If you’re looking to get in some outdoor time for your family during the dog days of summer, try water activities.
Water-based play helps to develop motor skills, encourages exploration, lessens stress and aids in concentration. And it’s fun, too! So, “water” you doing later? Wave goodbye to the heat and check out this list of best beaches, splash pads and water-focused play near you.
Easy water ride
Ahoy there, sailors! Climb aboard the ever-popular Marina del Rey WaterBus at any of its eight stops in the harbor. This open-air pontoon will keep you cool while you stay dry cruising through the marina at 5 miles per hour. While you motor along, look for sleeping sea lions or count the docked boats. Price of admission is just $1, and you can snag tickets at any WaterBus stop. marinawaterbus.com/waterbus
Splish-splash, splash pad
Need a spot to run, jump and get super wet? The free Virginia Beach Splash Pad in Santa Monica is an easy-to-manage spray pool with interactive nozzles your kids can move to soak their friends — or you. This pad also has small and tall ground sprays that kiddos can dodge under or run through. santamonica.gov
Slides and waterfalls and fountains, oh my!
Toddlers and grade-schoolers will love the slides, tipping water buckets and all the water-play activities at the Santa Clarita Aquatics Center. The pool is 1.5-feet deep, and kiddos need to be 4 feet 8 inches tall to go down the bigger slide. Buy tickets at the entrance or online and bring your own chairs as seating here goes fast. Bonus: There’s an Olympic-size lap pool, too. santaclarita.gov
Calm waters
Famous for its tranquil waters and lovely views, the aptly named Baby Beach in Dana Point provides a tranquil swim area inside the harbor for your little ones. Lifeguards are on duty all summer long, and don’t forget to share a family picnic at the tables nearby. visitdanapoint.com
Beach adventures for land lovers
For those who love being near the water, but not necessarily in it, the All-Inclusive Playground at Huntington Beach can be accessed from the beach path on the north side of the pier. This playground has rubber surfacing, accessible play units, swings and slides. Should you decide to dip your toes in the waves, the playground is walking distance from the ocean. surfcityusa.com
Community beach house
If you’re looking for one-stop shopping in your water adventure, the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica is it. Beach access, splash pad (a toddler favorite) and a pool are just a few of the fun activities on hand. No membership card needed here. Come and spend the day on soft sand at the beach or arrive early to grab your perfect spot at the pool. annenbergbeachhouse.com
Tiny bubbles
For the budding oceanographer in your family, check out the tide pools, filled with sea life such as small fish, snails, anemones and sea stars, in Huntington Beach. huntingtonbeachca.gov
The front side of water
With views from above and below, the hike to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks is a doable trek for the entire family. This 40-foot waterfall, located on a 2.8-mile loop trail, takes an average of 1½ hours to hike. Research shows that being near a waterfall has calming effects, and this hike doesn’t hurt to bring on a fantastic nap time for your kiddos either. alltrails.com
Small splashes
Looking for a whimsical respite during your hot day? Take a quick water break at the Lions Head Fountain in Culver City. This small splash pad has a dancing lion at its center with 40 lighted jets spraying water up from the ground. Your kids will love dancing with the lion or trying to time out which water stream will pop up next. Located next to the Culver Hotel. culvercity.org
Water slides, lessons and fun
Splash! is an exciting, family-oriented destination in La Mirada. The facility combines top-quality competitive and instructional pools (lessons are available year-round) with a family-oriented water park called Buccaneer Bay that features a flowing river channel, three water slides, a six-lane mat racer, two body slides, a children’s interactive play structure and more. splashlamirada.com.
The best of both water worlds
The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center in Los Angeles has the largest pool in the U.S., so bring your extra-large floaties and your super-sized snacks for a day out at the zero-entry pool. For those who love a good water slide, there are two here, but you must be at least 7 years old and 4 feet 8 inches tall to ride. Also, check out the swim lake, where you can canoe, kayak and paddle board. laparks.org
Tonilyn Hornung is an author and freelance writer who lives with her husband, son and many furry friends.
