Utah is well-known for its abundant outdoor activities, as well as its majestic scenery and National Parks and Monuments. Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and of course skiing bring thousands of tourists to Utah every year. Families should add visits to some of the great water parks while in Utah during the warm weather. Here is an assortment of the best:
AQUA x ZONE in Heber City is located inside Jordanelle State Park, about 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. Children love this park because visitors have to swim out to the inflatable activities that float on the water of the reservoir. The floating park accommodates up to 75 people at a time, and all can jump, swing, run, slide, and swim as they enjoy this unique water park. Group discounts and season passes are available.
Cedar City Aquatic Center is located about 250 miles south of Salt Lake City. The center offers an Olympic size pool and a small outdoor pool, as well as a water playground, lap pool, slide, lazy river, and hot tub. Cedar City is known as the "Gateway to the National Parks" because of its proximity to a number of parks, specifically Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is also known for hosting a large variety of festivals, from Shakespeare to classic cars. Take in a few of these after a day of swimming at the aquatic center!
Cherry Hill Water Park in Kaysville is small but offers everything from camping to restaurants to miniature golf and basketball with trampolines. And, of course, the water park with a four-lane racing slide, bumper boats, an interactive water play area, and two pools. The Great Salt Lake is just west of this area so a side trip to see this great body of water would be worth the time.
Classic Fun Center in Sandy is another all-purpose family entertainment center that includes a small outdoor water park. There are four water slides and a zero-entry pool. The entertainment center includes laser tag, roller skating, a bounce house, a climbing house in a “jungle” setting, and a foam ball blast area.
Cowabunga Bay is 10 minutes south of Salt Lake City in Draper, Utah along I-15. Cowabunga Bay is the home of the largest indoor interactive play area, so your children will love this park. It has 12 levels and 300 play features, complete with a huge tipping bucket. There are a number of slides and a lazy river and Kid’s Cove, a play area for younger children. The park also offers Tiki Cabanas and Lounges for rent.
Lighthouse Point Splash Zone in Salt Lake City is unique because it is located inside a zoo. Hogle Zoo is a 42-acre property dating back from 1931. It is home to over 800 animals, complete with a Conservation Carousel made up of models of endangered species. The Splash Zone includes a blowhole and tidal pools, as well as the Lighthouse Slide and a shipwreck for the kids to explore.
Lagoon A Beach Water Park is 17 miles south of Salt Lake City in Farmington. Calling themselves the Ultimate Aquatic Playground, Lagoon A Beach is a surf and slide water park, complete with rapids and a lazy river which includes waterfalls, tunnels, lagoons, and a castaway island for kids. There is also an R.V. Park and campground with access (and discounts) to the water park.
Layton Surf 'n Swim is another inexpensive municipal facility that turns its pool into a wave pool for specified hours each day, allowing visitors to experience waves typical of different parts of the world. There is also a lap pool that includes a small pool with a diving well and a play area for younger kids. Check the website for restrictions and rates to rent the wave pool.
Logan Aquatic Center is located in north central Utah near the 10,000-foot high Bear River Range. Logan is just east of I-15, the major north-south interstate traveling through Utah. The Aquatic Center has an outdoor Olympic-sized pool, an adaptive aquatics program, fitness and swimming classes, water aerobics, and water safety classes. There is also a kiddy pool and a lap pool, as well as an array of slides, a lazy river, and a fun zone for smaller children. Plan your trip so you’ll arrive in Logan on Monday; it’s family discount night with $15 passes for the entire family.
Provo Beach bills itself as “50,000 square feet of indoor fun” complete with its signature Flow Rider. The Rider pumps 30,000 gallons of water into a true ocean experience, suitable for both expert surfers and novice boogie boarders. Located about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City along I-15, Provo is the third largest city in Utah and is adjacent to the Wasatch Front mountain peaks and the Utah Lake recreation area. Provo Beach provides something for everyone in the family, with not only the Water Park but also laser tag, a family ropes course, arcade, miniature croquet, and bowling.
The SCERA Park Pool in Orem offers a family-friend area for play and relaxation, with plenty of lounge chairs, tables, and shade. The water park provides a lap pool, diving board, a heated splash pad, a current channel, slides, zero-depth beach entry, and a sand play area for the kids. Family night is Monday when the whole clan can enjoy the park for $25.
7 Peaks Water Park is in Provo and covers a 26-acre area with slides, a wave pool, bumper boats, and a lazy river. There are also 4 attractions for smaller children, including a play park. Indoor activities include a variety of rides, laser tag, rock climbing, mini golf, and an arcade.
Wayne Bartholomew Family Park in Springville is an outdoor family park with a sandy beach for water fun plus many other activities like volleyball, ring toss, and horseshoes. Equipment for the games is free on a first come, first served basis. Bring a picnic lunch and eat under one of the pavilions or purchase food from the concession stand.