When summer temperatures rise across the Antelope Valley, DryTown Water Park becomes one of Palmdale’s most obvious places to cool down. The City-owned water park combines high-speed slides, a long lazy river, a children’s splash area and seasonal events in one family-focused destination on East Avenue S.
The 2026 season is particularly interesting because DryTown is also in the middle of a significant attraction upgrade. Palmdale has been developing a new three-slide tower featuring Dynamite Drop, Crystal Cavern and Tumbleweed Twister, adding another reason to watch what is happening at the park this year.
At the same time, the familiar attractions that have made DryTown a local summer destination remain central to the experience. Families can relax on Big Rock River, younger children can play at Little Miner’s Camp, and thrill seekers have options including Devil’s Punch Bowl, Wildcatter, Rattler’s Revenge and Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer.
If you are searching for things to do in Palmdale during the warmer months, this DryTown Water Park 2026 guide covers the attractions, current ticket structure, family policies and practical details worth checking before your visit.
What Makes DryTown Water Park Worth Visiting in 2026?
DryTown is located at 3850 East Avenue S in Palmdale. Unlike a simple community swimming pool, it is designed as a full water-park experience with attractions suited to several age groups and comfort levels.
That variety matters for families. Not everyone wants to spend the day on high-speed slides, and younger children may not meet the height requirements for larger attractions. DryTown provides a combination of thrill rides, slower water recreation and children’s play areas so groups can build a day around different interests.
The park also fits naturally into Palmdale’s broader recreation scene. Visitors looking for additional outdoor destinations can explore our Palmdale Parks & Outdoors guide, while families planning several activities can browse more ideas in our Things to Do section.
A New Three-Slide Tower Is Expanding DryTown
One of the biggest stories surrounding DryTown is the development of a new high-thrill slide tower approved by the Palmdale City Council in June 2025.
The expansion includes three named attractions. Dynamite Drop is planned as a steep, high-speed drop. Crystal Cavern is designed as a twisting experience through enclosed translucent tubes. Tumbleweed Twister is described as a smooth and speedy body slide.
The City has said the tower is being designed with both recreation and sustainability in mind, including water- and energy-saving features. The broader goal is to improve family recreation options while strengthening DryTown as a regional attraction for Palmdale and the surrounding Antelope Valley.
Because construction and attraction-opening schedules can change, visitors should check DryTown’s official slide-tower update before planning a trip specifically around one of the new rides. Do not assume every announced attraction is operating simply because it appears in future plans or promotional materials.
Check current ticket prices before buying
DryTown uses different 2026 admission prices based on Palmdale residency, height and the day of the week.
At the time of writing, a Palmdale resident over 48 inches is listed at $28 Monday through Friday and $35 Saturday and Sunday. A resident under 48 inches, or a senior age 65 or older, is listed at $23 on weekdays and $30 on weekends.
For non-residents, guests over 48 inches are currently listed at $32 Monday through Friday and $40 on weekends. Non-residents under 48 inches and seniors age 65 or older are listed at $26 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.
Palmdale residency requires verification for the resident rate. Military pricing is also offered for qualifying active-duty and veteran military members and their families, with verification required and tickets purchased at the admissions window.
Prices and availability can change, so always confirm the current rate through the official DryTown Water Park ticket page before purchasing.
Classic DryTown Attractions Offer Options for Different Ages
Even without making the new slide project the focus of your visit, DryTown already has a substantial group of attractions.
Devil’s Punch Bowl sends riders through an enclosed tube before they enter a bowl, circle around and eventually descend toward the splash pool. Wildcatter offers an open-flume experience with twisting turns, while Rattler’s Revenge combines an enclosed section with a dramatic return into daylight.
Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer adds competition to the experience. Riders race head-to-head through a high-speed course and a significant open-air descent toward the finish.
For guests who prefer something slower, Big Rock River is DryTown’s lazy river. The attraction extends approximately 925 feet around part of the park, giving visitors an opportunity to float rather than race from one slide to another.
Little Miner’s Camp is designed with younger children in mind
Younger visitors have their own dedicated attraction at Little Miner’s Camp. The area includes a zero-depth pool, three smaller slides, spray cannons and a large tipping water bucket.
