Visit Ontario's Water Parks this Summer - Guide on GlobetrottingMama.com

Pop quiz.

The sun is shining and your son has just yelled, “Look at me mom!”

He: a) is doing his homework b) has convinced his younger brother to stand watch while he manipulates the cookie jar or c) is standing at the top of a waterslide 20 times his height and grinning like a banshee.

Guessed c? Yes. I’ve got that kid too.

There’s something about a water park that turns kids who are normally happy, healthy, fairly well adjusted little people into crazed, screaming water demons who just can’t get enough.

Luckily there are places built to contain their thirst for speed, splash and dive and your need to tire them out before supper. Here are three Canadian water parks that are offering fantastic reasons to go now – as if you needed more than that grinning kid to convince you:

  1. Calypso Water Park

Where: Limoges, Ontario

Why: It’s new

What: Canada’s newest water park opened June 7 just 20 minutes from Ottawa. The Caribbean-themed park — your toes will tap even to the website’s theme music — boasts 100 acres of state-of-the-art adventure for everyone from toddlers to seniors. Canada’s largest wave pool and a white water experience are two of the attractions most likely to set die-hards salivating.

  1.  Splash Island at Toronto Zoo

Where: Toronto, Ontario

Why: This staple for Ontario families contains water-filled fun for those that like to get wet.

What: While a destination for animal lovers, the Toronto Zoo also offers a water park attraction. It features 2 acres of water-filled fun including animals that spout water, slides and many more ways to get wet. Bonus: learn about animals that count on water for their habitat.

  1. Great Wolf Lodge

Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario

Why: Because “cool” doesn’t end when you leave the pool.

What: A four-story tree house water adventure, a 1,000-gallon soaker bucket, an outdoor pool adjacent to a patio area where you can relax in the sun while the kiddies splash, a frog pond, whirlpools and more mean getting the kids out of the pool will be a challenge. When you do, choose from the kids’ spa (ice-cream themed manicures, pedicures and facials), mini-golf, a story-reading tree and themed weekends and events to keep little ones buzzing. Even bedtime is fun with Wolf Den-themed suites that offer bunk beds, a Nintendo gaming system and their own TV that means the rest of the suite is yours to enjoy. You’ll need a vacation from your vacation when it’s over, but the words “best parents ever” will be used repeatedly.

 

A version of this post was originally published on TorontoStar.com. It has been modified to reflect that Wild Water Kingdom, originally featured, is closed this year.
Photo Copyright: janmika / 123RF Stock Photo