is questionable, read the rain policy before you purchase.
Bunker Beach Hours and 2026 Season Dates
The official 2026 daily admission page lists Bunker Beach open June 6 through August 30, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Outdoor waterpark hours can still change for weather, attendance, staffing, safety, promotional days or closures, so check before leaving.
Opening day
Opening Day is listed as June 6, 2026.
Daily hours
Regular daily hours are listed as 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Twilight
Twilight admission begins after 4 PM.
Last day
Last Day of the Season is listed as August 30, 2026.
Bunker Beach Parking, Vehicle Permit and Map Direction Rules
Bunker Beach sits inside Bunker Hills Regional Park, so the parking situation is different from a standalone waterpark. The official visit page says a daily vehicle entrance permit can be purchased for $7 at the park entrance, an annual permit is $30, and a 10-minute drop-off pass is available at no charge. Gatehouses are cashless.
Daily vehicle permit
Budget $7 for a daily vehicle permit if you are driving into Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Annual permit
The annual permit is $30 and can make sense for families visiting Anoka County parks multiple times.
Drop-off pass
A 10-minute drop-off pass is listed at no charge. Use this only for quick drop-off, not a full visit.
Driver tip: Search the exact address, 701 County Parkway A, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Do not search only “Bunker Beach Minneapolis,” because the park is in Coon Rapids and you want the correct regional park entrance.
Bunker Beach Season Passes and Cardio Club 2026
Season passes are useful for locals and repeat visitors. The official 2026 season-pass page lists waterpark season pass prices and separate Cardio Club options. The standard waterpark season pass does not include Cardio Club admission.
| Pass | 2026 official listing | Best for | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Park Season Pass | $162/person | Families visiting many times. | Compare against daily admission and vehicle permit needs. |
| Senior Season Pass | $128/person | Age 62+ repeat visitors. | Good for grandparents who come often. |
| Water Park + Cardio Club | $218/person | Waterpark plus fitness users. | Only choose if Cardio Club matters to you. |
| Senior + Cardio Club | $182/person | Senior waterpark and fitness users. | Check Cardio Club schedule before buying. |
| Cardio Club Season Pass | $85/person | Fitness users only. | Not a full waterpark admission pass. |
2026 Promotional Days, Discounts and Coupon Intent
Bunker Beach discount searches usually mean families want to save money without accidentally buying the wrong ticket. The official 2026 promotional schedule includes $4-off days, half-price admission days, military discount on July 4, and a Twilight All Day event. Many discounts are not valid on twilight admission, group reservations, cabanas or shelter reservations.
| Date | Promotion | What it means | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 9 | Explore Your Parks Day | $4 off admission and free Bunker Hills entrance. | Not valid on twilight; not for group/cabana/shelter reservations. |
| June 17 | Half Price Admission Day | General admission tickets are half price. | Tickets must be used day-of; no groups/cabanas/shelters. |
| July 4 | Independence Day military discount | $4 off admission for active military, veterans and families. | Not valid on twilight, cabanas or shelters; no groups listed. |
| July 14 | Explore Your Parks Day | $4 off admission and free regional park entrance. | Same exclusions apply. |
| July 22 | Twilight All Day | Twilight rates start at 11:30 AM. | Discount does not apply to groups, cabanas or shelters. |
| August 5 | Half Price Admission Day | General admission tickets are half price. | Tickets must be used day-of; no groups/cabanas/shelters. |
| August 11 | Explore Your Parks Day | $4 off admission and free Bunker Hills entrance. | Not valid on twilight; not for group/cabana/shelter reservations. |
| August 30 | Last Day of Season | Final listed operating day for 2026. | Check weather and hours before driving. |
Cabanas, Picnic Shelters, Birthday Add-ons and Reserved Entry
Cabana and shelter reservations matter because they can provide shaded seating and reserved admission when the facility reaches max capacity. But the rental fee does not include guest admission unless you add qualifying tickets with the reservation. Read terms carefully before treating a cabana like an admission bundle.
