Cascade Bay Water Park: Tickets, Hours, Prices & Map 2026
Cascade Bay Water Park in Eagan, Minnesota is a city-run outdoor waterpark built for practical summer fun: lazy river, slides, zero-depth entry, lap pool, toddler-friendly play, sand area, mini-golf, concessions, lockers, showers, and family-friendly session pricing.
This guide answers the real search intent behind “Cascade Bay water park,” “Cascade Bay Eagan,” “Cascade Bay tickets,” “Cascade Bay hours,” “Cascade Bay prices,” “Cascade Bay map,” “Little Mates,” “Cardio Bay,” “mini golf,” “discount tickets,” “weather closure,” and “is Cascade Bay worth it?” without turning those searches into a raw keyword list.
Fast answer: Cascade Bay Water Park’s 2026 season is listed from Friday, June 5 through Sunday, August 30. Open swim is split into Session 1 from 10:45AM–2:45PM and Session 2 from 3:15PM–7:15PM. Single-session admission is $14 over 42 inches, $12 under 42 inches, $11 for seniors 62+, and free under 12 months. The $20 all-day access ticket includes both sessions and unlimited mini-golf. Cascade Bay closes at 6:30PM on listed private rental nights.
What “Cascade Bay Water Park” Searchers Really Need
A user searching Cascade Bay is usually not looking for a generic waterpark description. They need to know whether the park is open today, which session to buy, whether all-day access is worth $20, whether small kids have a good area, how weather closures work, where to park, what rides have 42-inch rules, and whether mini-golf is included.
Hours intent
The visitor needs Session 1, Session 2, all-day access, private rental early closures, Little Mates morning time, and Cardio Bay fitness windows.
Ticket intent
The visitor needs single-session prices, all-day pricing, senior pricing, under-42-inch pricing, online ticket timing, walk-up timing, and season pass value.
Family fit intent
Parents want to know if toddlers, non-swimmers, teens, grandparents, birthday groups, and budget families can all enjoy the same facility.
Cascade Bay Session Picker Tool
Use this before buying tickets. It helps match your family to Session 1, Session 2, all-day access, Little Mates, or Cardio Bay.
Cascade Bay Hours 2026: Open Swim, Little Mates and Cardio Bay
Cascade Bay is not a simple “open all day, come whenever” waterpark. Open swim is split into two sessions, and there are separate windows for Little Mates and Cardio Bay. That matters because the wrong ticket can mean leaving after one session or missing the toddler-friendly morning hour.
| Program | 2026 Time | Who It Helps | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Swim Session 1 | 10:45AM–2:45PM | Families who want earlier seating, cooler start, and first slide time. | Single-session ticket covers this block only unless you buy all-day access. |
| Open Swim Session 2 | 3:15PM–7:15PM | Afternoon visitors, after-camp plans, and families wanting later heat relief. | Some private rental nights close public hours at 6:30PM. |
| Session Break | 2:45PM–3:15PM | All-day guests and passholders can reset. | Pools clear for a safety break. All-day guests and passholders can stay in the park but not in pools. |
| Little Mates | 9:30AM–10:30AM daily except Wednesday | Children 6 and under who need a calmer intro to water play. | Separate program; guests exit before public open swim begins. |
| Cardio Bay Morning | 6:30AM–10:30AM daily except Wednesday | Lap swim, water walking, low-impact exercise, arthritis-friendly movement. | Fitness program, not regular open swim. |
| Cardio Bay Evening | Monday–Thursday 7:30PM–9PM | Evening water walking, lap swimming, and fitness classes. | Closed on listed private-rental/holiday dates. |
Private rental warning: on select Sundays and Thursdays, Cascade Bay closes to the public at 6:30PM. Session 2 and all-day visitors should check the calendar before paying.
