Awesome Family-Friendly Waterparks in Tampa Bay

by Tara Payor, Ph.D.

The Lift Adventure Park

LOCATION: 17362 Old Dixie Highway, Hudson theliftadventurepark.com

Adventurous family? The Lift Adventure Park is for you. Located on a spring fed lake, The Lift offers a wake park, kayaking, paddleboarding and two courses: the Aqua Park and the Aqua Chimp. The Aqua Park, an inflatable, on-water playground, is open to children ages 7 and up. It presents opportunities for climbing, running, jumping, swinging and sliding. It’s an ideal space for parents to be kids again.

Aqua Chimp, a more ninja-style course, contains a climbing wall and various rope challenges. Participants don’t wear restraints, as falling into the water is part of the fun. There’s an easy, medium and hard path as well as a zip line that leaves riders submerged in the lake. Water shoes are required for the Aqua Chimp, and life vests are provided by The Lift. Lift employees are always present and offer assistance as needed.

The Wake Park is The Lift’s most unique feature. Novices can try knee boarding and more experienced wakeboarders can use the full-sized cable for trick work. Check The Lift’s website for details on required wakeboarding gear (available for rental).

Adventure Island

LOCATION: 10001 McKinley Drive, Tampa adventureisland.com

For over 40 years, Adventure Island has gifted Tampa Bay with fun in the sun. Spend time exploring available tickets, passes and promotions, as there might be a best choice for varying family members. Park hours vary, so checking the website is key. There, you can also scan Quick Queue rates; some weekdays, it may not be worthwhile due to manageable lines.

Adventure Island has numerous chair and umbrella options. If you don’t plan on sitting much, there are lockers and free seating throughout the park—early birds can snag no cost, shady seats. Depending on your personality (and patience level in extreme summer heat), studying the park map and strategizing for waterslide order (involve the kids) might be a good idea, although Adventure Island’s size is not intimidating.

Tampa is the lightning capital of the world, and the unpredictable, summer-afternoon sky shows aren’t conducive to swimming. The park extends a Sunny Day Guarantee Policy; for guests with single and multi-day tickets whose visit is negatively impacted by weather, guest relations provides tickets for a second visit. Adventure Island has a sweet swimming spot for everyone, from the Endless Surf wave pool to the new Shaka-Laka Shores , an interactive splash and play zone within a zero-depth area that’s sensational for the smallest kiddos.

There are 10 water slides including Solar Vortex , America’s first dual tailspin waterslide. Kids and parents also love floating along the gentle current of the Rambling Bayou , a half-mile lazy river. Whether you’re a one or a ten on the thrill-seeker scale, Adventure Island has a splash for you. Be sure to pack refillable water bottles and leave the food at home.

The Lagoons

LOCATIONS:

Epperson Lagoon: 31885 Overpass Road, Wesley Chapel

Southshore Bay Lagoon: 16881 Lagoon Shore Blvd., Wimauma NEW Mirada Lagoon: 31461 Mirada Blvd., San Antonio metrolagoons.com

There are three gigantic man-made lagoons by Metro Lagoons in the Tampa Bay area with the newest and largest, Mirada Lagoon , opening just last month. Each location is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The settings alone are a crowd pleaser: gorgeous crystal-clear water, green turf areas, large screen TVs, music and even a swim up tiki bar. Booking your lagoon experience is important; capacity is limited and days frequently sell out, so consult the online calendar because prices vary by date and time.

Day passes that range from $20-$45 include swimming in the lagoons and water slides, and—at the new Mirada Lagoon—a water splash zone. The water obstacle course, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding activities are sold as add-ons, ranging from $5-$7 each. Kids must be at least 6 years old and 48 inches tall to experience the Water Obstacle Course and sessions are 40 minutes long. Active kids will enjoy a couple of sessions, so it’s a good idea to book passes accordingly.

When kids are physically fit enough to manage the obstacle course independently, adults can hang in the crystal-clear water, sit along the beach or even visit the adults-only area of the Lagoon. Though outside food and drink are not permitted, there are food and beverage offerings (adult beverages, too) on each property.

Lagoon water is not heated, which is perfection for Florida’s summer. Umbrellas and a variety of cabanas, including floating ones, are available for rent. A designated chair and shade area is always a good idea when summering with kids.

LEGOLAND ® Florida Resort Water Park

LOCATION: One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven legoland.com/florida

There’s an AWESOME water park near the back of LEGOLAND® Theme Park, and it’s a must visit, especially on a hot day. You will want to make sure your ticket includes admission to the water park. There are several water slides, a splash area, Build-a-Raft Lazy River, DUPLO Splash Safari for little ones, LEGO Wave Pool and more! There are changing rooms and showers along with lockers you can rent to store your stuff while you play.