Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Waterparks can be a terrific way for kids and adults alike to get some exercise and blow off some steam from a long week at work or school. In past years, if you were not lucky enough to live where the weather is warm year round, waterparks were an option only from late May to early September. In recent years however, indoor waterparks have swept the nation, allowing for swimming and fun even when there is a chill in the air. Iowa is home to several indoor waterparks.
Wasserbahn Waterpark features two slides with a varying degree of speed and incline. A wading pool, dump bucket and other interactive features will ensure that everybody finds something that entertains them. Be sure to check out the water basketball, or if you're looking for something a little more relaxing, Clear Creek Falls & Spa is an option. Day passes are available, except for on weekends or holidays. Changing rooms allow for preparing to swim without needing to spend extra money to check into a room. If all of the swimming makes you hungry, you can check out the snack bar, which features a variety of quick options such as pizza and ice cream. For those wanting to extend the fun, the attached Clarion Inn offers 150 rooms with four waterpark passes per room. Each room also features cable TV, coffee makers, and free wireless Internet. Kid-friendly suites are a great surprise for the family. A playground and seasonal 18-hole mini-golf attraction are also featured. Birthday packages and getaway packages are also on-site. Other area attractions include golf, biking and museums, all located within a few minutes of the resort.
Wasserbahn Waterpark Resort and Clarion Inn
I-80 at Exit 225
Amana, Iowa 52203
319-668-1175
Wasserbahn.com
The waterpark at Grand Harbor Resort features 25,000 square feet of water attractions, including slides, 200-foot tube rides, rope ladders and squirt guns. A lazy river and two hot tubs round out the park. For those wanting to get super-soaked, a four-story bucket dumps 350 gallons of water in intervals of eight minutes. Younger kids can enjoy Aunt Polly's Playground, which allows for a misting spray and kiddie slide without all of the hustle and bustle of the larger attractions. The River's Edge Cafe is on site to feed your after-swim cravings, offering nachos, hot dogs and other easy finger foods. The attached hotel offers rooms and suites with wireless Internet, room service, Nintendo and views of downtown Dubuque, perfect for a family wanting to make a weekend of swimming and relaxing. Rooms also include a microwave and mini-refrigerator, allowing meals to be prepared in-room. Alternatively, a Tony Roma's is part of the resort and offers steak, seafood, ribs and more. Those wanting a break from the water but still wanting to have some fun can enjoy The Cave Arcade, an interactive game room with games ranging from skee ball to Wheel of Fortune. Other area attractions include twilight cruises, aquariums, casinos, golf and shopping. Grand Harbor offers birthday packages and corporate packages and often has packages throughout the year.
Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
350 Bell St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-690-4000
Grandharborresort.com
The only hotel with a waterpark in Des Moines, Ramada Tropics Resort offers two 160-foot, two-story waterslides, a pirate ship equipped with additional slides, a lap pool and a hot tub. Kiddie pools are available for younger guests. Each booked room receives four complimentary passes to the park, while suites receive six. Other attractions within the resort include NASCAR simulators, a large arcade, and a ballroom, perfect for meetings or events. The Castaways Bar & Grill offers up meals for the family, or you can enjoy one of the restaurants surrounding the area, including Bennigans's, Perkins, and Famous Daves. Each room features a 37-inch HDTV with over 50 channels, a coffee maker, and a microwave and refrigerator for in-room meals. After enjoying the hotel's waterpark, you can check out surrounding attractions, such as the mall, Living History Farms, golf, Adventureland Amusement Park, or Des Moines Botanical Gardens.
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conference Center
5000 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines, IA 50322
515-278-0271
Ramada.com