Cascade Bay Tickets and Prices 2026
Cascade Bay pricing is simple compared with major resort waterparks, but the session system is where visitors get confused. Prices listed below are per session unless you buy all-day access.
| Ticket | 2026 Price | What It Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 42 inches | $14 single session | One open swim session. | Most kids, teens, and adults using Session 1 or Session 2 only. |
| Under 42 inches | $12 single session | One open swim session. | Smaller children who may use zero-depth entry, mini-pirate slide, and shallow play. |
| Seniors 62+ | $11 single session | One open swim session. | Grandparents, senior swimmers, or adult family helpers. |
| Under 12 months | Free | Admission for infants under 12 months. | Families with babies watching older siblings. |
| All-Day Access | $20 per person | Both open swim sessions plus unlimited mini-golf. | Families staying most of the day, mini-golf users, and visitors who want flexibility. |
| Little Mates | $7 per child | 9:30AM–10:30AM toddler/preschool play, one free adult per child. | Children 6 and under who need a calmer start. |
| Mini-golf only | $2 per round / $4 unlimited | Captain’s Course mini-golf. | Families using the session break or non-busy-day golf visits. |
Ticket timing: single-session and all-day tickets are available online 72 hours before the attendance date. Walk-up tickets are available beginning at 10AM daily, but capacity and large groups can affect availability.
Session 1 vs Session 2 vs All-Day Access
This is the most important decision for a normal visitor. A single-session ticket is cheaper, but it is not the same as staying all day. An all-day ticket costs more but gives both sessions and unlimited mini-golf during the session break.
Choose Session 1 if…
You want the earlier start, younger kids have better morning energy, you want cooler weather, or you want to leave before late-day crowds and dinner time.
Choose Session 2 if…
You want an afternoon water break, you are local to Eagan, you have morning plans, or a Splash ’N Save discount night makes Session 2 cheaper.
Choose all-day if…
Your family will use both sessions, wants mini-golf, or does not want to make the hard exit after Session 1.
Ruthless price check: all-day access is only worth it if your group actually has energy for both sessions. For toddlers, one focused session may be better than paying extra for a tired second half.
Cascade Bay Slides, Pools and Attractions
Cascade Bay’s value is not just “water slides.” It works because it has a mix of thrill slides, lazy river, shallow entry, lap water, toddler areas, sand play, concessions, and mini-golf. Match the attraction to your swimmer’s age and confidence.
Leisure Pool
19,000 sq. ft. pool with 200 ft. of zero-depth entry and a 6-lane lap pool with 6.5 ft. deep end.
Lazy River
700 ft. lazy river with zero-depth entry, light rapids, water sprayer, and 3.5 ft. depth throughout.
Purple Tube Slide
Single tubes require 42 inches; double tubes have no height restriction, but riders must sit unsupported.
Red & Blue Body Slides
40 ft. tower slides with fast sections. Riders must be 42 inches and ride/exit unaccompanied. No life jackets.
Speed Drop Slides
Green and yellow slides require 42 inches and strong swimming ability. No life jackets; exit pool is deep with current.
Orange Slide
Gentle shallow-water slide designed for non-swimmers and riders under 42 inches. Availability can change.
Mini-Pirate Boat Slide
Zero-depth exit slide designed for children under 42 inches. Good for small kids building confidence.
Sandpiper Beach
Sand play break area for non-swimmers or kids who need a break from water and slides.
Parent rule: do not promise a slide before checking height, swim ability, life-jacket rules, and whether your child can ride and exit alone where required.
Little Mates at Cascade Bay
Little Mates answers a very specific parent intent: “Is Cascade Bay good for toddlers?” The program gives children 6 and under a calmer introduction before the full open-swim crowd arrives.
Age fit
Built for children 6 and under using select areas such as Shipwreck Cove, Sandpiper Beach, and sometimes the Orange Slide.
Time
9:30AM–10:30AM daily except Wednesdays. Little Mates guests exit before regular public open swim begins.
Price
$7 per child, with one free adult admitted per child. Maximum ratio is 1 adult to 4 children.
Cardio Bay: Lap Swim, Water Walking and Fitness
Cardio Bay is not the same as regular waterpark admission. It is for fitness users who want low-impact water exercise, lap swimming, water walking, injury rehab, arthritis-friendly movement, and structured water fitness time.
| Cardio Bay Option | 2026 Detail | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Season | June 1–Aug. 30 fitness sessions only | Regular fitness users |
| Morning | 6:30AM–10:30AM daily except Wednesday | Early lap swim, water walking, classes |
| Evening | Monday–Thursday 7:30PM–9PM | After-work water walking and lap swim |
| Daily admission | $11 | One-time fitness visit |
| Season pass | $75 Eagan resident / $85 non-resident | Repeat fitness users |
Captain’s Course Mini-Golf
Mini-golf is a hidden value point at Cascade Bay. The nine-hole Captain’s Course gives families something useful to do during the session break, after swim time, or on non-busy days when golf may be sold without a waterpark ticket.
