If you’re searching for the perfect outdoor adventure near Raleigh, Fantasy Lake Adventure Park in Wake Forest should be at the top of your list. This 100-acre park, featuring a 65-acre lake, has quickly become one of Wake Forest’s standout attractions, offering a wide range of exciting activities for everyone. In this blog, we’ll take you through the various attractions and amenities that make Fantasy Lake a must-visit destination.
A Unique History
Fantasy Lake Adventure Park is not just about modern fun; it has a fascinating history. Originally constructed as a stone quarry in the 1800s, the site was used for extracting stone for construction projects, including those as far away as the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel. However, in the 1950s, a natural spring unexpectedly filled the quarry with water, creating the lake we see today. Fast forward to 1980, when the site was purchased and transformed into a scuba diving training center. Over time, it evolved into the versatile water park that now delights visitors year-round.
Thrills and Spills: The Inflatable Obstacle Course
One of the park’s standout features is the massive inflatable obstacle course that spans across the lake. This floating adventure course is a favorite for thrill-seekers of all ages, offering a variety of challenges that are both fun and exhilarating. Whether you’re climbing, jumping, or sliding, the course provides a great way to enjoy the water and test your agility.
Relax in Style: Floating Cabanas and Private Beaches
For those looking to relax, Fantasy Lake offers floating cabanas where you can lounge on the water. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are also several private beaches with reserved seating areas. Here, you can enjoy the sun under umbrellas, play a game of cornhole, or simply unwind on the white sandy beaches. The park’s well-maintained environment and friendly staff make it a perfect place for families and groups.
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
If you’re looking to explore the lake at your own pace, Fantasy Lake offers kayaking and paddle boarding. These activities provide a serene way to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. Rentals are available, so even if you don’t have your own equipment, you can still enjoy a peaceful paddle on the lake.
Cliff Diving: For the Daredevils
Fantasy Lake caters to adrenaline junkies with its cliff diving spots. The park features both a towering 80-foot cliff and a more accessible 20-foot diving deck. Cliff diving is included with the general admission, so you can take the plunge without any extra cost. This activity is a huge draw for thrill-seekers and adds an exciting dimension to your visit.
Scuba Diving: Explore Underwater Wonders
Fantasy Lake Adventure Park is a paradise for scuba enthusiasts. The lake contains various submerged attractions, including two airplanes, a bus, a car, two boats, a sailboat, and even a large rock crusher left from the quarry days. The park’s clear waters and unique underwater sights make it a popular spot for both beginner and experienced divers. Note that you need to be a certified diver and bring your own equipment, as the park does not offer rentals.
Have questions about scuba diving at Fantasy Lake Adventure Park? You can find answers to this and many other questions on the FAQs page of their website.
Convenience and Safety: Food Trucks and Lifeguards
The park ensures that visitors are well-fed and safe. With food trucks on-site, you can enjoy a variety of snacks and meals. Additionally, Fantasy Lake is equipped with numerous lifeguards, ensuring a safe environment for all guests. Families can feel at ease knowing that safety is a top priority at Fantasy Lake.
Exploring Fantasy Lake: Passes and Pricing Options
When planning your visit to Fantasy Lake Adventure Park, knowing the costs associated with the various activities and amenities will help you make the most of your day. The park offers a range of passes and rentals tailored to different preferences and group sizes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
For those seeking adventure, the Wibit Inflatable Water Park is a major attraction, with passes starting at $40.00 for a 2-hour session. Families with younger children can enjoy the Wibit Jr. Water Park, designed for kids aged 3-5, with passes starting at $15.00 for a 2-hour session. If a more leisurely experience is what you’re after, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard, available from $20.00 for a 2-hour rental.
Fantasy Lake also provides options for relaxation and comfort. You can rent lounge sets starting at $40.00 for a half-day, or opt for the luxurious Aquabanas, which float on the water and start at $75.00 for a 2-hour session. For larger gatherings or special events, the park offers standard shelters starting at $150.00, and private shelters for $600.00 per day, providing the perfect space for parties and celebrations.
For more detailed information on pricing and to make your purchases, visit the Fantasy Lake Adventure Park Pricing Page.
Planning Your Visit
Fantasy Lake Adventure Park is conveniently located just 25 minutes from downtown Raleigh, making it an ideal day trip for residents and visitors of the Triangle area. It’s essential to purchase all passes online in advance, as the park often reaches capacity. This applies to all guests, even those not participating in water activities, ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort. Don’t forget to complete the necessary waivers online before you arrive for a hassle-free check-in.
For detailed information on admission prices, hours of operation, or to purchase tickets, visit the Fantasy Lake Adventure Park website. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Fantasy Lake offers a unique experience that caters to all tastes. Come and explore one of Wake Forest’s most cherished attractions!
Video Transcript:
“We are at Fantasy Lake Adventure Park in Wake Forest! I am excited to show you this. This is the perfect time of the year to be here. It is a 100-acre park, 65 acres of it is this lake here. We’ve got an inflatable adventure course, we’ve got floating cabanas, kayaking, paddle boarding, we’ve got cliff diving! All kinds of great stuff to do. Come check it out!
Alright, a little bit of history behind this park… It was actually constructed back in the 1800s as a quarry, and after digging so much in this quarry, a spring erupted and actually flooded the entire quarry. And that’s why we have this lake today. But interestingly enough, it flooded all the equipment. In 1980, it was purchased and turned into a scuba diving training center. And now, just in the past couple of years, it’s turned into this water park that we see today.
Alright, the main attraction here is going to be the inflatable obstacle course. Look at absolutely how huge it is. It extends throughout this entire lake here! Alright, now follow me over to the Aquabanas! Next up, we have got the kayaks here. And then we’re gonna move towards where we’ve got the paddle boarding as well. Alright, now we’re gonna check out a little bit more of the obstacle course, and make sure to check out this amazing cliff here! Just beyond me, you can see it’s an 80-foot cliff. And this is—you can actually do cliff diving as part of the admission. It’s free, including the admission. And it’s, again, an 80-foot cliff for those daredevils out there.
Alright. So over here, on this side of the beach, we have some reserved private seating. We’ve got the umbrellas as well. Got a great, white sandy beach. And then, included in your standard admission, you’ve got this part of the beach as well, where you can bring your towel, bring your chair, your own chair, and you can hang out here as well. Alright. And we have the cliff diving deck here, approximately a 20-foot dive. And yeah, can’t wait to try it out! And for those large groups, you can actually reserve your own large space here that has its own private beach. We have cornhole boards, picnic tables, and then we’ve even got some other yard games over there a little bit in the distance.
Alright. And last but not least, for you scuba enthusiasts, at the opposite end of the lake, we have a scuba diving area. And in the water, we’ve got two planes, one bus, one car, two 21-foot boats, a sailboat. Get this—and a large rock crusher from the previous quarry when they were mining. So, lots of stuff to discover while you’re underwater there!
Alright. We have two food trucks with all kinds of great food! We’ve got plenty of lifeguards, so families, obviously, you know, safety is taken into consideration here. So plenty of lifeguards, great staff, very friendly. And best of all, it’s only 25 minutes away from Downtown Raleigh! So, an easy, quick trip—no matter where you are in the Triangle!
Alright. Thanks for touring with me at Fantasy Lake Adventure Park! Look, there’s so many other places here in the Triangle that you guys can explore, so be on the lookout! We’re going to post a lot more videos throughout the Triangle on all the great, new spots that are opening up, so you can take advantage of them!”