DryTown currently states that children need to be at least 30 inches tall to ride the Little Miner’s Camp slides. For the larger attractions, different minimum heights apply. Devil’s Punch Bowl, Rattler’s Revenge and Wildcatter require riders to be at least 48 inches tall, while Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer has a 42-inch minimum.
Big Rock River has another rule for smaller children: guests under 42 inches must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older on a one-to-one basis and remain within arm’s reach.
Those requirements are worth reviewing before promising a particular ride to a child. Height restrictions are safety rules, not suggestions, and knowing them in advance can make it easier to set expectations before arriving at the park.
How to Plan a Better Day at DryTown Water Park
A successful water-park day starts before you reach the entrance. Palmdale summer weather can be intense, and spending several hours outdoors around reflective water surfaces increases the importance of sunscreen, hydration and breaks from direct sun.
DryTown recommends bringing items such as sunscreen, towels, hats, sandals or water shoes and water. Guests with diapered children should also review the park’s swim-diaper requirements.
There are important limits on what you can carry inside. Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, although water is allowed. Coolers may be brought in when they contain only water and ice. Baby food is permitted in appropriate non-glass containers.
Know the Food, Safety and Re-Entry Rules Before You Arrive
If you plan to spend most of the day inside DryTown, food is available at the park through Dusty’s Grill and other snack locations. Because normal outside meals are not allowed, factor food purchases into your total budget rather than calculating only admission.
DryTown allows same-day re-entry as long as guests keep their ticket and get their hand stamped at the exit. That can be useful if you need to return to your vehicle or temporarily leave the park, but confirm current procedures when you visit.
Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. The park states that guests age 13 and older may enter on their own during regular operations, while evening events require anyone under 18 to be accompanied by an adult.
Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are permitted, and DryTown provides life jackets without charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Personal water toys are not permitted.
Family Glow Night gives visitors a different DryTown experience
DryTown’s 2026 calendar also includes Family Glow Night events, which turn the park into an evening attraction rather than a standard daytime water-park visit.
The final currently announced Family Glow Night is scheduled for August 15, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The official ticket page currently lists admission at $17.76. All Access Season Passes are valid for the event, while Weekday Only Season Passes are not.
An evening visit can be appealing for families who want to avoid spending the entire outing under the strongest afternoon sun. However, special events have their own admission and operating rules, so check the event details instead of assuming regular daytime tickets or passes will automatically work.
DryTown’s published operating calendar also shows weekend operating dates continuing through August and into Labor Day weekend. Hours and dates are subject to change, making the official calendar the best place to confirm whether the park is operating on the exact day you want to visit.
Bring the basics and plan around Palmdale’s summer heat
Start with sunscreen and reapply it according to the product directions, especially after spending time in the water. Bring towels rather than assuming they are included; DryTown says towels may be available for purchase at the General Store while supplies last.
Water shoes can be useful while walking around hot surfaces, although the park does not allow them on the water slides. Regular footwear should also be chosen with heat and wet conditions in mind.
General seating and shade are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests cannot bring their own large shade structures or chairs, although DryTown sells cabana rentals for visitors who want reserved semi-private seating.
If you are visiting with a larger family, compare the total cost of admission, food, lockers and an optional cabana before arriving. Lockers are available in several sizes for an additional daily fee, which can be useful for phones, wallets and other items you do not want to leave unattended.
DryTown
You can also make DryTown part of a wider Palmdale weekend. After a water-park day, consider a more relaxed evening at one of the local events in our Palmdale Night Markets 2026 guide. Another day could include Sam Yellen Park or a destination from our Day Trips from Palmdale guide.
For families, DryTown’s strongest advantage is variety. Younger children have Little Miner’s Camp, groups can slow down on Big Rock River, and taller riders can choose among the park’s more intense slides. The ongoing three-slide tower project also signals that Palmdale is continuing to invest in the attraction rather than leaving the park unchanged.
Before heading out, confirm operating hours, ticket prices, attraction availability and special-event details directly with DryTown. With a little planning, the park can be one of the easiest ways to turn a hot High Desert day into a full family outing without leaving Palmdale.
For more local ideas, browse our Things to Do in Palmdale, Parks & Outdoors and latest Palmdale Living stories.