Per round
Captain’s Course is listed at $2 per round.
Unlimited pass
Unlimited mini-golf is listed at $4 per person.
All-day access
All-day waterpark tickets include unlimited mini-golf with both swim sessions.
Weather Closures, Rain Policy and Refund Reality
Cascade Bay is an outdoor municipal waterpark, so weather planning matters. The official policy says the facility may clear the pool or close for low temperatures, hard rain that makes the pool bottom difficult to see, electrical storms, tornado warnings, low attendance, or management safety decisions.
62°F or below
Cascade Bay can clear or close when ambient temperature is 62°F or below, although Cardio Bay may still be available.
Hard rain
If rain makes it difficult to see the bottom of the pool, the park may clear or close for safety.
Electrical storm
Lightning and electrical storms can clear the pools. Keep your receipt if weather is questionable.
Refund reality: Cascade Bay does not offer cash refunds for weather closures. Return passes depend on how long you were in the park before the pool was cleared and whether you can produce a receipt.
Groups, Birthdays and Private Rentals
A birthday or group visit has different rules than a normal family ticket. Deposits, final headcounts, chaperone ratios, lunch options, outside food rules, and cancellation windows matter.
| Option | Official Planning Detail | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Large groups | 25+ attendees; Session 1 availability; $11/person plus tax; one free chaperone per 10 guests; $275 deposit. | Camps, youth groups, schools, teams. |
| Small groups | 15–24 attendees; Session 2 availability; $12/person plus tax; one free chaperone per 10 guests; $180 deposit. | Small outings and organized family groups. |
| Private rental | After-hours full facility rental for up to 2,000 people; 7PM–9PM select Sunday/Thursday nights; $2,800 plus tax and deposit. | Corporate events, fundraisers, client appreciation, large private events. |
| Food rule | Groups cannot bring outside food inside during normal group visits, but may use hand stamps to exit and eat sack meals outside. | Budget-conscious groups planning lunch separately. |
Cascade Bay Map, Address and Directions
Cascade Bay Water Park is located at 1360 Civic Center Drive, Eagan, MN 55122. It is a practical Twin Cities south-metro waterpark choice for Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Mendota Heights, Bloomington, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, St. Paul, and Minneapolis-area families.
Cascade Bay Photos, Reviews and “Is It Worth It?” Checks
Photos and reviews should help you plan, not just scroll. Look for recent photos of shade, seating, concession lines, locker area, toddler zones, slide tower, lazy river crowding, showers, and whether the waterpark looks busy on your planned type of day.
Photo intent
Check zero-depth entry, sand play, lazy river, slide tower, shaded patio, and grassy areas before choosing your base spot.
Review intent
Trust patterns, not one complaint. Watch repeated comments about capacity, cleanliness, lifeguards, concessions, and kid age fit.
Worth-it intent
Cascade Bay is strongest as a value municipal waterpark, especially when families use all-day access, mini-golf, or the right session.
What to Bring to Cascade Bay
Because tickets are session-based and weather can change, pack like you are going to a city waterpark, not a resort. Keep your receipt, use lockers for valuables, and plan snacks/food around official rules.
Bring these
- Ticket QR code, receipt, ID, and payment card.
- Towels, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and water-safe shoes.
- Dry clothes, plastic bag for wet items, and swim diapers if needed.
- Locker budget for phones, wallets, keys, medicine, and dry clothes.
- Water bottle and a plan for concessions or outside meal break rules.
- Phone number for weather/capacity hotline: 651-675-5577.
Check before packing
- Outside food and beverage rules.
- Life-jacket rules for slides and swimmer confidence.
- Whether your child is 42 inches for major slides.
- Whether private rental nights shorten Session 2.
- Whether large groups may affect capacity on your date.
- Weather forecast, low temperature, lightning, or heavy rain risk.
Step-by-Step Cascade Bay Visit Plan
Use this plan to turn a simple “Cascade Bay water park” search into a smooth family outing.
Pick your session first
Decide Session 1, Session 2, all-day access, Little Mates, or Cardio Bay. Do not buy a single-session ticket if your family expects to stay all day.
Check private rental and Splash ’N Save dates
If visiting Session 2, check whether the park closes at 6:30PM for a private rental and whether a $3-off Splash ’N Save discount applies.
Buy online 72 hours ahead or arrive for walk-up
Online tickets open 72 hours before attendance. Walk-up tickets start at 10AM daily, but capacity can matter.
