Kids and adults look forward to summer activities that include splashing in the water, relaxing on the beach and keeping cool in the warmer temperatures. With the WhoaZone, the City of Whiting provides the perfect backdrop for summertime fun at Whihala Beach. The WhoaZone is an inflatable on-water obstacle course that provides hours of high-energy entertainment and activity for everyone ages 7 and up.
WhoaZone at Whihala Beach, located at 1561 Park Road in Whiting, offers an action-packed floating obstacle course, shaded seating rentals, SnackZone concessions and a beach store. First opened in 2017 by Empire Recreation Management, Whihala Beach is home to the original WhoaZone (in partnership with the City of Whiting) which now has expanded to other locations in Michigan and Texas according to General Manager Jen Rice.
“This will be our sixth summer at Whihala Beach, as our facility was closed in 2020 due to Whihala Beach closure,” Rice said. “We offer a full day of active entertainment that is great for the whole family. We also host the best group events and birthday parties.”
Birthday parties and group packages are completely customizable. Options start with a minimum of 10 guests. Rice recommends securing at least two or three weeks in advance.
For safety, every guest participating in any WhoaZone activity must sign a waiver. Once filled out, that waiver is valid for one summer season.
“Waivers can be filled out in advance online to save time during check in,” Rice said. “Only one waiver is required, and you are all set for the summer.”
All guests attend a safety briefing before playing in the WhoaZone and all are required to wear a site issued USCG life jacket.
“We have American Red Cross certified lifeguards on duty at all times,” Rice said. “In fact, the WhoaZone partners with the City of Whiting's Parks and Recreation department to certify and train our lifeguards. We are really one big team out at Whihala Beach and work together to ensure each guest and visitor has a great experience each and every visit.”
A Single Splash session and an Add a Splash session each consist of one hour total. This includes a 10-minute Safety Orientation and Rules of Conduct review followed by 50 minutes on the WhoaZone obstacle course.
An All Day Splash consists of consecutive Single Splash sessions from park open to park close. Every participant is required to exit the course after each Single Splash session.
If a participant arrives late for their designated session, time on the WhoaZone obstacle course may be shortened at management's discretion.
“We offer discounts every day of the week,” said Rice. “WhoaZone has Two 4 Tuesdays (buy one get one free), Whoa Wednesdays (20% off), Family Fun 4 Packs (buy three get one free) and many more. New in 2023 is also the Weekday Single Splash 5 Pack, a flexible option to bundle and save, only available online. Guests can visit the 'Deals Zone' on our website to see all discounts and promos.”
Guests can additionally leave the hassle of packing the chairs and umbrellas. This season, the WhoaZone has newly expanded shaded seating options, including large umbrellas and loungers or semi-private cabana options.
For 2023, WhoaZone offers new ice cream options and Pucker Powder along with classic favorites like burgers, hot dogs and nachos at the SnackZone.
To make it easy to get there, the City of Whiting offers metered street parking located near the WhoaZone.
“This is the only WhoaZone on a great lake,” Rice said. “The beautiful shores of Whihala Beach on Lake Michigan make this location a perfect paradise escape for families that is convenient and close to home.”
WhoaZone hours are, June 17 through Aug. 20, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily (weather permitting).
SnackZone hours for concessions and beach store are: June 10-11, June 17-Aug. 20, Aug. 26-27 and Sept. 2-4; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. (based upon beach crowds and weather).
For more information on pricing and to reserve group events or birthday parties, contact the WhoaZone via text at 219-234-2615, or visit their website https://whoa.zone/whiting/ and use the chat feature.