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Sliding Rock
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Swimming
Sliding Rock Description
No need for fancy water parks when you have 11,000 gallons of water per minute flowing over a 60-foot rock into a six-foot-deep pool of clear water. This is not for the faint of heart. The ride can be fast and the water is cold. But kids brave enough to take the plunge love the thrill. In the summer months, lifeguards keep a watchful eye and restrooms and changing rooms are available. No picnic facilities.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: The little ones will probably like watching other people slide down the rock, but it's a little steep for the preschool set. The official rules state that kids under 7 can go down the slide with a parent. Kids who aren't old enough can still play in the shallow river beyond the pool.
School-Age Kids: Older school-age kids who are strong swimmers will enjoy this.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Bring it on!
Planning Notes
- Lifeguards. Keep in mind that lifeguards are only on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You can slide other times, but you're on your own.
- Watch those shoes. The climb up can be slippery, so snug-fitting water shoes are recommended. Loose-fitting water shoes routinely get lost in the water. Many people do go barefoot, though.
- Rough ride. Girls might want to wear shorts over their bathing suits for added thigh coverage. The ride down can be a bit bumpy.
- Deep water. The pool of water on the bottom is deeper than it looks, so kids must know how to swim in order to slide.
- Say cheese. Don't forget your camera. There's a great viewing area near the bottom of the slide.
- Check it out. You can find a lot of home videos of people going down Sliding Rock on video sharing sites on the Internet. Watching them will help you to decide if your child is ready. Or if you are!
Just the Facts
Hours: 10 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours
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