Chilli Bay Waterpark — Local services in Chillicothe

We recently attended our annual family reunion, which is held locally each year, and chose Chilli Bay Waterpark for part of our weekend gathering. Unfortunately, our experience was highly disappointing.

Our group consisted of about 32 people, and we arrived around 2:35 p.m., paying approximately $320 for admission. Upon arrival, we were informed by the front desk attendant that the pool was temporarily cleared due to thunder in the area, but she reassured us that the delay was nearly over and that there might only be a routine 10-minute safety break.

Once inside, only a few of us were able to use the water slide one time before the first 10-minute break was called. That was followed by a 30-minute thunder delay. During this time, we personally did not hear any thunder, although we did notice a vehicle circling the area playing loud music that sounded very similar to thunder.

Unfortunately, this pattern repeated. After the thunder break, there was another 10-minute break, followed almost immediately by yet another thunder delay—again, without any audible thunder to our group. Ultimately, the pool was closed for the day, with many of our guests never having the chance to get in the water at all.

While we fully understand the importance of prioritizing safety during potential weather threats, the communication and management of the situation felt disorganized and disingenuous. As a nurse, I also observed that during these extended breaks, staff vacated the pool area entirely and gathered under an awning, leaving the swimming area unmonitored. This raises a serious safety concern, as someone could have entered the pool unnoticed during that time.

We were also surprised and disappointed that we were not informed at the time of admission that a full closure was a strong possibility, especially given their posted "no refunds due to weather" policy. A bit of transparency at the entrance would have gone a long way in managing expectations.

Overall, the experience was frustrating and left our group feeling like our time and money were...

Lifeguards don't have enough training, they literally let someone drown a couple weeks ago, I asked for a refund for concerns for my family's safety and was told I could get one. Weeks later still hadn't received anything and spoke with (Chris) who told me I was going to get a refund and was the same gentleman that later told me I couldn't get one. They don't tell you it's nonrefundable, there's no clear set rules, you will get yelled at every day you go for something another guard told you that you needed to do. This is literally just a rip off and a way for the city to steal your money. Stick to daily admission and NEVER AND I MEAN NEVER BUY A SEASON PASS. It's not worth it if your trying to have a family summer of fun. May be worth it though if your trying to ditch your bad a** undisciplined little kids like most of this town. WORST FAMILY ACTIVITY IVE EVER DONE. DO...

Went in with my family today for the first time! Had a a rude employee check us in! She was very very disrespectful, we were a group of 13, we were all baffled at the way she talked to us and over us, wouldn't answer any of our questions. Couldn't believe we just drove an hr to try this place out for the first time as a family and got treated the way we did before we even got to enjoy! We all carried on to have a fun day and not let her bring us down but not cool for business! She can run alot of people off for sure! We won't be coming back! No one wants to be treated that way!! Teenage lifeguards also very careless and more interested in talking with their friends! Life quards around the wave pool did great and were friendly! However, too many people at a time gets overly crowded! Too many 10...