The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool at Grand Wailea Resort, Maui, is every kid's dream: featuring 800,000 gallons of water in nine free-form pools on six levels. The pools begin at 40 feet and drop to sea level, connected by rivers that carry kids along at various speeds, from lazy currents to white water rapids.
The complex features four jungle pools, four slides, a Tarzan pool with a rope swing, three whirlpools, six waterfalls, an infant pool, and a sandy beach. The resort also claims to have the world's first water elevator. Cabanas and poolside dining are available.
Aquaventure Water Park, part of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, features 20 million gallons of water on 140 acres of landscaped grounds. The complex boasts 11 pools and 18 water slides, ranging from Power Tower, which drops 120 feet, to Splashers, a Mayan-themed slide complex for younger children that includes rope bridges, water cannons, and fountains.
Aquaventure features two rivers. Lazy River offers a slow-paced ride, while Current takes guests on a mile-long journey through rolling rapids and wave surges. The complex is also home to Climber's Rush, a collection of 12 rock-climbing surfaces.
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort outside San Antonio, Texas, has a four-acre water playground that features two pools, a 950-foot Ramblin' River, a waterfall, and two outdoor spas. Kids can grab a tube and pass through a limestone tunnel to float down the river, which passes through landscaped grounds.
Kids will also enjoy the wading pool and sundeck. Parents will appreciate the adult pool and spa. The resort is located near SeaWorld of Texas and the town of Frederickburg, which offers a variety of antiques shops.
The pools at Hot Springs Lodge in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, contain more than 1 million gallons of water from the Yampah Spring. The 100-foot-long therapy pool is kept at 104 degrees to ease sore muscles and joints, while a 400-foot-long pool--the length of two city blocks--is maintained at 90 degrees.
The complex also has a kids' pool, and rafts and other floating toys are welcome in all pools. For an additional charge, kids will enjoy the Green Amazon and Blue Comet water slides, designed to wear kids out as they twist and turn down the height of four stories.
