3 Cool European Water Parks to Visit During a Family Vacation

The old-world sightseeing opportunities are breathtaking, but your children would much rather enjoy a day at a European water park. Where should you go? Three of the best water parks stand out. Know ahead of time how to maximize your enjoyment during the visit.

Alpamare: Open year-round
Gwattstrasse 12 in 8808 Pfäffikon SZ, Switzerland
055 415 15 15
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Ticket prices are competitive at Switzerland’s Alpamare. Adults pay about $41, while children between the ages of 6 and 15 pay $33. Costs increase slightly on the weekends. Fitness buffs enjoy access to the iodine brine pool, while kids love evenings in the wave pool, where artificial lightning and warm rainfall create a unique experience. Ten slides, including the Double Bob Splash Pipes, offer excitement and splashing opportunities.

Alton Towers Resort: Open all year
ST10 4DB Alton in Stoke-On-Trent, United Kingdom
011 44 871 222 3330
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 8 p.m. between July 21 and September 2)

Pre-teen and adult tickets cost about $26; children between 4 and 11 pay $19. During the summer season, the cost goes up to $34 and $26 respectively. This indoor water park is a safe and fun environment for visitors of all ages. The Master Blaster Water Coaster is a favorite attraction, as are the Tipping Bucket and the Wacky Waterworks Tree House. Parents and children of all ages are encouraged to interact and play.

Océanile: Open June 27 to September 2
Route de Noirmoutier (Pays De La Loire), 85740 L’Epine in France
02 51 35 91 35
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pay $31 for an adult ticket and $23 for a child’s admission to enter the park. Everyone loves the Torrent, which is a lazy river sped up. Enjoy the water slides or the lazy river on a raft. For the serious swimmer, an indoor swimming pool allows ample room for laps and diving. The outdoor wave pool is huge fun for visitors of all ages. In the whirlpool, you have the chance to take an actual bubble bath.

Insider Tips:

European water parks are generally smaller than similar American entertainment venues. Do not look for the Texas-sized swimming pool, and you are certain to be charmed by the intricately designed, cozy water features.

Height and age requirements apply to all visitors. Personnel at the best water parks keep a watchful eye on children who are enjoying the attractions. Limits are posted near where you will be queuing up; no, there are absolutely no exceptions made.

Fitness areas are generally off-limits to young children. Nothing ruins a seaweed bath faster than a whining toddler; since guests usually pay extra for these amenities, water parks with an adjacent fitness area limit attendance to adults only.

Ratios apply. In the U.K. in particular, water park personnel keep a close eye on the adult to child ratios. For the sake of meeting the ratios, teens over 16 are generally considered adults and may supervise one child.

Buy tickets online. Frequently there are significant savings associated with the Internet purchase.