We t a n d W i l d Our guide to water parks for the thrill seeker in you by LISA FAIRBANKS-ROSSI
Silverwood’s Boulder Beach
Splashdown
Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark
Triple Play’s Raptor Reef
Sure, Silverwood has Coaster Alley. But adrenaline junkies can also feed their need for speed at Boulder Beach, where a trip down Velocity Peak will have you rocketing at speeds up to 55 mph — in nothing but your bathing suit. Ricochet Rapids and Avalanche Mountain are sure to please daredevils, while the two ginormous wave pools, the lazy river and Polliwog Park keep less adventurous guests entertained. Cost: $42.99 ($21.99 for children 7 and under) If You Go: Find discounts online at silverwood.com and Costco 26225 N. Highway 95, Athol, Idaho 208-683-3400
The multi-patterned wave pool sets this indoor waterpark apart from the rest. Raptor Reef also offers 1,000 feet of slides and an extensive toddler play area, complete with water cannons, a play structure, small slides and a 300-gallon dumping bucket. Cost: $13 to $19 over 42”, $9 to $13 under 42”. (children under 2 are free) If You Go: Look for play and stay deals at the Holiday Inn Express located next door to the waterpark. 175 W. Orchard Ave., Hayden Lake, Idaho 208-762-7529
fa m i ly
Famous for its nauseatingly fast — and pitch black, like the inside of a mine — tube rides and the FlowRider continuous surf wave, Silver Rapids is also Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark. Cost: No general admission here. Only Morning Lodge guests and their friends allowed. Lodge guests get in for free, but can purchase $27 tickets for a limited number of friends or family. If You Go: Splurge and rent a cabana for your family’s home base 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho 208-784-1930
The longest outdoor slides in Spokane are at Splashdown in Mission Park. The Fastball Freefall alone sends riders down six stories in just seconds. Beyond the slides, Splashdown also has water balloon launchers and water guns to keep guests cool. Cost: $16.99 for children 48”+, $12.99 under 48”. Seniors get in free. (Which means grandma and grandpa can take the kids instead of you!) If You Go: You are allowed to bring your own food and drink, or pre-paid wristbands give kids access to the snack bar. 1127 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley 924-3079
Ian, left, and Alex ride a tube at Triple Play.
young kwak photo
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