Why is everybody gushing about water parks? Because they not only provide cool relief on a summer day, but they also combine the thrills of an amusement park with the relaxation of a day at the pool. In the 20 years since the first parks opened, these watery playgrounds have become enormously popular--last year more than 58 million people visited one. Bigger and better than ever, the parks lure families with dozens of slick attractions, from towering slides and twisting chutes to gadget-filled pirate ships and rollicking wave pools. They also offer picnic spots, plenty of lounge chairs, locker rentals and food service. The following parks are some of the country's best, so pack your swimsuits, towels and sunscreen and go soak up the fun.
California
Raging Waters
San Dimas, California
Not far from Los Angeles, Raging Waters is located in the lush 2,000-acre Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.
Number of Rides: 16, on 50 acres, using 50 million gallons of recycled water.
Highlight for Bigger Kids: High Extreme II, a headfirst toboggan ride that begins at a height of 109 feet and travels 600 feet at rapid speeds.
Highlight for Smaller Kids: Sliding down Volcano FantaSea, a 40-foot-high smoking mountain, into a crystal-blue lagoon.
Admission: $27.99 for visitors 48 inches tall and up, $16.99 for kids under 48 inches, and children two years and younger are free. Open April through September. Hours vary. Call (909) 802-2200 for actual operating days and hours prior to your visit.
Colorado
Hyland Hills Water World
Denver, Colorado
Surrounded by Colorado's towering pines and dramatic views, Hyland Hills Water World is the place to catch a Rocky Mountain high.
Number of Rides: 23, on 64 acres, including the Fun H2Ouse Express, a surprise-filled gondola ride.
Highlights for Bigger Kids: Rafting in the dark, down the Lost River of Pharaohs through a pyramid, past a mummy and into a spiral slide.
Highlight for Smaller Kids: Voyage to the Center of the Earth, in which you feel as if you're floating underground, and you get to meet animatronic dinosaurs.
Admission: $27.95 for adults, $23.95 for kids ages four to 12, and free for kids age 3 and under. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours vary. Call (303) 427-SURF for actual operating days and hours prior to your visit.
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