By Allison Peck
Bellevue, Neb. — Barbie, Hot Wheels, UNO and Fisher-Price are getting their own waterpark — and it’s being built right here in Nebraska.
Mattel, Inc. has unveiled the first interior renderings of the Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark under construction in Bellevue, giving the public a first look at how some of the company’s best-known brands will be incorporated into the approximately 100,000-square-foot, year-round attraction.
Mattel says the Bellevue location is now planned to be the first Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark to open, with an opening targeted for late 2027.
The facility is being developed near Highway 34 and the Kennedy Freeway as part of Bellevue’s growing Good Life District.
And this won’t simply be a traditional waterpark with Mattel branding added to it.
Mattel says the Bellevue attraction will feature experiences built around several of its major brands, including a Barbie activity pool and FlowRider surf simulator, a Hot Wheels-themed “Challenge Accepted” multi-slide tower and a lazy river inspired by Mattel Games, including UNO, Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots and Magic 8 Ball.
The waterpark will also feature a Fisher-Price water play structure, along with themed food and beverage offerings.
The facility is expected to include a retractable roof, allowing it to operate year-round while bringing in natural light and fresh air.
Mattel says the concept is designed to bring several of its brands together in one destination, combining water attractions, play, food and immersive experiences.
Natalia Premovic, Mattel’s Chief Consumer Products and Experiences Officer, said the company sees an opportunity to bring immersive entertainment to communities outside the traditional major tourist destinations.
Bellevue will be the first of the planned Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks to open. Mattel says four of the five planned North American locations have now been confirmed, with additional locations planned for Orlando, Florida; Bradley, Illinois; and Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
More than a waterpark
The waterpark is also expected to serve as the anchor for a much larger entertainment district in Bellevue.
The city recently announced an exclusive negotiation agreement with Goldenrod Companies and American Resort Management to explore development of approximately 35 additional acres surrounding the waterpark.
That area could eventually include restaurants, retail, lodging, amusement attractions and other entertainment opportunities. The city has also said the partners will explore the possibility of a dry park to complement the waterpark.
Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike said the project represents more than just the waterpark itself, saying the goal is to create a destination that attracts families, brings visitors into the community and supports new businesses.
Congressman Mike Flood also highlighted the potential regional reach of the project, saying Bellevue is putting itself on a “multi-state map,” with the potential to attract visitors from Nebraska as well as South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas.
Construction is continuing on the Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark, with the first interior renderings now giving families a glimpse of what is planned for Bellevue.
If the current timeline holds, Nebraska’s first Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark is expected to open in late 2027.