SPLASH’N SLIDE, SOMERSET
With pools that are no more than 4ft deep, this is a waterpark that will appeal mainly to the under-12s. The rides are fun but gentle, although the exception is the self-explanatory Turbo Drop flume. If you feel like navigating the “crazy river” wavepool, you can hire tyres to do so. Splash’N Slide is part of the Brean Leisure Park complex, which also features an amusement park, with 30 rides.
Where Brean Leisure Park, Brean Sands, Nr Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.
When Times vary, open most days this month.
Suitable for All ages, although children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 5 need one adult per child.
Cost £3 for two hours. Children under 3 go free.
Contact 01278 751595; www.brean.com

SPLASHDOWN, DORSET
The names of the rides give you a clue of what to expect at Splashdown: Baron’s Revenge, The Screamer, and Black Thunder, which even incorporates lightning bolts and a tropical rainstorm. Expect a sub-aqua version of Alton Towers, but don’t worry if you’re not a fan of rollercoasters; there are gentler rides, too. Toddlers can splash in safety in the Buccanneer Bay training pool, and, for mothers, there is a Sundown Beauty Spa.
Where Tower Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset.
When Opening times vary; phone or see website for details.
Suitable for All ages, although under-9s must be accompanied.
Cost £8, and £4 for under-5s for a two-hour session.
Contact 01202 716123; www.splashdownpoole.co.uk

SANDCASTLE WATERWORLD, BLACKPOOL
This award-winning park offers something for everyone. Families can race each other down the wide Treetops Multislide, while even the most experienced waterparkers will be blown away by the world’s longest indoor water rollercoaster, which circles the whole building. Younger children can pootle about in the Shimmerin’ Shallows pool, and after a hard days’ adventuring there is a café and burger shack, and a licensed bar for grown-ups.
Where South Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire.
When Opening times vary; phone or see website for details.
Suitable for All ages; some rides have height restrictions.
Cost £10.50 for a day pass for over-14s. Prices for younger children are on a sliding scale.
Contact 01253 343602, www.sandcastle-waterworld.co.uk

AQUASPLASH, HERTFORDSHIRE
This Aztec-themed waterpark is part of the larger Leisure World complex at Hemel Hempstead. For the adventurous, the Space Bowl is one of six exhilarating rides, but only for children over 8. Here you spin closer and closer to a hole in the middle before plunging into the water below. The Superflume ride is dark throughout and is very fast, very twisty and very long. Younger children will be happy in the shallow beach area, while parents can swim in a ride-free pool or watch from the spectator area.
Where Leisure World, Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
When 10am-6pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sun.
Suitable for All ages, with special toddler sessions during term time.
Cost £5 for an adult day pass at the weekend, £4 on weekdays. Prices for children are on a sliding scale.
Contact 01442 292203; www.leisureworldhemel.com

WET N’ WILD, TYNE & WEAR
Not a park for the faint-hearted: the rides here include a freefall slide called the Kamikaze, and the Black Hole and Abyss tyre rides, both of which pitch you down rapids in total darkness. Parents can chill out in the spectator area or café, while there is a separate pool area for toddlers, with small elephant and frog slides.
Where Rotary Way, Royal Quays, North Shields, Tyne and Wear.
When 10am-8pm every day except Sundays, when it is open 10am-7pm.
Suitable for All ages.
Cost A day pass at the weekend costs £8.95 for adults and £5.20 for children under 1.2m. During the week, a day pass costs £7.95 for adults, £4 for children.
Contact 0191-296 1333; www.wetnwild.co.uk

LEITH WATERWORLD, EDINBURGH
With a huge water cannon, wave machines, flume rides and waterfalls, this destination will cater for swimmers of all abilities. Parents can relax in the lagoons and spa pool.
Where 377 Easter Road, Edinburgh.
When Fridays 10:30am-4.45pm, Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-4.45pm.
Suitable for All ages. Under-9s must be accompanied.
Cost £4 for adults, £2.95 for children. Under-5s go free.
Contact 0131-555 6000; www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

For further information on a waterpark near you, and general tips on safety, visit www.waterparks.com