Whole Lotta Fun Cooling Off
Water parks and rides are great ways to enjoy warmer months
Imagine dropping down a 30-foot high, darkened tunnel atop an inflated tube for a thrilling 215-foot water ride. You can do just that at Sun Splash Family Waterpark. And you can dive into a 14-foot pool well at Sun-N-Fun-Lagoon or jump onto a bumper boat and splash your family members at Zoomers. Or for those who want a more laid-back experience, you can enjoy the water at a slower place at Lakes Park. These Southwest Florida parks all offer tons of fun—and you’ll keep cool as you play:
Lakes Park in Fort Myers is a public park that offers some spots where visitors can cool off in the water. There are single paddleboats and double paddleboats available for rent, which can be used in the lake. There is also a children’s splash pad that is a favorite of the little ones.
Be sure to enjoy an ice cream cone afterward at the Whistle Stop Ice Cream Shoppe—it’s always a refreshing treat. The park is
open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk; paddleboat rental and splash pad hours vary; all hours are weather permitting. Parking is $1 per hour or $5 per day.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in Naples is Collier County’s only water park. The popular and fun park is filled with a million gallons of water and features four pools. Included are the Tadpole Pool for younger visitors; 1,250-foot Sunny’s River; five water slides that are enjoyed by all types of thrill-seekers; and Turtle Cove, a busy attraction that’s perfect for children ages 5 to 12. Some rides and attractions have height restrictions. Zak’s Snack Shack offers a variety of refreshments and treats.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon also offers swim lessons and water classes to people of all ages. Classes include Water Walking, Hydro Tone, Day Water Aerobics, and Water Zumba. They are held mornings Monday to Friday, and evenings Monday
to Thursday. Opening dates and times vary; all hours are weather permitting.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral features some 14 acres of water fun, including slides, pools and rides. The park has a mix of thrills to choose from—such as the high-speed slide, Cape Fear, and the Fun-L-Tunnel. It also has a Family Pool and the Sand Dollar Walk, so there are plenty of opportunities for fun for all ages. Rides have height restrictions.
“The youngest of adventurers can enjoy Pirate’s Cove, an interactive play structure that features slides, a hydro storm, blasters, gushers, geysers, a tipping bucket and more,” explains General Manager Sandra Greiner. “The Pro Racers, Rain Tree, Family Pool and Lazy River are all great spots for toddlers and young kids,” she adds. The Calypso Café offers food and beverages.
Aquatic programs include swimming lessons for children ages 6 months to 12 years. Splash Camps are for children 8 to 12 years, and Junior Life Guard Camp is for ages 10 to 13 years. Seasonal opening dates and times vary.
Zoomers in Fort Myers is located near Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island. It’s an 18-acre park that offers both indoor and outdoor activities, including go-karts on two different tracks, the Cobra Roller Coaster, mini golf and other at
tractions. The park also offers a few water rides and activities.
“You can challenge your friends to Water Wars or Bumper Boats,” notes Juliana Metzner, communications coordinator. (The height restriction for Bumper Boats is 40 inches.) Metzner adds that a new ride and game will be at the park in 2019.
The Sidetracked Bar & Grille serves food and beverages. Parking and admission are always free. Pay per ride or purchase a wristband for unlimited rides. All hours are weather permitting.
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.