Lake Arvesta Farms Water Obstacle Course – What to Know Before You Go
A Michigan Mom’s Guide to Bouncing, Splashing, and Surviving the Wibit at Lake Arvesta Farms
If you're anywhere near South Haven in the summer and your kids have energy to burn (don’t they always?), then you have to check out the floating water obstacle course at Lake Arvesta Farms. We just took our crew and it’s easily one of the most talked-about adventures of our summer.
But before you just show up in swimsuits with snacks and big hopes, here’s everything this Michigan mom thinks you should know to make it a smooth and super-fun day. Here’s my honest review of Lake Arvesta to help you decide is it worth it.
First off—What even is it?
Lake Arvesta has a giant inflatable water obstacle course that floats right on the lake—it’s basically a real-life version of the show “Wipeout”. There are slides, balance beams, bounce pads, climbing walls, monkey bars, and plenty of places to wipe out in hilarious fashion.
Wibit Floating Obstacle Course
It’s a total blast—but yes, you’re guaranteed to fall a lot. My kids were in heaven. My kids ranged in ages from 7-13, and every single one LOVED it!
Know Before You Go:
1. Age + Height Requirements
Kids need to be at least 6 years old and meet the minimum height requirement to play on the large wibit obstacle course. If your kids are younger, they’ll still enjoy the sandy beach and nearby activities, and the junior Wibit (obstacle course) for anyone under 42 inches tall.
2. Pricing
Here’s what it typically costs (as of summer 2025):
Wibit Water Obstacle Course
$20 per person for 1-hour session
$35 for an all-day pass
General Admission (non-Wibit)
$10 per person (includes access to the beach, splash area, pickleball, and other land-based fun)
Kids 4 and under are free
Parking is free, which is always a bonus!
Tip: You can combine activities like the Wibit and wakeboarding for a bundled price if you’re making a full day of it. We stayed well over 3 hours, so the all day pass is definitely worth it.
3. Sessions are Timed
Wibit sessions run on the hour, and you’ll want to reserve your spot online ahead of time—especially on weekends when time slots can sell out.
4. What to Pack
Swimsuits
Towels
Water shoes or sandals (they’re optional, but honestly helpful when the sand gets hot)
Sunscreen – you’ll be in full sun out on the water
Snacks or lunch or money for the on-site bar & grill ( Technically they say no outdoor food, but we saw tons of people on the beach that had brought their own snacks. They do have outdoor picnic tables at the entrance that you could pack a cooler and sit under the trees.
Dry change of clothes for everyone. There are showers to rinse off.
Shade Canopy -there is not much shade on the beach, so if you have littles a canopy is awesome.
5. Bring Money for a Sweet Treat
With 58 flavors of ice cream of Mooville ice cream, make sure to head to the Trough Concession Stand and end your day on a sweet note. There is also a full service restaurant and bar, Fire Water Bar & Grill, open for both lunch and dinner.
6. Safety First
Lifeguards are stationed around the course. Falling in is part of the fun, but kids should feel confident swimming in a life jacket without panicking. (Life jackets are provided and required.)
Helpful Mom-to-Mom Tips:
If you’ve got multiple kids in a broad range of ages, it might be worth bringing along another adult. One of you could stay near the obstacle course while the other keeps an eye on whoever’s building sandcastles or chilling on the beach. I took my children by myself, but joined in the fun so I could keep an eye on everyone and we all could enjoy the activities together.
Join in the fun, but be prepared for good workout as you haul yourself up the obstacles.
TIP It took me about an hour to realize there is a step hidden in the water that aids in climbing up the obstacles. There are arrows showing the entry spots along the obstacle courses.
Although there are lifeguards on duty, I stayed with my children on the obstacle course. With large groups of kids, some children did not take turns and easily slide or bumped into other kids. I personally had a blast playing with my kids and could help them if they needed it.
