Island Nights at Adventure Island

Last night we were at the kick-off of Island Nights at Adventure Island in Tampa. We all love going to water parks but my kids have never been to Adventure Island and I hubby and I haven’t been for 18 years. Last night was proof that we have been missing out on a lot of fun that is only 1 hour away!

Here is some information from Adventure Island and then I’ll share our experiences.

This summer at Adventure Island, when the sun goes down, the fun heats up during Island Nights. From June 10 to Aug. 14, it’s a vacation from the everyday as Busch Gardens’ water park transforms into a celebration of island life with live music, authentic entertainment and inspiring cuisine. New in 2010, Island Nights has been extended to a three-day weekly celebration, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m.

Exotic birds and larger-than-life stiltwalkers greet guests, and a steel drum band strolls throughout the park. Family-friendly DJs lead the party with games and music on two beaches, including a new beach area near Riptide.

Each event night, Polynesian dancers and a skilled fire performer captivate guests on the main beach. On Mango Joe’s deck, live bands perform a variety of styles, from Latin to beach party music. Sample the tastes of the islands with unique offerings added to the daily menu, such as coconut shrimp and conch fritters, sangria and frozen drinks.

Island Nights is the perfect night-time escape for all ages, and admission is included with any daily park admission or Adventure Island Pass. An ideal way to escape to Island Nights this summer is with an Adventure Island Weekday Pass. Pay for a day and come back any weekday – that’s any Thursday or Friday of Island Nights – all season long. Visit AdventureIsland.com for more information.

When we arrived at the park we were escorted back to Mango Joe’s where we sampled delicious food including chicken wings, fruit, shrimp and conch fritters.

We also got to see a Macaw and a Toucan up close and personal.

Then Aimee Jeansonne-Becka, Marketing Director, Adventure Island came and welcomed us to Island Nights. She shared with us how important social media and blogging are to Adventure Island and she thanked us all for coming. Next she introduced the Polynesian Dancers who were performing on the beach next to Mango Joe’s.

After the show it was time to play in the park! We enjoyed the slides at Runaway Rapids and Jordan had fun on the slide at Paradise Lagoon. Of course, we had to play in the Endless Surf wave pool-a trip to a water park wouldn’t be complete with some time in the wave pool. Then we spent some time on the Rambling Bayou lazily floating around the park. While on the Rambling Bayou we spotted Splash Attack so on our second time around we got out on that side of the park so we could play over there. We also rode Key West Rapids and the Water Moccasin and hubby tried the Rip Tide too.

Fabian's Funport Kiddie Area

Before the night was through we took one last ride on the Rambling Bayou.

We had a wonderful time at Island Nights. Some of the nice things about coming in the evening is the crowds are smaller, it isn’t as hot out, the added music, games and food really add to the party atmosphere. If you are a Florida Resident the Week Day Pass is a great deal and it includes 2 of the Island Nights a week!

I will say with all the swimming, walking and stair climbing I did…Island Nights= one fun workout too! If your summer vacation includes a trip to Tampa Bay-don’t miss Island Nights at Adventure Island it is fun for the whole family!

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to be a part of the Island Nights kick-off by Adventure Island. We received a tote bag and a towel as a thank-you gift. All opinions are 100% mine.