| Rental | 2026 listed pricing | Capacity | Useful details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagoon Cabana | $76 half-day weekday, $87 half-day weekend, $163 all-day weekday, $173 all-day weekend. | Up to 10 guests. | Shaded seating and 10 water bottles; admission not included. |
| Island Cabana | $93 half-day weekday, $108 half-day weekend, $178 all-day weekday, $196 all-day weekend. | Up to 20 guests. | Shaded Big Island-style base with 20 water bottles; admission not included. |
| Picnic Shelter | $95 half-day weekday, $110 half-day weekend, $180 all-day weekday, $200 all-day weekend. | Up to 50 guests. | New in 2026; includes charcoal grill, outlets, restroom and parking access. |
| Birthday Party add-on | $44 listed. | Add-on to eligible cabana reservation. | Includes birthday shirt, shout-out and cupcakes; not for picnic shelters. |
| Meal voucher / boxed lunch | $11.50 each. | Add-on item. | Hot dog, hamburger or black bean burger plus chips and fountain drink. |
Cabana strategy: Choose Lagoon Cabana for younger kids, Island Cabana for larger families, and picnic shelter for bigger events that need food outside the waterpark area. Confirm rules because outside food and non-water beverages are not allowed inside cabanas.
Group Reservations, Birthday Groups and School/Camp Visits
Bunker Beach asks groups of 25 or more to make reservations at least two weeks before arrival. The official group rate is listed at $16.25 per person for 25 or more, with group events secured by full payment at least 14 days in advance. Daily park entrance fees are still required: $7 per vehicle or $15 per bus.
Group minimum
Plan group reservations when you have 25 or more people.
Group rate
The listed group rate is $16.25 per person for 25+ people.
Meal vouchers
Groups can add $11.50 meal vouchers for Tidal Wave Café when ordered with the reservation.
Group warning: Do not collect money from families until Bunker Beach confirms your reservation, head count deadline, weather terms, bus/vehicle fees and meal voucher rules.
Bunker Beach Attractions, Slides and Height Rules
Bunker Beach is known for its wave pool, lazy river and family attractions. The official attractions page lists a heated 80°F wave pool with three-foot waves, Lagoon, Twisted Towers, Splash Cove, Adventure Pool, 900-foot Lazy River, Rocky Bay, 4,400-square-foot Splash Pad, family restrooms, lockers, lactation room, Beach Boutique and dining.
Wave Pool
Heated to 80°F, with three-foot waves, zero-depth entry and depth up to five feet.
Lagoon
Zero-depth pool with one-foot max depth and multiple play features, including a 17-foot mega soaker.
Twisted Towers
Two body slides and two tube rider slides. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall.
Splash Cove
Two tube slides. Single and double tubes are first-come, first-served.
Adventure Pool
Zero-depth entry, two-foot max depth, and a good area for young adventurous kids.
Lazy River
A 900-foot lazy river around the Big Island with single and double tubes available first-come, first-served.
Rocky Bay
Two 10-foot Aqua Climb walls and water basketball nets. Strong swimmers only; lifeguards may require a swim test.
Splash Pad
4,400-square-foot zero-depth space with water features that switch zones every four minutes.
Height rule that matters: Guests must be 48 inches tall to ride the waterslides. Parents cannot take small children down slides on their lap or catch them at the bottom, and life jackets are not allowed on the waterslides.
Tot Time, Toddlers and Small-Kid Strategy
Families searching “Bunker Beach for toddlers” need a different plan from teen slide riders. The official Exercise & Extras page lists Tot Time from June 9 to August 27, 2026, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 AM to 10:45 AM, with $7 per swimmer per session and adults free.
Tot Time
Best for pre-K children exploring the Lagoon before the regular park day begins.
Adult ratio
Official Tot Time rules require one adult per two children in attendance.
