If you have flexibility in your vacation timing, choose a time when schools are in session. This means avoid the summer rush, spring break, Thanksgiving vacation and Christmas. Indoor waterparks pack a lot of high-thrill attractions into as small a space as possible. During peak times, long lines can make your relaxing family time turn into grumbling frustration. Those with school-aged kids may not get the luxury of choice. If you must hit the indoor waterpark with the rest of the vacationing families, get into the park when it opens and leave at lunchtime when the crowd comes in or go at dinner time and stay until it closes.
Most indoor waterpark resorts provide towels for their guests. Yes, right there at the waterpark you can pick up a towel. A wonderful gesture on the part of the resort, but unless you are a small child that doesn't mind thin rough towels, you may want to take your own. If traveling by air, this may not be feasible, but if driving, pack your beach towels. They can double as a blanket in the car.
When packing for your indoor waterpark vacation you may be tempted to leave the sunscreen at home. Before you do, check with the waterpark resort. Some indoor waterparks have a retractable roof, at least over a portion of it. This allows the park to open up and let in the sunshine on good weather days. This also leaves your skin vulnerable to the ultraviolet rays. Other indoor waterparks feature an indoor/outdoor pool where you can swim under a wall to enjoy the great outdoors. So throw that sunscreen in your bag, it will not only save your skin, but save your wallet from the inflated prices charged at the park.
It goes without saying that you must pack a swimsuit when visiting an indoor waterpark, but you should take at least two. Indoor waterparks are very tiring when walking from slide to slide and climbing stair after stair. One advantage to the indoor waterpark resort is that you can take a break and head back to your room for rest and relaxation. Unfortunately your suit will not be dry a few hours later when the kids are ready to hit the slides again. There is no worse feeling than trying to wiggle into a cold, wet swimsuit. For those visiting an indoor waterpark just for the day can also benefit from the extra suit, as you never know what can happen when you mix high speed rides and nylon.
Indoor waterparks are deceptively large, with the largest North American waterpark in Alberta, Canada, spanning five acres. Each family member is sure to find their favorite activity; while some choose to ride slide after slide, others may choose to lounge by a pool. Make sure to set up times and places to meet up every now and then. This gives the older children time to catch their breath -- tall slides require several stories of stairs to get to the top -- and parents a chance to gain piece of mind that everyone remains safe.
