Review: Sand Mountain Water Park in Albertville

sand mountain water park slides with kid

Looking for a day trip destination that keeps the kids cool and entertained without exhausting the grown-ups? Sand Mountain Water Park in Albertville is one of our favorite under-the-radar spots. With water features for all ages, plenty of seating, and thoughtful touches throughout, this park is a win for families especially those with younger kiddos.

What You’ll Find Inside

This park packs a ton of fun into a manageable space. As soon as we pulled in, we noticed how easy everything was: tons of parking, quick entry, and a layout that doesn’t require miles of walking. While it’s stroller-friendly, most families probably won’t need one unless you have a napping baby.

The highlights include:

Two 25-foot waterslides (must be at least 48” tall to ride)
A splash pad with 48 spray elements, ideal for toddlers and younger kids
A lazy river over 600 feet long, complete with waterfall and shallow pool areas
A 3-lane lap pool
An interactive stream feature where kids can play, build dams, and reroute the water
Plenty of lifeguards, including one stationed full-time at the splash pad
Shaded seating areas throughout, with extra appreciated shade by the splash pad (where our littles spent most of their time!)

The setup feels designed with families in mind. Whether your crew wants to lounge, splash, swim, or slide, there’s something here for everyone and the compact layout makes it easy to keep an eye on multiple kids.

slope down into the lazy river. This was a popular play place for people with littles.

Plenty of floats available for the lazy river

shoutout to the seating at the splashpad that was totally under the shade!

Food & Coolers

We were happy with the flexibility around food. You can bring outside snacks and drinks, as long as it’s reasonable like small pre-packed snacks, sandwiches, that kind of thing. You can also bring one fast food bag per guest if you want to grab something in town before heading in. Large coolers and large amounts of food (like whole pizzas or catering trays) are prohibited, but small coolers are allowed (maximum size: 19″L x 12″W x 15″H). No glass containers, gum, or sunflower seeds.

We brought drinks and snacks for the kids and picked up lunch at the poolside concession stand. The prices were fair, the food came out fast, and there are shaded picnic tables nearby if you want to eat outside the main pool area. Bonus: there’s also a playground right next door under a pavilion if the kids need a break from the water. (The leftover snacks were a hit on the way home!)

Food and Drink Options. There was also a little Kona Ice set up too!

Concession Stand is easy access and you just walk up

What to Bring

Packing right can make or break a water park trip. Here’s what we recommend bringing:

Towels (they’re not provided)
Sunscreen (put it on yourself, too—not just your kiddo. Signed, a very crispy Rocket City Mom team member)
Shelf-stable snacks if you’re not bringing a cooler
Drinks (non-glass containers only)
A plastic bag or two for wet swimsuits
A dry set of clothes for everyone (Nobody likes the ride home in a soggy suit!)
A small first-aid kit (Band-Aids and antiseptic wipes are always good to have)
Ponytail holders or clips for longer hair
Swim Goggles (if your kiddo likes wearing them in the pool)

You’ll also want to bring your own US Coast Guard-approved flotation devices if your child uses one, although the park does provide plenty of life jackets for guest use. We brought one but also tried out the ones available at the park. They came in a variety of sizes and were in good shape.

what to pack for water park trip — All packed and ready to go!

Good to Know

Swim diapers are required for infants and are available for purchase onsite
Swimsuits are required for all guests
Only Coast Guard-approved floaties are allowed (no pool noodles, inflatables, or water wings)
See Also

Guides

Fall Break Camps in Huntsville, Madison, and North Alabama
Bathrooms are close by, and have a changing table
You’ll find lifeguards stationed throughout the park, which gave us peace of mind
Fill out the waiver online before you go to save time!

Location & Hours

📍 1325 SMPA Blvd, Albertville, AL 35950
💵 Day Pass: $15 per person (kids ages 4 and under are free)

🕒 Hours (Memorial Day – August 8):

Monday–Friday: 12 PM–8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 1 PM–6 PM

🕒 September Hours (Sept 9–30):

Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 1 PM–6 PM

Final Verdict

Sand Mountain Water Park checks all the boxes for a stress-free family outing: affordable, clean, and thoughtfully designed with families in mind. With plenty of shaded seating, a water feature for every age group, and the added bonus of a nearby playground and picnic area, it’s a great water park day trip in North Alabama. We’ll definitely be back… and next time, we’ll remember to apply sunscreen before the lazy river. (Hopefully…)