A visit to Wyoming's water parks can add a bit of light-hearted fun to family vacations in the state. 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 Wyoming's water parks.
Hot Springs State Park
Wyoming is a state with natural beauty and a nearly infinite list of outdoor excursions, but there isn't a lot of traditional summertime activities for kids.
, for example, has the natural elements of a hot spring to appeal to adults and throws in three slides and large pools for kids to be kids in. The water is naturally warm, heating from the nearby Big Horn Spring, with the indoor pool always between 94 and 98 degrees.
Signature Ride
The signature aspect to Star Plunge, like the other attractions in the Hot Springs State Park, is the naturally heated, mineral rich water. Unlike the other hot spring pools in the area, Star Plunge has three long water slides. These water slides aren't anything spectacular by the standards of some states, but in Wyoming, this is the only place with these beloved family attractions. Thrill seekers might find themselves quickly bored, but kids will be far happier to end up at Star Plunge than any of the other area pools.
Relax While The Kids Play
Star Plunge is a little sparse on non-water attractions, but according to
, there is an arcade for kids to entertain themselves with in between slides. Adults (and some less hyperactive kids) will find the hot tubs and indoor and outdoor pools an afternoon's worth of fun.
Food Options
The food options at the Hot Springs State Park are limited to one snack bar. However, there are a number of areas to picnic in the surrounding area.
Safety Record
Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at The Hot Springs State Park.
Address: 115 Big Springs Dr., Thermopolis, WY 82443Phone: 307-864-3771Hours: Open year round, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.Price: Star Plunge is $10 for 5-year-olds and above, $5 for kids 4 and under, and those over 65 pay $8. Various water items like balls and rafts are available to rent.
Roaring Springs Water Park
While a trek to Idaho might not exactly be what you have in mind for a weekend day at the water park, considering that Wyoming doesn't have much as far as options, Roaring Springs might almost be too much for your children to process at once. This is a full-scale water park, with plenty of slides and other wet attractions.
Signature Ride
The newest ride at Roaring Springs is
,
. Get your hands on a giant tube and clutch on to each other as you fly down a steep drop, over a few bumps and launch into the air.
Keeping The Kids Occupied
Roaring Springs gives the younger children an opportunity to enjoy the thrill of a water slide with
, designed for kids under four feet. For the taller kids,
is bound to be a highlight, as you shoot down a traditional slide into a bowl that drains you and a partner into a pool below. Also, if you're sick of the sun, Roaring Springs
, including a DJ to make the entire place feel like a wet nightclub.
Food Options
Roaring Springs does a great job of offering a number of familiar fast food-style options, including pizza, sub sandwiches, burgers, tacos and enough ice cream to give you a brain freeze until next year.
Safety Record
Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at Roaring Springs.
Address: 400 W. Overland Rd., Meridian, ID 83642Phone: 208-884-8842Hours: Roaring Springs's hours vary, but most days, the hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Price: There are quite a few options, price-wise, including season passes and cabana rentals for those looking to have a separate space for their crew, but the basic daily prices are $27.99 for anyone taller than four feet, and $22.99 for anyone under four feet. Look on the park's website for a number of discounts and coupons.
Other Noteworthy Parks
What's your favorite water park in Wyoming?
Lead photo: pile_of_ashez; Flickr
Check out more WATER PARKS.
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