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Kids using the aquatic playground at Inukshuk Shores in Gaylord.
Fixed locationResort and Destination Splash Areas

Inukshuk Shores Aquatic Playground

East of downtown Gaylord off M-32, Gaylord, MI

Paid aquatic playground and beach-style water attraction at Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort with hourly splash sessions, concessions, cabanas, and party options.
Plan This Visit

Best for

Best for ages 7+; beach area is more relevant than the aquatic playground for younger children

Hours

Public season page notes Thursday-Friday 13:00-20:00 and Saturday-Sunday 11:00-20:00 through early September; verify current season opening before visit

Parking

Parking available

Visit style

Planned destination outing

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

A better fit for older kids and full outing planning than for toddlers wanting a simple spray-ground stop.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Older kids who want a more adventurous water-play experience
  • Families planning a paid half-day outing
  • Birthday parties and cabana-based group visits
Less Ideal For
  • Families wanting a free public splash pad
  • Toddlers needing gentle ground-spray play as the main attraction
  • Visitors avoiding reservations or timed sessions

At a Glance

Venue type

Spray park

Age groups

Big kidsMixed ages

Family amenities

Changing areaConcessionsFree parkingOutdoor rinse area

Cost

Paid

Shade level

Partly shaded

Bathroom access

On site

Fencing

Partially fenced

Visit options

Drop-in visitsTimed entryBirthday partiesPrivate rentals

Season model

Summer season

Verified only

Yes

Operator type

Resort or destination

Hours vary with season or weather

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Thursday1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Rules
Waiver required for everyone entering, including observers and splash session participantsOutside food and beverages are not permittedDogs are not permitted within the gatesSelfie sticks and GoPros are not permitted in the aquatic playground
What To Bring
SwimwearTowelsSunscreenPersonal beach items
Hours SummaryPublic season page notes Thursday-Friday 13:00-20:00 and Saturday-Sunday 11:00-20:00 through early September; verify current season opening before visit
Season WindowOpens Memorial Day weekend depending on weather
Session ModelSplash Sessions start at the top of the hour in 1-hour increments
On Site Amenities
  • Concessions
  • Locker rooms
  • Private shower stalls
  • Lounge chairs
  • Observation beach
  • Cabana rentals
Reservation PolicyReservations are not required but strongly suggested; first-come, first-served if buying on site

Pricing Snapshot

NotesAll aquatic playground participants need a paid splash session ticket.
Splash Session$20 per Splash Session including the $5 admission fee
Ages Six And UnderFree admission; cannot use the Aquatic Playground feature
Observer Or Beach Admission$5

About the Venue

Inukshuk Shores Aquatic Playground is a destination-style water-play attraction at Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort in Gaylord. Unlike a typical municipal splash pad, it combines a beach setting with a staffed aquatic playground, timed splash sessions, party bookings, concessions, lockers, and cabana rentals. It is best for families with older kids and confident swimmers, especially those planning a longer paid outing rather than a quick neighborhood splash stop.

Atlas Perspective

Splash Pad Atlas Notes

Age FitBest for ages 7+; beach area is more relevant than the aquatic playground for younger children
Noise LevelModerate to high
Visit StylePlanned destination outing
Energy LevelHigh
Parent ComfortBetter for families comfortable supervising in an active resort-style setting
Booking FrictionModerate due to waivers and recommended advance booking

Birthday Party Snapshot

SummaryA notably party-friendly water attraction for the region with event inquiry support and add-on amenities.
Amenities
Aquatic parkMini golfCabana rentalsEvent inquiry form
Private RentalsYes
Birthday PartiesYes
Party Booking UrlOpen link

Accessibility & Comfort

Known Features
Locker rooms with private shower stallsObservation beach seating
Considerations
Aquatic playground requires a basic swimming levelParticipants must use provided life jacketsChildren ages 7-15 require a parent or guardian in the water park at all times

Gallery

Guests using the aquatic playground at Inukshuk Shores.
The main aquatic playground is the core attraction for older kids and active families.
Child enjoying water play at Inukshuk Shores.
A beach-and-water-play outing with more structure than a typical splash pad.
Aerial-style view of the beach area at Inukshuk Shores.
The setting includes observation beach space and general admission access.
Guests relaxing near a cabana at Inukshuk Shores.
Cabana rentals make this one more party-friendly than most local splash pads.

External Links

WebsiteBookingFacebookInstagramDirections

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S

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Quick Summary

Best for

Best for ages 7+; beach area is more relevant than the aquatic playground for younger children

Hours

Public season page notes Thursday-Friday 13:00-20:00 and Saturday-Sunday 11:00-20:00 through early September; verify current season opening before visit

Parking

Parking available

Visit style

Planned destination outing

Contact Information

Address

254 Little League Drive

Gaylord, MI, 49735

Location
MichiganNorthern MichiganGaylord, MI
Source & Verification

Last updated

April 18, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 10, 2026

Checked against 1 public source.

Reviewed as

Municipal source review

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