Giant slides at Lake Arvesta Farms
Bonus: It’s More Than Just the Obstacle Course!
Lake Arvesta Farms has a little bit of everything:
Wakeboarding park (for older kids or adventurous adults- its a great spot to learn since you can keep getting back on and pulled around the lake.
Kayaks and paddleboards
Pickleball courts
Beach area for chilling out
Live music on weekends and a full-service bar for parents
Wakeboarding at Lake Arvesta Farms
Even if you’re not jumping into the Wibit, it’s a great spot to hang out while the kids burn off energy.
Weather & Hours
It’s open seasonally—typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day—and weather can definitely affect the schedule. If storms are rolling in or it’s a cooler day, check their Facebook page or website for updates before heading out. Hours
Mon- Sat 10am - 8pm
Sun 10am -6pm
TIP If it’s RED FLAG days at Lake Michigan, head to Lake Arvesta for their discount days.
Family-Friendly Hotels
1. Hampton Inn South Haven
Clean, close to town, and includes free breakfast (always a win with hungry kids). Indoor pool, quick drive to Lake Arvesta.
📍 ~10 minutes from Lake Arvesta
2. Holiday Inn Express South Haven
Another solid choice with a pool, free breakfast, and comfy rooms for families.
📍 ~12 minutes away
VRBO Rentals Near Lake Arvesta
Want a bit more space, a full kitchen, or a backyard for s’mores and stargazing? Here are a few family-style rental ideas:
Tip: When searching on VRBO or Airbnb, look for rentals near “73rd Street” or “Arvesta Drive” to be closest to Lake Arvesta Farms.
1. Cottage Near Lake Michigan with Fire Pit & Yard
Just minutes from downtown South Haven. Often sleeps 6–10. Bonus if it includes beach gear and board games!
2. Lakefront Rental with Private Dock or Kayaks
Perfect for big families or multiple families vacationing together. Look for listings labeled “family-friendly,” with bunk rooms or rec rooms.
3. South Haven Farmhouse Retreat
A few miles inland, but gives off a calm country vibe. Often more affordable and still within a 10–15 minute drive.
Campgrounds Nearby:
Kal-Haven RV Park – Family-friendly and shaded
Van Buren State Park – Large campground with beach access
Covert/South Haven KOA – Pool, playground, cabins, and pancake breakfasts
PJ Hoffmaster State Park – A bit farther but beautiful dunes and private campers beach and modern playground
More Family Fun Nearby
After you’ve bounced and splashed at Lake Arvesta, here are some easy add-ons to make a full weekend out of it:
South Haven Beaches: You can’t visit the area without checking out South Beach or North Beach—perfect for sandcastle building, wave jumping, and ice cream pit stops.
Sherman’s Dairy Bar: Iconic South Haven stop for giant scoops of homemade ice cream. You’ll want to bring wet wipes (and maybe a second stomach).
Michigan Maritime Museum: Hands-on, educational, and even includes boat rides out on Lake Michigan. Great for kids who love ships or pirates.
Kal-Haven Trail: Pack the bikes or scooters! This flat, scenic trail is great for families and goes all the way from South Haven to Kalamazoo.
Blueberry Picking
Bumbleberry Acres: Cute little petting farm just north of South Haven with animals, seasonal berry picking, hayrides, and a country store. Younger kids especially love it.
Brookside Farms: Our personal favorite blueberry picking spot. Family blueberry farm in Paw Paw with playground, air- conditioned store and the best fresh 4 berry smoothies!!
Outdoor Movies or Sunset Walks at the Pier
South Haven is a prime Blueberry Picking spot
Whether you’re heading out for a birthday party, summer weekend adventure, or just want to tire out your crew before bedtime—Lake Arvesta’s water course is a win. Just be prepared for wet hugs, tired legs, and stories they’ll be talking about for the rest of summer.
Let me know if you go—I’d love to hear what your crew thought! Follow Discovering Anew for more Summer Adventures!
