Cool off with a Day of Waterslides!

Written by Stephanie on July 16th, 2010

Splash Down Family Water Park in Spokane Valley, WA

The weather is finally hot in the Spokane area, so it is time to head to one of the several water amusement parks in the area. Here are the three best options in the region. If you are wondering why Wild Waters is not listed, it is because that park is closed for the summer to make improvements that will be unveiled in summer 2011. Grab your swimsuit and family and go play!

Splash Down Family Waterpark

Located in the Spokane Valley, this outdoor waterpark is the closest major facility to Spokane. Splash Down offers tall, straight drop slides for those who want to see just how fast they can go as well as long, curving slides and swimming pools. Be sure to check out some of the park’s newest attractions, including Splashketball, water balloon battles, Petey’s Lil Puffer Fish Lagoon with pools and slides for tots, and Frisbee golf. Low admission prices ($13–$16) and the option of bringing your own picnic or BBQ supplies make this an affordable day of fun for families. Although you can bring your own coolers in, alcohol is not allowed. Monday through Saturday, the park opens at 11:00 a.m., and Sunday it opens at noon. Generally, the park closes at 6:00 p.m., but on Tuesdays and Thursdays hours are extended to 8:00 p.m., with live music on Thursday nights. The address is 11127 East Mission Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA.

Boulder Beach at Silverwood Theme Park

Rumble Falls at Silverwood. Copyright Silverwood and Boulder Beach.

North Idaho’s Silverwood Theme Park is the largest theme park in the Northwest. Admission includes admittance to both the amusement park and the water park and costs $21.99 for kids 3–7 years old and $41.99 for general admission. If you are looking for a big park with incredible attractions, this is it. The large water park features long and high fast-paced slides (check out Avalanche Mountain, at 650 feet), but there are plenty of more relaxing options, such as Elkhorn Creek, a lazy river to float on with a tube. There is an area just for younger children as well as two large wave pools. One major advantage of this park is that if you don’t want a full day in the water, or if the weather turns less than sunny, you can always go enjoy the high-quality rides in Silverwood. Many Boulder Beach lovers advise waiting for a hot day, as the park is so large that visitors can do a lot of walking in wet bathing suits, and this can be a little uncomfortable on cooler summer days. No outside food or beverages are permitted in the park, but there are numerous restaurants, some with alcoholic drinks, and concession stands. Limited camping is available, which is great if you want to stay for two days or if you prefer to eat lunch in your RV; call for reservations. Both parks are open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The address is 27843 N Highway 95, just north of Coeur d’ Alene.

Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark at Silver Mountain Resort

Although this waterpark is for guests only at Silver Mountain Resort, it is definitely worth staying here if you are travelling with children in North Idaho. It is located in Kellogg, Idaho, just off I-90. Completely enclosed, this warm waterpark is fun in any weather. Although it is small compared to other area waterparks, there are a few great slides, and Silver Mountain makes great use of the space that is available. Several interactive play areas will keep toddlers and kids of any age happy for hours, including the FlowRider, a continuous wave that can be body boarded or surfed after some practice. Adults can enjoy hot tubs and a bar overlooking the water park area. If you do stay at Silver Mountain, you can easily make a week’s vacation out of it. The area is an incredible outdoors playground. You can take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain and go for a nature walk, play disc golf, and eat at the Mountain Haus restaurant. There are also some great mountain biking opportunities in the area as well as several lakes. Summer hours for the waterpark are Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.