Summertime is here, give us all the fun in the sun.
If you are looking for a crowd pleaser of a day I really think your family will love visiting a water park. We have now visited three water parks with our children Volcano Bay, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon. Each time, they gave us rave reviews and looked forward to the next visit. In comparison to our beloved theme parks, water parks tend to be smaller in scale and more manageable. Less walking, shorter lines, and smaller crowds, who doesn’t love that?
1. Water parks are the best way to beat the heat.
In Florida, we have a rule against going to Orlando in the summertime except for water parks. Since the temperatures are getting hotter, why not cool off in the water? Most water parks even try to keep your toes cool with water sprayed on the walking paths.
2. There is something for everyone.
For me personally, this is always a major factor when planning family activities on vacation. I like for each one of us to have something they really enjoy. Some theme parks are more balanced than others but, water parks typically have a good mix. Checking all the boxes is an important key to success. Between the lazy rivers and the thrilling drop slides each member of your family will find something they enjoy. Perhaps, you have no desired to slide or float and you just want a peaceful spot to read a book. Every water park has a “cabana” type seating option that gives you a shaded place to return to when you need a break. Otherwise, if your family likes to go non-stop then you can set up your towels on a few chairs to be waiting for you on those few and far between snack breaks.
3. Water parks are truly a hidden gem.
Sure they won’t have fireworks and “rides” but, they really are jam packed with fun and thrills. Compared to a traditional theme park, I find water parks to be less crowded. You won’t spend your day waiting in long lines and perhaps you will want to enjoy the same attraction multiple times. There is more of a quality time experience versus the pressure to “do everything”. You will still enjoy playful theming that makes you feel like you are transported to a far off destination.
4. No advanced planning required.
For some of you, this detail will completely win you over. You can, in fact, just show up to a water park. Forgot your towel? They are available for rent. Can’t find your bathing suit, the gift shop has you covered. Need extra sunscreen or a hat? There are plenty available for purchase. The best thing about water parks is that all you really have to do is show up ready for fun.
A few pro tips I will leave you with:
- No need to bring a life jacket, they will be in plentiful supply for all sizes.
- Bring more sunscreen and sun protection clothing than you think you need, perhaps throw in an extra bathing suit. I find that wet suits become a little uncomfortable if you are in the park all day and you may need a fresh start at some point.
- Even though you are in the water all day, dehydration can happen. So drink water as much as you can.
- Wear water shoes. For whatever reason, the floor on the bottom of the wave pools and lazy river are textured and rough. We had some tiny scraped toes by the end of the day.
- Safety tip: have a meeting place in case you get separated. Water parks usually have a “lost and found” for children but, it can happen with your spouse too. You might find that you get separated from one another and may not have a cell phone handy.
One product recommendation if you really want to keep your mobile phone handy:
How cute is this pouch?!
