Star Plunge vs Rexburg Rapids
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Star Plunge | Rexburg Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Pool | ||
| Lazy River | ||
| Water Slides | ||
| Kiddie Area | ||
| Tube Rentals | ||
| Cabanas | ||
| Food & Dining | ||
| Gift Shop | ||
| Parking | ||
| Picnic Area | ||
| Splash Pad | ||
| Hot Tubs / Spa | ||
| Season Passes | ||
| Swimming Pool |
Only at Star Plunge
- Hot Tubs / Spa
- Gift Shop
Only at Rexburg Rapids
- Water Slides
- Wave Pool
- Lazy River
- Kiddie Area
- Splash Pad
- Cabanas
- Food & Dining
- Tube Rentals
- Season Passes
Both parks share 3 amenities including Parking, Picnic Area, Swimming Pool.
About Each Park
Star Plunge
Wyoming
Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park is Wyoming's hidden gem that combines natural mineral hot springs with family-friendly water activities. This isn't your typical chlorinated water park - you're soaking in naturally heated mineral water that bubbles up from deep underground at a consistent 104 degrees year-round. The main attraction is the Star Plunge, where you can swim laps in the large indoor pool or relax in the outdoor soaking pools while snow might be falling around you. The contrast is pretty surreal. The indoor pool area has a vintage 1980s vibe that feels authentically retro rather than run-down. Kids love the smaller warm pools where they can actually stand and play comfortably. The outdoor terraced pools are where you'll want to spend most of your time - they're built right into the natural rock formations and offer different temperature zones. Start in the hottest pools up top and work your way down as you acclimate. The whole setup overlooks the Bighorn River, and you can watch rafters float by while you soak. This place works best for families looking for a unique, low-key experience rather than adrenaline junkies wanting massive slides. It's perfect for multi-generational trips since grandparents can relax in the warm water while kids splash around safely. The mineral content is supposed to be therapeutic - locals swear by it for sore muscles and joint pain. Arrive early in summer since it gets busy with tourists, and bring water shoes because the concrete around the pools can get…
Read the full Star Plunge guide →Rexburg Rapids
Idaho
Rexburg Rapids brings much-needed water fun to eastern Idaho, serving as the region's go-to spot for cooling off during those surprisingly hot summer days. This community-focused outdoor water park keeps things simple but effective, with a solid lineup of tube slides that'll get your heart racing and a dedicated children's area that parents actually appreciate. The wave pool here isn't the biggest you'll find, but it does the job for families looking to bob around together. What I really like about Rexburg Rapids is how it feels genuinely local – you're not dealing with massive crowds or corporate theme park prices. The lazy river winds around most of the park and moves at the perfect pace for floating with a drink in hand. Kids gravitate toward the splash zone with its colorful water features and smaller slides designed for the under-10 crowd. The food situation is standard water park fare – think nachos, burgers, and overpriced drinks – but the portions are decent and the prices won't completely destroy your budget. Since this is Idaho and the season is shorter than southern parks, Rexburg Rapids makes the most of summer with extended hours during peak season. The park works best for families with kids ranging from toddlers to teenagers, though thrill-seekers might want something with more intense slides. Get there early on weekends if you want to snag one of the limited cabana spots, and definitely bring your own sunscreen since the Idaho sun hits harder than you'd expect. The…
Read the full Rexburg Rapids guide →Ready to visit Star Plunge?