Water parks in California range from the small and humble to the big and thrilling.
Water Parks in California
Even though California is full of lush farmland and famous cities, many out of towners think of all things sun and surf when they think of the Golden State. When the beach gets old and you're family is growing weary of coastal drives, check out one of the great water parks available for a visit - some year round. Water parks are also a fun summer getaway for native Californians who don't live anywhere near the ocean (and there are plenty of them!), providing a day of rest and relaxation where you can loosen up and splash down.
Antioch Water Park
Near the San Francisco Bay Area you will find the town of Antioch, a typical suburban city. If you find yourself in the area for a business trip or visiting family, check out their small water park with five slides and affordable ticket prices. This is a municipal park provided by the city to give kids and parents a break during the summer time. You can find more information, including phone number and driving directions through their official website.
Sunsplash
Up north near Sacramento in the suburban hideaway of Roseville, you will find Sunsplash, a water park affiliated with Golfland miniature golf courses. Open seasonally, you'll find intense waterslides like the Master Blaster, along with a great kids area and a lazy river where you can just float and relax in the water while chatting with friends.
Wild Water
Down into the Central Valley, you will find Wild Water, a large water park in Clovis, CA. It's over 50 acres and features a diverse array of water slides, group reservations and season passes for those who live locally and love to splash the day away.
Six Flag's Hurricane Harbor
In Southern California, you will find Six Flags' Hurricane Harbor, a park affiliated with Magic Mountain. You can purchase admission to the water park separately, or buy a combo ticket for both the roller coasters and water slides. Advertising their waterslides as "hydro-powered thrills", they feature terrifying drops and intense speeds on some of their attractions such as the two tallest water slides in Southern California. Also be sure to check out the Tornado, which allows you to drop seven stories into a 60 foot tall, 132 foot long water funnel. You'll then float into a huge pool, giving you a chance to breathe after your death-defying drop.
Get all of the Hurricane Harbor information you need here.
What to Bring
If you are traveling to water parks in California for the first time, be sure to check the weather before you go. Almost every region where you'll find a water park will range between 70 and 100 degrees in the summer time. While it is usually warm and sunny during the peak water park season, be sure to bring at least a light sweater or jacket with you, since both Northern and Southern California regions cool off significantly at night.
Expect to spend somewhere between $25 and $60 per person on a water park ticket. Then also account approximately $5-10 for food per person. All parks allow you to bring in your own towel, bottled water, sunscreen, and anything else you need for a day out in the fun.
Smoking is usually prohibited in all water parks, unless you happen upon one with designated smoke areas.