Use lockers early
Lockers are near Sandpiper Beach attached to the shower building and are listed at $6 per day. Store valuables before getting wet.
Choose a base spot by age
Toddlers should base near shallow areas; mixed groups can use lazy river or central landmarks; groups should use Hill Top as a meeting spot.
Do height-rule slides before tiredness
If kids are 42 inches and confident swimmers, do big slides earlier while energy is high. Keep non-swimmers in shallow play zones.
Use the session break smartly
All-day guests and passholders can use mini-golf or concessions while pools clear from 2:45PM–3:15PM.
Keep weather receipts ready
Weather return passes depend on timing, receipts, and being present at closure. Do not throw away your receipt.
Cascade Bay Water Park FAQ
Where is Cascade Bay Water Park?
Cascade Bay Water Park is at 1360 Civic Center Drive, Eagan, MN 55122.
When is Cascade Bay open in 2026?
The official 2026 season is listed from Friday, June 5 through Sunday, August 30.
What are Cascade Bay hours?
Open swim Session 1 is 10:45AM–2:45PM and Session 2 is 3:15PM–7:15PM. The park closes at 6:30PM on listed private rental nights.
How much are Cascade Bay tickets?
Single-session admission is $14 over 42 inches, $12 under 42 inches, $11 for seniors 62+, and free under 12 months. All-day access is $20 per person.
What does all-day access include?
All-day access includes admission to both open swim sessions and unlimited mini-golf on Captain’s Course.
Can I buy Cascade Bay tickets online?
Yes. Single-session and all-day tickets are available online 72 hours before the attendance date. Walk-up tickets are available beginning at 10AM daily.
What is Little Mates?
Little Mates is a toddler/preschool program for children 6 and under from 9:30AM–10:30AM daily except Wednesdays. It costs $7 per child with one free adult per child.
What is Cardio Bay?
Cardio Bay is a fitness program with lap swim, water walking, and water fitness classes. Morning hours are 6:30AM–10:30AM daily except Wednesdays, and evening hours are Monday–Thursday 7:30PM–9PM.
How much are Cascade Bay lockers?
Lockers are listed at $6 per day and are located near Sandpiper Beach attached to the shower building.
Does Cascade Bay have a lazy river?
Yes. Cascade Bay has a 700-foot lazy river with zero-depth entry, a split with light rapids and water sprayer, and 3.5-foot depth throughout.
What slides require 42 inches?
Major slides such as the red and blue body slides, speed drop slides, and single-rider purple tube slide have 42-inch or swim ability requirements. Always check posted rules.
Does Cascade Bay have mini-golf?
Yes. Captain’s Course is a nine-hole mini-golf course. It is $2 per round or $4 for unlimited mini-golf, and all-day waterpark access includes unlimited mini-golf.
Does Cascade Bay close for weather?
Yes. The park may clear or close for cold temperatures, heavy rain, electrical storms, tornado warnings, low attendance, or management safety decisions.
Does Cascade Bay give weather refunds?
Cascade Bay does not offer cash refunds for weather closures. Return passes depend on timing, receipt proof, and being present at closure.
Is Cascade Bay good for toddlers?
Yes. Little Mates, zero-depth entry, the mini-pirate boat slide, Orange Slide, Shipwreck Cove, and Sandpiper Beach make it a strong toddler-friendly option when planned correctly.
Is Cascade Bay good for teens?
Yes, if teens want municipal waterpark slides, lazy river, and open swim. It is not a giant resort waterpark, but it is a good value for local summer fun.
Can groups visit Cascade Bay?
Yes. Large groups of 25+ and small groups of 15–24 have reservation options, chaperone rules, deposits, and session limits.
What phone number should I call for closures?
Call the Cascade Bay Hotline at 651-675-5577 for weather, closure, and capacity information. General information is listed at 651-675-5580.
Final Take: Is Cascade Bay Worth It in 2026?
Cascade Bay is worth it for families who want an affordable Twin Cities south-metro outdoor waterpark with real slides, lazy river, shallow play, mini-golf, concessions, and city-run pricing. The best value is usually either one focused session for younger kids or the $20 all-day access ticket for families who will use both sessions and mini-golf.
The smartest plan is simple: choose your session, check private rental dates, buy online within the 72-hour window, use a locker, pick a base spot by age, check height rules, keep your weather receipt, and call the hotline if storms or capacity are a concern.