Safety
Adult supervision is required, and life vests/flotation devices are handled differently during Tot Time than on waterslides.
Food, Dining, Coolers and Picnic Rules
Bunker Beach food policy is one of the most important family planning details. The official visit page says outside food is not allowed inside Bunker Beach, but picnic facilities are available nearby and visitors may leave and return with a re-admission hand stamp from the entrance booth. Dining includes items such as pizza, ice cream and hot dogs, with Breakers Snack Shack and Tidal Wave Café listed.
Plan for this
- Budget for concession food and drinks.
- Use nearby picnic facilities if you need outside food.
- Get a re-admission hand stamp before leaving the facility.
- Ask office staff about peanut-product concerns if allergies matter.
- Bring an empty reusable water bottle or sealed water bottle.
Do not bring inside
- Outside food or beverages.
- Coolers.
- Glass containers.
- Alcohol, tobacco or e-cigarette products.
- Personal radios or speakers.
Weather, Rain Checks, Pool Closure and Refund Policy
Bunker Beach is an outdoor waterpark, so weather matters. The official policy says operations may be suspended for inclement weather and resume when safe. The pool may clear or close if the temperature is 62°F or colder, rain makes it difficult to see the pool bottom, there is an electrical storm, there is a tornado warning, or management closes part/all of the facility due to low attendance.
Thunder or lightning
The pool deck must be cleared for 30 minutes, and the clock restarts with each additional thunder or lightning event.
Heavy rain
The park may clear or close if it is raining hard enough that the pool bottom is difficult to see.
Rain-check warning
Online pre-purchased tickets are not eligible for rain checks. Check weather before buying online.
Refund reality: Bunker Beach does not offer cash refunds for weather closures. A return daily admission pass may apply only under specific conditions for eligible daily admission guests who bought less than one hour before the initial pool clearing and can produce a receipt. Guests who were already there over one hour before closure do not receive a return daily admission.
What to Bring to Bunker Beach
Good packing prevents the most common problems: paying for lockers after leaving valuables exposed, being stopped at the gate with coolers, or realizing kids do not meet slide rules after promising rides.
Bring these
- Proper swim attire with no zippers or rivets.
- Towel for every swimmer.
- Swim diapers for children in diapers.
- U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for young swimmers.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Money/card for concessions, locker or tube rental area if needed.
- Empty reusable water bottle or sealed water bottle.
- Vehicle permit payment method because gatehouses are cashless.
Leave these out
- Outside food and beverages.
- Coolers and glass containers.
- Flippers, snorkels or facemasks covering the nose.
- Water wings, noodles, tubes, balls and water toys.
- Personal radios or speakers.
- Tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol and illegal substances.
- Pop-up tents, umbrellas and lawn games.
- Valuables you are not willing to lock up.
Bunker Beach Reviews and Photos: What to Check Before You Go
Reviews and photos help if you use them like a planner. Do not judge Bunker Beach from one angry review or one perfect photo. Look for recent images of the wave pool, Lagoon, lockers, Splash Pad, Lazy River, cabana shade, food lines, parking/entrance line and how crowded the park looks on hot weekends.
Photo check
Look for shade, seating, water depth, kids’ areas, slide scale, locker location and family restroom access.
Review check
Watch repeated themes about capacity, lines, weather closures, food, cleanliness, parking and whether families found value.
Call if it matters
If a review mentions a problem that would ruin your trip, confirm directly with Bunker Beach before driving.
Bunker Beach Water Park Map, Address and Directions
Use the exact destination: Bunker Beach Water Park, 701 County Parkway A, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. From Minneapolis and St. Paul, plan around north-metro summer traffic, regional park entrance flow, and possible capacity on hot days.
Bunker Beach Video Preview
Use video only to understand the park scale, wave pool, slides, Lazy River and family layout. Use official pages for final ticket prices, weather policy, hours, vehicle permit and rules.
