A laid-back float might not sound like a headline-grabber, but at Wild Adventures & Splash Island Waterpark, it’s turning into one of the biggest stories of the 2026 season.

Paradise River, the park’s winding lazy river attraction, has earned a nomination for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Lazy River—marking the first time the Valdosta, Georgia destination has ever been recognized in the national competition.

For a park celebrating its 30th anniversary season, the timing couldn’t be better.

A Relaxing Ride That’s Getting National Attention

Paradise River offers the kind of experience that keeps guests coming back: a gentle, twisting float that circles Splash Island Waterpark. Visitors can drift along in a tube or cool off with a swim, all while soaking in the tropical-style surroundings.

It’s simple, classic waterpark fun—but now it’s competing on a national stage.

“This recognition reflects the experiences our team works to create for every guest who visits,” said Donald Spiller, vice president and general manager of Wild Adventures. “Being nominated during our 30th Anniversary Season makes it even more meaningful as we continue to focus on creating lasting memories for families.”

Voting Is Open—And Fans Can Make the Difference

The 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are entirely decided by public vote, giving fans a direct role in determining the winners.

Voting is open now through April 20 at 12 p.m. EDT, and supporters can cast a vote once per day, per device. For a park earning its first-ever nomination, that daily vote could make all the difference.

A Full Season of Reasons to Visit

Splash Island Waterpark officially opens for the 2026 season on April 4, with Paradise River ready to welcome guests back for another summer of floating fun.

But the lazy river is just one part of a much bigger experience this year.

Wild Adventures is rolling out a series of updates across the park, including an expanded Alapaha Trail with 6,000 feet of refreshed wood, a larger Spider Monkey habitat, and new up-close animal encounters featuring two-toed sloths, tamanduas, and giraffes. Ride enhancements have also been completed on attractions like Boomerang, Safari Train, and Island Falls.

New food offerings are also joining the lineup, including shrimp po’ boys at Typhoon Grill and lemon pepper wings at the reimagined Walkabout Wings.

A Destination That Blends Rides, Animals, and Waterpark Fun

Located in Valdosta, Georgia—roughly halfway between Atlanta and Orlando—Wild Adventures is a 170-acre destination that combines a theme park, waterpark, and animal park into one experience. 

With more than 35 rides, hundreds of animals, a full concert lineup, and a nationally recognized campground, it continues to build a reputation as one of the most affordable and family-friendly theme parks in the country.

And now, with Paradise River earning national recognition, the park has another reason for travelers to take notice.

For guests planning a visit—or fans looking to support a hometown favorite—the message is simple: grab a tube, cast a vote, and let the lazy river do the rest.

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(Photos courtesy Wild Adventures Theme Park)