via Flickr/anjanettew
A new high-thrills water attraction, Typhoon Twister, opens May 26 at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Ride a four-person tube down a five-story enclosed drop followed by a 45-foot-high wave wall. (Minimum height restrictions apply.)Children will enjoy the tropical treehouse or pirate-themed waterattractions, while theentire family can relax along 1,100-foot lazy river Gulley Washer Creek or in the wave pool with a giant volcano in Hurricane Bay. 4900 Six Flags, sixflags.com.
Recreation Station Aquatic Center
Kirkwood’s award-winning aquatic center has a 10-lane lap pool, a zero-depth-entry leisure pool, a pair of three-story slides, and a cabin-themed aquatic playground. The season opens Memorial Day weekend, but sign up now for season passes, a swim team, or swim lessons. Daily admission starts at $4 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Children 3 and under swim for free. Half-price admission begins two hours before closing. 111 S. Geyer, kirkwoodmo.org.
Aquaport in Maryland Heights is all about the fun with five water slides, an 8,000- square-foot novelty-shaped family pool, and such play features as fountains, bubblers, and sprinklers. The water slides include an Extreme Bowl with an enclosed slide that goes into a funnel-shaped bowl, a Racer Slide for dueling friends or siblings, and a tube-and-flume slide. The Wacky Water Slide is the shortest ride, ideal for tots. Admission starts at $4 for residents and $10 for non-residents; free for children 3 and under. Get half off admission after 5 p.m. 2344 McKelvey, marylandheights.com.
Chill out at Heman Park swimming pool, an oasis in the heart of University City. One pool caters to all ages with a small water slide, giant inflatable play structures, diving boards, and a few lap lanes. A separate kiddie pool is devoted to toddlers. The pool opens at 9 a.m., so families can beat the heat. Admission starts at $3 for residents and $6 for non-residents. 7210 Olive, ucitymo.org.
Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center
Play in the Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center’s leisure pool, which features two large water slides and a 250-foot lazy river. Or watch the kids enjoy the AquaPlay, a splash playground with sprinklers and a mini slide, while you relax on the sunny deck. A party room is available to rent for summer birthday parties. The pool stays open late on July 4, so you can keep swimming right up until the fireworks start in the nearby Chesterfield Mall parking lot. Admission starts at $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. 16365 Lydia Hill, chesterfield.mo.us.