Bunker Beach Water Park FAQ
Where is Bunker Beach Water Park?
Bunker Beach Water Park is located at 701 County Parkway A, Coon Rapids, MN 55433, inside Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Is Bunker Beach in Minneapolis?
No. Bunker Beach is in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, but it is minutes from the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. Many visitors search “Bunker Beach Minneapolis” because it is a Twin Cities-area waterpark.
What are Bunker Beach hours in 2026?
The official 2026 daily admission page lists Bunker Beach open June 6 through August 30, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
How much is Bunker Beach admission?
Regular general admission is listed at $20.50 per day, senior admission age 62+ at $16.25, and guests under 18 months at no charge.
Does Bunker Beach have twilight admission?
Yes. Twilight admission after 4 PM is listed at $16.25 for general admission and $14.25 for seniors age 62+.
Does everyone have to pay at Bunker Beach?
Yes. Official information says all persons entering Bunker Beach, including spectators, are required to pay the daily fee.
Is there a parking fee?
Bunker Hills Regional Park requires a vehicle entrance permit. The official page lists $7 daily and $30 annual vehicle permits, with a no-charge 10-minute drop-off pass.
Can I buy Bunker Beach tickets online?
Yes, online daily tickets are available up to 3 days before your planned visit and guarantee entrance for the ticket day, but they cannot be purchased same day, are not refundable and are not eligible for rain checks.
How much are Bunker Beach lockers?
Official prices list small lockers at $7 per day, large lockers at $10 per day and jumbo lockers at $15 per day.
What is the Bunker Beach season pass price?
The official 2026 season-pass page lists Water Park Season Pass at $162 per person and Senior Season Pass at $128 per person.
Are outside food and coolers allowed?
No. Outside food, beverages and coolers are not allowed inside Bunker Beach. Picnic facilities are nearby, and visitors may leave and return with a re-admission hand stamp.
What should I bring to Bunker Beach?
Bring proper swim attire, towel, swim diapers if needed, sunglasses, sunscreen, money/card, a sealed or empty reusable water bottle, and U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets if needed.
What is the height requirement for Bunker Beach slides?
Guests must be 48 inches tall to ride the waterslides. Life jackets are not allowed on waterslides, and parents cannot take small children down slides on their lap.
What happens if it storms?
Thunder or lightning requires the pool deck to be cleared for 30 minutes, and the clock restarts with each additional thunder or lightning event. Bunker Beach may close for the day if delays exceed total wait-time rules or weather conditions remain unsafe.
Does Bunker Beach give rain checks?
Online pre-purchased tickets are not rain-check eligible. Weather-related return passes for daily admission apply only under specific official conditions, and cash refunds are not offered for weather closures.
Is Bunker Beach good for toddlers?
Yes, especially the Lagoon, Adventure Pool, Splash Pad and Tot Time sessions. Parents should keep young children within active supervision and use swim diapers when needed.
Is Bunker Beach good for seniors?
Yes, especially for seniors visiting with family, but budget for senior admission, vehicle permit, shaded seating, lockers, food and walking distance.
Does Bunker Beach have cabanas?
Yes. Bunker Beach offers Lagoon Cabanas, Island Cabanas and new 2026 Picnic Shelters with different prices, capacities and rules.
Final Take: Is Bunker Beach Worth It in 2026?
Bunker Beach is worth considering if you want a large outdoor Twin Cities-area waterpark with a heated wave pool, 900-foot Lazy River, slides, zero-depth pools, splash pad, climbing walls, water basketball, cabanas, picnic shelters and family-friendly summer energy. It is strongest for families who arrive early, check weather, understand the vehicle permit, use lockers, and plan food before kids get hungry.
The smartest plan is simple: check official hours, decide regular versus twilight, buy online only when weather looks safe, budget for the vehicle permit, measure kids for 48-inch slide rules, bring towels and proper swimwear, avoid coolers, use a locker, and save the map before leaving home.