Atlanta’s Six Flags White Water: Your Local Guide to the Big Water Park Near the City
If you’re searching for “Atlanta 6 Flags Water Park,” you’re almost certainly looking for Six Flags White Water in Marietta, just northwest of Atlanta. It’s the major water park serving the Atlanta metro area and a popular day-trip option for families, teens, and groups when the Georgia heat kicks in.
Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to what the park is, where it is, what to expect, and how locals typically make the most of it.
Where Is the “Six Flags Water Park” in Atlanta?
Although people often call it the Atlanta Six Flags water park, the main water park is actually:
Six Flags White Water
250 Cobb Pkwy N
Marietta, GA 30062
Main phone (general info): typically listed on the park’s official site or switchboard
From most intown Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Eastside), the drive is usually 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic on I‑75 North.
There is also Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, which is a theme park with some water attractions, but the dedicated water park is White Water in Marietta.
Overview: What Six Flags White Water Offers
Six Flags White Water is a seasonal outdoor water park with:
- Large thrill slides and multi-person raft rides
- Family-friendly attractions and play areas
- Kiddie zones tailored to younger children
- A wave pool and lazy river
- Food stands, cabanas, shaded seating, changing facilities, and locker rentals
It’s designed for half-day or full-day visits, and many Atlanta-area residents purchase season passes to visit multiple times during the summer.
Season, Hours, and Best Times to Go
Operating Season
White Water typically operates:
- Late spring through early fall (roughly May–September)
- Mostly weekends early and late in the season
- Daily or near-daily in peak summer
Exact opening and closing dates and daily hours change year to year, so Atlantans usually:
- Check the park’s official calendar before going
- Pay attention to any weather-related closures during storms or cooler days
Typical Hours
Common patterns include:
- Opening around 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Closing between 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., depending on time of season and day of week
Again, expect variation, especially early/late in the season.
Best Times for Atlanta Locals
To avoid the heaviest crowds:
- Weekdays in June (after school gets out but before July 4th) are often more manageable
- Arrive at opening to get better seating and shorter lines on peak Saturdays
- Cloudy but warm days can be less crowded than bright, clear weekend days
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) are usually very busy.
Major Attractions: Slides, Pools, and Kid Areas
White Water changes and refreshes attractions over time, but you can generally expect:
Thrill Slides
For teens and adults who want more excitement, look for:
- High-speed body slides with steep drops
- Enclosed tube slides (sometimes dark or partially dark)
- Multi-person raft rides where you sit in a circular raft and ride with friends or family
- Bowl or funnel-style slides that spin riders around before dropping into a splash pool
Height requirements vary, so check signage if you’re visiting with kids.
Family Rides and Shared Experiences
White Water usually offers:
- Family raft rides that can fit several riders at once
- Gentler slides that older kids and adults can enjoy together
- Group areas where everyone can hang out and watch
These rides are often the sweet spot for mixed-age families coming from all over metro Atlanta.
Wave Pool and Lazy River
Most guests spend a lot of time at:
- Wave pool: Simulates ocean-style waves on a schedule
- Lazy river: A slower-moving water channel where you float on inner tubes
These attractions are popular with all ages, though younger kids should be closely supervised.
Kids’ and Toddlers’ Zones
If you’re coming from Atlanta neighborhoods with young families (Grant Park, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, etc.), you’ll find:
- Shallow splash areas
- Small slides appropriate for toddlers and younger children
- Interactive play structures with water cannons, tipping buckets, and climbing elements
These areas are typically separated from the more intense thrill slides and often have lots of lifeguard coverage.
Tickets, Passes, and Parking
Prices and packages change, so use the following as a general framework rather than exact figures.
Ticket Types You’ll Commonly See
- Single-day tickets: For one full day at White Water
- Season passes or memberships: Often allow repeat visits and may include Six Flags Over Georgia access
- Group rates: For schools, churches, and other large groups in the Atlanta area
- Occasional special offers: For residents, weekday visits, or online purchases
Buying tickets ahead of time is common among locals to reduce wait times at the front gate and sometimes save money.
Parking
White Water has on-site paid parking near the entrance. Common patterns:
- General parking for most guests
- Preferred or closer parking at a higher price
Many Atlanta families factor parking into their trip budget, especially when deciding between a couple outings and a full season pass.
Getting There From Around Atlanta
Six Flags White Water sits just off Cobb Parkway (US‑41) in Marietta.
