Last year was our first experience of family water park fun at Aquatica San Diego. Living in Arizona, it’s hot in the summer and water parks are a favorite family activity. Until we visited Aquatica last year we never had added a water park to our California visits. Already loving the park because of the fun time we had there last summer, we recently visited again. Our six year old daughter had grown since our last visit and was tall enough for every thrill ride. We also brought along our new baby; she didn’t join us in the water but had fun playing in the cabana. We have the water park on our list of attractions to visit every summer and think you should too! Here are 10 reasons to visit Aquatica, SeaWorld San Diego’s waterpark.
10 reasons to visit Aquatica, SeaWorld San Diego’s waterpark
1) the sandy beach
You might not be on a real beach next to ocean waves but it sure does feel like it! With plenty of warm sand, the sound of waves, and lots of palm trees, you’ll feel like building a sand castle or burying your toes in the sand.
2) the animals
Flamingos and turtles are permanent friends at Aquatica San Diego but sometimes you might run into the occasional visitor like a falcon. While we were there we learned the falcons help make sure seagulls aren’t lingering at the park. Trust me you’d much rather learn about a falcon than have a flock of seagulls flying overhead during a fun day at the water park!
3) toddler play area
Slippity Dippity® is perfect for toddlers because it includes smaller slides and splash pools. Children must be less than 48″ to play here so if you have a little one you won’t need to worry about them getting toppled over by older children.
4) kids area
Walkabout Waters is an awesome four story play area excellent for climbing, sliding, and splashing. Just don’t let that giant bucket of water dump on your head…unless you want it to!
5) thrill rides
Tassie’s Twister is just one of the thrill rides my oldest daughter was tall enough to ride this summer. Last year she wasn’t quite 48″ so we weren’t able to ride a few of the popular attractions. But this year she could ride everything! I was brave with her and we both rode Tassie’s Twister. It was fun but nothing compared to the adrenaline rush we felt going down the HooRoo Run®!
6) the wave pool
Big Surf Shores is awesome for a few reasons – it’s one of the biggest wave pools in Southern California, it’s heated, and there’s a timer that visually counts down until the next waves. Most of our day was spent in the wave pool during our last visit.
7) other heated pools
If you want the heated water but not the waves, Kata’s Kookaburra Cove® is a great place to play. My daughter loves wearing her goggles and doing underwater flips until she’s dizzy there!
8) the lazy river
Loggerhead Lane is where you’ll float by flamingoes as you’re soaking up the sunshine. Just relax or float under waterfalls for water play during your ride around the lazy river.
9) the food
You’re definitely not going to be eating your typical water park hotdogs and hamburgers at Aquatica San Diego. The various eateries and extensive menus includes meals like the grilled chicken nacho cone and the edamame mixed green salad, both our family favorites.
10) awesome vacation memories
Whether you live in Southern California already and are visiting regularly during the summer or are traveling from out of state like us, Aquatica San Diego is a great place to make favorite family memories!
For a child’s perspective, visit my daughter’s post Water park Fun at Aquatica San Diego to read what she thought of our family day at the park last year.
When you plan your visit don’t forget to pack the pack water park bag essentials for kids.
What’s your favorite Aquatica San Diego waterpark attraction?
Connect with Aquatica San Diego on Facebook, Instagram, and with Clyde the Sea Lion on Twitter to learn more about the park and special events.
Disclosure: Our family received complimentary tickets to Aquatica San Diego and cabana rental. All opinions are my own.