Water parks in San Francisco are just the ticket to an active or passive family outing. Whether you choose a thrill ride or a lazy river it's the cool thing to do on a hot day. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about San Francisco water parks.
Waterworld of California
Many families spend a couple of days at
and stay nearby because this park has so much to offer. From the Tornado's six-story funnel that spins riders 75 feet in the air to the Cliffhanger, the speed slide with a three-second, 70-foot drop. For the less daring, the Breaker Beach wave pool or Kaanapali Kooler Lazy River are among the many choices offered.
Signature Ride
The Typhoon Slide Complex is a double dark tube complex that provides four different ride experiences in one and requires two riders, to double the thrill. The Big Kahuna is a slide for multiple riders and according to the park
is the largest slide of its kind in the entire Bay Area.
Other Attractions
Lil' Kahuna's Waterworks is a "sprayground" for the younger set, complete with huge waterfalls, fountains, seesaws, swings and tipping buckets. Wild Water Kingdom is a 20,000-square foot activity pool that has seven family slides, a lily pad walk and the Dragon's Tail slide complex among
.
Food
Breaker Beach Refreshments offers soft drinks and beer, and the Coconut Hut cools you off with shaved ice and ice cream. There is a food court and a grill that serves up everything from burgers, pizza and onion rings to hot wings, nachos and chicken strips. No outside food is allowed in the park, but a picnic area is just outside the entrance.
Safety Record
In 1997, a
caused one fatality and 30 injuries at Waterworld.
Address: 1950 Waterworld Park Way, Concord, CA 94520Phone: 925-609-1364Hours: During the summer, the park is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. Price: Guests 48 inches and taller, $32.99; seniors and guests under 48 inches, $24.99.
Raging Waters
With over 30 slides, a wave pool, a wading pool and a man-made river, there is undoubtedly a body of water for all age groups at Raging Waters. Guests can slide down a waterfall, blast out of the Barracuda slide or float down the Endless River.
Signature Ride
The newest ride at
is Bombs Away. It is an enclosed capsule five stories high above Lake Cunningham, with a trap door that drops to send you plummeting for over 200 feet.
Other Attractions
is a three-person ride that shoots down 500 feet, twists, turns and loops until the final plunge. Pirate's Cove is a kid's water play area with a pirate's skull spouting water, water cannons, cargo climbing nets and water tipping buckets. An activity pool has waterfalls, slides and even a floating alligator to climb.
Food
Raging Waters has many food venues inside the park from the traditional burgers and hot dogs to Mexican fare. Concession stands have snacks, ice cream treats and cold refreshments. No outside food is allowed inside the park, but they do have a small picnic area just outside of the park.
Safety Record
Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issue at Raging Waters in San Jose.
Address: 2333 South White Rd., San Jose, CA 95148Phone: 408-238-9900Hours: The park is open summers from 10:30 to 6 p.m.; it is open weekends in mid-May and some weekends in September. Hours vary so check their online calendar.Price: Guests 48 inches and taller, $33.99; seniors and guests under 48 inches, $23.99; children 2 and younger, free.
Other Noteworthy Parks
What are your family's favorite San Francisco water parks?
Check out more WATER PARKS.
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