Driving Directions (General)
From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
- Take I‑75 North toward Marietta
- Exit near North Marietta Parkway / Canton Road Connector / Cobb Parkway, then follow local signs to 250 Cobb Pkwy N
From Eastside (Decatur, Kirkwood, Tucker):
- Typically take I‑285 around to I‑75 North, then follow the same approach as from Downtown
From South Atlanta / Hartsfield-Jackson Airport area:
- Take I‑75/85 North through Atlanta, then stay on I‑75 North and follow signs toward Marietta
Transit and Rideshare
Public transit access is more limited than intown attractions:
- There is no direct MARTA rail stop at White Water
- Some visitors combine MARTA rail + CobbLinc bus + short rideshare
- Many Atlantans simply use rideshare (Lyft/Uber) directly to the park when they don’t want to deal with parking
If you plan to use transit, allow extra time and check current CobbLinc routes and schedules before you go.
What to Bring (and What to Expect at Security)
White Water has bag checks and safety rules at the entrance. Some common practices among Atlanta visitors:
Typical Items to Bring
- Swimsuit (lined, no sharp zippers or metal pieces on some slides)
- Towel for each person
- Change of clothes and a plastic bag for wet items
- Water shoes or flip-flops (concrete can get hot in Atlanta summers)
- Sunscreen (water-resistant, reapplied regularly)
- Hat and sunglasses for non-riding time
- Cash or card for food, lockers, and extras
Outside Food and Drink
Policies change, but generally:
- Outside food and large coolers are often restricted
- Sealed water bottles or medically necessary items may be allowed, with checks at the gate
Most visitors plan to buy food and drinks inside the park or eat before and after their visit.
Lockers and Changing Areas
Inside the park, you can expect:
- Locker rentals for valuables, phones, keys, and extra clothes
- Restrooms and changing areas near the main entrance and other central spots
Many locals leave non-essential items at home or in the car and rely on lockers for smaller valuables.
Safety, Supervision, and Comfort Tips
Lifeguards and Rules
Like most major water parks, White Water has:
- Lifeguards stationed at key attractions
- Posted height and health restrictions at rides
- Required life jackets for certain heights or swim levels in some areas
Even with staff and safety rules:
- Adults should directly supervise children, especially in deeper or more crowded areas
- Non-swimmers and weaker swimmers often wear life vests, which are typically available in the park
Managing Atlanta Heat
Atlanta summers can be hot and humid, especially in July and August. Common local strategies:
- Arrive early or visit later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest midday hours
- Use shade structures, umbrellas, or cabana rentals when possible
- Drink water regularly to stay hydrated
- Take periodic breaks from direct sun, especially for kids and older adults
Food, Drinks, and Amenities Inside the Park
While specific vendors change, you can usually find:
- Quick-service stands with burgers, pizza, chicken, and snacks
- Ice cream, funnel cakes, and treats popular with kids
- Soft drinks, bottled water, and sometimes refillable drink programs
- Designated smoke-free and non-smoking areas
Prices are generally higher than typical fast food, so some Atlanta families:
- Eat a big meal before going
- Plan for one main meal plus snacks inside the park
- Share larger combo meals between younger kids
Accessibility and Special Needs
Six Flags White Water generally provides some accessibility support, which can include:
- Accessible parking spaces near the entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and some pathways
- Policies for service animals (though they are not allowed in the water or on most attractions)
- Ride accessibility information at guest services
If you or a family member has a disability or special need, consider:
- Stopping by Guest Services near the entrance when you arrive
- Asking about ride access guides, seating options, and any available accommodations
Calling ahead before your visit can help you understand current options and plan your day more comfortably.
Comparing White Water and Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell)
Many Atlanta residents ask whether to visit Six Flags White Water or Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell.
Here is a quick side-by-side summary:
| Feature | Six Flags White Water (Marietta) | Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell) |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Water park | Theme park (roller coasters, rides) |
| Type of rides | Water slides, wave pool, lazy river, kids’ areas | Coasters, family rides, some water rides |
| Typical season | Warm-weather months | Longer season, often spring–fall |
| Best for | Cooling off, water play, summer days | Thrill coasters, full amusement park experience |
| Distance from central Atlanta | North via I‑75 to Marietta | West via I‑20 to Austell |
Many locals eventually pair both in a season pass if they plan multiple visits.
Quick Planning Checklist for Atlanta Visitors
Before you leave your home, hotel, or Airbnb:
- ✅ Check hours and operating calendar for your chosen day
- ✅ Look at the weather forecast (storms can affect ride openings)
- ✅ Buy tickets or confirm passes ahead of time if possible
- ✅ Plan your route (I‑75 traffic can be heavy at rush hours)
- ✅ Pack swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and water shoes
- ✅ Decide on a budget for food, locker, and parking
- ✅ If visiting with kids, review basic water safety rules together
For anyone living in or visiting the Atlanta area, Six Flags White Water in Marietta is the main “Atlanta Six Flags water park” experience: slides, waves, and a full day of ways to stay cool when the Georgia heat feels like too much. With a bit of planning around timing, gear, and budget, it can be a straightforward and fun outing from almost anywhere in the metro area.