Are you looking for something a little out of the ordinary to entertain your family this winter? The Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park in Clinton (1900 Boulevard of Champions, Clinton; 580-323-9966, www.water-zoo.com) should be at the top of your list. Wondering what’s so great about the Water-Zoo? Here are five reasons to visit.
#1: The Slides
Remember when you were a kid and it was just so incredibly cool to go to a pool with a slide? The Water-Zoo has several water slides, and these are definitely not the water slides from your childhood—each is their own adventure! Visitors who are 42” or taller can take on the three tallest slides at the park which tower over the other attractions at a height of four stories.
Of the three tallest slides, one is a body slide which mostly winds around the inside of the park. The other two slides extend outside the building and require riders to use a tube, or two people can ride together on a double tube. One slide also deposits riders into a tornado bowl where you swirl around and around before reaching the landing pool. These slides were fun for our entire family, all the way down to my four-year-old daughter!
If your children are smaller or if the intensity of the big slides isn’t something they are ready for yet, there are several other slides to enjoy. There is a large slide from the mezzanine level that is slower-paced and not enclosed for riders 36” or taller. The play area on the mezzanine level also has some small slides that your young children shouldn’t find too intimidating. Without a doubt, Water-Zoo slides are a huge hit!
#2: There’s Something for Everyone
If your family has a wide range of ages or interests, you know that finding activities that appeal to everyone in the family can be difficult. The Water-Zoo offers a variety of attractions that every member of your family can enjoy, from grandparents to teens to your littlest toddler!
For the youngest children, you’ll want to check out Cub’s Cove. This splash pad area is full of gentle sprayers and the water is only about 6” deep, so it’s great for sitting and splashing. If you’ve got a more active little one, be sure to try the kid-friendly Tiger Slide, too. Children who are at least 36” or taller will want to visit the play area on the mezzanine level. Climb, slide, splash and spray, but watch out for the 600-gallon tipping bucket!
Older kids will enjoy the slides, of course, but there is also an activity pool they are sure to love. There are basketball goals for a friendly game and plenty of open space for Marco Polo or swimming.
The Lazy River and the Wave Pool are attractions that will be a hit with everyone in the family. The Wave Pool has a zero-depth entry that makes it friendly for littles and a great place for adults to sit and let the waves splash over them. Of course, you can always take a tube out a little deeper and ride the waves if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, grab a tube and take a ride around the Lazy River.
#3: Convenience
Sometimes you start planning a family outing and find that by the time you’ve finished planning and packing all of the extra things you need to do and bring, you’re almost too tired to make the trip! The Water-Zoo has thought of everything to make your trip simple so you can spend time making memories with your family instead of dealing with details.
Many of the things you need to remember to bring to most pools have been taken care of for you already by the Water-Zoo. Tubes and life jackets are provided at no extra cost and though they suggest you bring your own towels, they even have those if you forget them.
When you arrive at the Water-Zoo, each family member will receive a wrist band. If you want to rent a locker (a $6 charge), this is tied in with your wrist band, so instead of trying to keep track of a key all day, all you have to do is scan your waterproof wristband at the locker bay and your unit will pop open for you. You don’t even have to remember your locker number! After the check-in area, the Water-Zoo is a cashless facility, so for the snack bar or souvenirs you can get Splash Cash put on your wristband. Any money left over at the end of your visit can be refunded or kept on a card for your next visit.
The Water-Zoo has a snack bar on site for when you get hungry, but if you want to leave the premises to get something to eat elsewhere, you can do that, too. Outside food and drink are not permitted. The prices for the snack bar are very reasonable and there is a good variety of food from which to choose.
#4: Not Your Everyday Inside Activity
When winter weather hits, it can be hard to keep the kids active (in a good way) while they’re stuck inside. The Water-Zoo is the perfect solution to this problem! The temperature inside the park is around 80 degrees in the winter, so even though it may be frosty outside, you’ll be sure to stay toasty inside. Your kids will use up lots of that restless energy as they climb the four flights of stairs for the big slides–and it’s not a bad workout for mom and dad, either! With all of the fun they’ll have at the Water-Zoo you’re going to have worn out passengers for your trip home.
#5: Making Memories
Perhaps the best reason to visit the Water-Zoo is for all the fun family memories you can make there! Family members can enjoy the attractions together and even though everyone will have different favorites, everyone is going to have great time together. You’re going to be hearing about your trip to the Water-Zoo for a long time to come!
So what are you waiting for? Check out the Water-Zoo’s website (www.water-zoo.com) for information on pricing and local hotels. [Editor’s Note: Present MetroFamily’s Kids Pass coupon to receive 10% off full day admission on Fridays]
The Water-Zoo is just a short drive from the Oklahoma City metro. Just head west on I-40 for approximately 118 miles and take exit 65A. Turn right onto Neptune Drive and then look for the signs pointing toward the Boulevard of Champions on your right just after you go under the overpass. Follow the signs and you’ll see it almost immediately on your left.
Happy splashing!
