The dog days of summer are slipping away but there’s still enough time to wedge in some more waterlogging in between BBQs, last minute camping escapes, and back to school shopping. The Boulder area has plenty of places to soak in some splash and fun.
Here are 5 that are fun for the whole family:
- The Bay: This water playground is great because it has something for everyone. The first time I went my daughter was dragging me off the slides. Go on a hot day, bring a lunch and lots of sunscreen, and pretend that work and school can be put off indefinitely.
- Water World: No water list would be complete without the words water and world smashed together. Wetness, ice cream comas, and a hefty dose of belly laughing will be the order of the day once you commit to this giant water-palooza. But let me make one suggestion, for the love of all that is good in the world, get a cabana. It will be the difference between watching and clock all day and never wanting to leave.
- The Boulder Rez: It’s a beach. Almost. And they have a dock you can swim to. Plus it’s fun to see boats floating about (you can rent them too) and spend the day convincing yourself that water is well, everywhere. The hours vary and the price is right but the rez is closing on September 1st so if you haven’t scratched it off your list yet, you might want to hurry it up.
- Splash Aquatic Park: If you want to get out of Boulder for a day, or you’ve already exhausted all of its watering holes already, Splash Aquatic Park in Golden is a good option. The setting is great, there are pools to fit the needs of the entire family, and they have a giant sandbox for those who love to be get really wet and really sandy at the same time. Pack up your blanket and lunch and grab a spot on the grass for a long summer day in the sun.
- Scott Carpenter Pool: I grew up in the Midwest and the South and in them there parts we had outdoor swim clubs on every corner and in every neighborhood. It was sheer heaven waking up and hopping on my banana seated huffy to head to the pool for 10 hours with just my bathing suit, flip flops, and towel in tow.In Boulder we have more indoor than outdoor pools and even though I love a good masters swim class as much as the next guy, they pretty much dominate the lap pool scene. That’s why Scott Carpenter Pool makes me a happy camper. From 1-6pm most afternoons you and your kids can swim in the whole damn thing. Even though it’s super strange that you can’t dive off the diving board, jumps are still fun. Kind of. Plus it’s royally convenient and if you have good swimmers you can duck under a tree and read for a few hours while they frolic and beg you for poolside treats.And, if you’re up for a night out with the whole family, head to the pool for Flick and Float on Saturday August 16th. It’s Lego + swimming!
Have a watering hole you think we should add to the list? Let us know about your favorite spots right here in the comments.
Photo courtesy of Splash Water Park, Golden, CO.
