Posted : June 10, 2015
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
Dive into the deep end, race down a water slide, or float along the lazy river. Cooling off this summer can be boatloads of fun with our family-friendly water-parks and splash pads.
Splash Works Water Park
Splash Works is a 20-acre water-park for kids of all ages. If you’re a thrill seeker you’ll love the Black Hole, a four-storey slide you ride through in complete darkness! Not that daring, but still want an adventure? Try the Pump House, jets shoot water in every direction and giant buckets gather gallons of water, ready to pour over at any minute. Navigating this jam-packed park is an adventure in itself!
The Wave Pool
This isn’t your ordinary pool! Richmond Hill’s indoor wave pool lets you ride the waves all year round. Big or small, you can do it all! Start off in the shallow end to get used to the tides and then use your water mat to brave the waves in the deep end as you plot a course across the pool. The Wave Pool is a perfect way to cool off with water activities for the whole family.
If you still have some energy left, make your way over to the twisting water slide, 160 ft. of excitement around each turn!
Cedar Park Resort
Waterpark by day, family campground by night, Cedar Park Resort in Bowmanville is so good you might never want to leave! A top destination since 1955, Cedar Park Resort is the perfect water facility for all ages. Whether you are tackling the large water slides or embracing your inner mermaid in the pool, you’ll stay cool all day long!
Need a break from all that splish splashing? Explore the 30-acre land, perfect for an afternoon picnic, quick trip to the playground, or round of mini-golf.
Splash Pads
Splash Pads are a quick and efficient way to beat the heat on a busy day. Usually located within a community park or neighbourhood, they offer an interactive way to cool down for toddlers and younger families. The Splash Pads in Markham use timers and user activated buttons to conserve water. You can feel good about running through this water wonderland, using H2O on an as needed basis!
If you enjoy the outdoors don’t forget, you can cool off with water activities for the whole family by the lake too! The great outdoors offer a fantastic way to stay refreshed and energized as a family while incorporating some H2O into the mix.
Waterfront Trails
Enjoy a breezy walk following Lake Ontario along the Ajax and Oshawa Waterfront Trails. Take in the cool air as you stroll through the natural beauty all around you. Enjoy the winding trails and picturesque views that can be seem from almost all points of the trails. Don’t be scared to dip your toes in the lake along the way!
Floating Water Festival
Buckle up for a wild ride on Splash, the floating water festival. Get involved with the festival’s charitable swim in lake Simcoe; sign-up as a family for a refreshing dip for a great cause celebrating Lake Simcoe.
Rail Yard Wake Park
Take it up a notch at the Rail Yard Wake Park. Spend the day on the water, cable wake boarding, wake skating, wake skiing, and knee-boarding. Mount Albert is your ultimate fun destination for a family experienced with water sports.
Paddle-boarding
Test your balance on Port Perry’s waters with an afternoon of paddle-boarding. Grab a life jacket and hit the water for a soothing ride. If you really want to get in the zone while on the water try SUP yoga, the perfect combination of fun and relaxation.
Other activities your family can enjoy in or around the water may include:
- Fishing
- Kayaking, canoeing or sailing
- Seadooing
- Parasailing
- Snorkeling or scuba diving
From indoor wave pools, black whole water slides and paddle-boarding there is an activity for everyone in Central Counties. Have you been to one of the above water-parks or splash pads? Choose your favourite water-park or outdoor water destination and schedule a family trip in your calendar today!
We would love to know what your family does to cool down when they’re feeling the heat. Please share your summer bucket list or comment on your favourite water sport that helps your family stay calm, cool and collected.
