Water Wonders

ARTSPARK AT YOUNG CIRCLE

Kids can twist and shout in the waterspouts at Young Circle. The splash pad is a popular spot for kids to cool down. In addition, ArtsPark features children’s play equipment, entertainment such as Funtastic Fridays, movie nights, live music and more. Hollywood Boulevard and Federal Highway, Hollywood, 954-921-3404 hollywoodfl.org

PETER BLUESTEN PARK

Open year-round, the complex is comprised of a heated pool and an activity area with three play pieces. Programs range from water fitness to swim lessons, including a program to help preschoolers learn the basics of swimming while having fun with their parents in the water. 202 SE Fifth St., Hallandale Beach, 954-457-1458 hallandalebeachfl.gov

CALYPSO COVE AT ROYAL PALM PARK

Calypso Cove features three pools including a plunge pool, which you can slide into from either an enclosed or open slide. The zero-depth pool is a beach-entry activity area with water-spraying animals, palm trees with tipping coconuts and a play structure. The six-lane lap pool is the spot for lifeguard training as well as swimming lessons and family swimming. 6200 Royal Palm Blvd., Margate, 954-974-4566 margatefl.com

CAPORELLA AQUATIC CENTER

Conveniently located adjacent to Challenger Elementary and Millennium Middle schools, Caporella Aquatic Center features a double tornado slide, children’s water playground, picnic tables, and concession stand, plus a swimming pool with zero depth entry. 9300 NW 58 St., Tamarac, 954-597-3662 tamarac.org

CASTAWAY ISLAND AT T.Y. PARK

This popular aquatics facility includes two water playgrounds— one geared toward younger children, and the other featuring waterslides and a variety of interactive water activities. There’s also a separate swimming lagoon. Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, 954-357-8811 broward.org/parks

CHARNOW PARK AT HOLLYWOOD BEACH

Slipping into the surf at Hollywood Beach is a given, but some kids tire of sand, saltwater, and seaweed. Playing in the seaside fountain is a refreshing option that adds to the fun. Water bursts up from the zero-depth play area, and parents can watch from nearby shaded seating areas. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, between Garfield and Connecticut streets, Hollywood, 954-921-3404 hollywoodfl.org

CIVIC CENTER AQUATICS COMPLEX

This $1.9 million family-oriented complex is a gem of the city of Sunrise. It features an Olympic-size competition pool as well as a children’s wading pool. The pool’s centerpiece is an eye-catching, 23-foot-tall waterfall, behind which is a curving water slide. Ideal for families, the facility has enabled the city to expand its instructional water safety programming. 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, 954-747-4636 sunrisefl.gov

COCONUT COVE WATERPARK

The closest of Palm Beach County’s water parks, Coconut Cove offers an alternative with plenty of twists. There’s a Lily Pad Walk, Twin Water Slides, waterfalls, and a tubing river. The interactive playground includes jets, tunnel slides, water cannons, and tire swings. South County Regional Park, 20130 Regional Park Dr., Boca Raton, 561-629-8840 co.palm-beach.fl.us/parks

COOPER CITY POOL & TENNIS CENTER

Dive on in. The pool has public hours for those looking to take a dip or splash around. Stop by June 10 to kick off summer with a day-long pool party with games and activities. 11600 Stonebridge Parkway, Cooper City, 954-436-7300 coopercityfl.org

CORAL SPRINGS AQUATIC COMPLEX

This premier swimming and diving complex serves the needs of the beginning swimmer to the more advanced competitor. A world-class facility, it also hosts many swim and dive events as well as traditional classes. Visitors can make a splash in the 50-meter and 25-meter competition pools, a diving well equipped for springboard and platform diving and an acclimation pool. 12441 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs, 954-345-2121 coralsprings.org

CYPRESS WATER PARK

One of three swimming facilities in Coral Springs, Cypress Pool features a unique clover-shape, non-competitive swimming pool and a water park featuring spouting fountains, water cannons, and slides. In addition, Cypress Park offers large pavilions, grills, a nature trail, a tot lot and tennis courts, all surrounded by a beautiful Cypress Hammock. 1300 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs, 954-345-2109 coralsprings.org

DEERFIELD BEACH AQUATIC COMPLEX

This Olympic-size pool is 25 yards by 50 meters and boasts a zero-depth beach entry teaching area. Home to the Deerfield Beach Dolphins Swim Team and the North School District’s Swim Central program, it offers an array of instructional and competitive swim activities. Located in the Deerfield Beach Middle School Athletic Complex, 501 SE Sixth Ave., Deerfield Beach, 954-420-2262 deerfield-beach.com

FORT LAUDERDALE AQUATIC COMPLEX

This storied facility, built in 1965, is considered a pioneer among aquatic centers. A training site for national and international teams, the complex is unique in that it is also a public facility. Visitors can swim in the same pool as Olympic and world champions in which 10 world records have been set. The facility is also home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the world’s largest collection of aquatic memorabilia, including Johnny Weissmuller’s Olympic medals, Mark Spitz’s starting block, and more. Family programs include classes where parents can splash and play with their tots and lessons for all levels. 501 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-828-4580 fortlauderdale.gov/flac

FOUNDERS PARK SPLASHPAD

Kids can keep cool and have fun at this interactive zero-depth water playground with nozzles, structures, and loops that produce a wide array of spray options. Free for Aventura residents and one accompanying guest. Visitors pay $10 plus park admission. 3105 NE 190 St., Aventura, 305-466-8008 cityofaventura.com

JERRY RESNICK AQUATICS CENTER

The kids will have a blast slipping and sliding down the waterslides, racing through the sprinklers in the water playground or taking a swim in the junior-Olympic size pool. The center also offers a range of programs including water aerobics, swim team, and swim lessons. 701 SW 71 Ave., North Lauderdale, 954-724-7063 nlauderdale.org

JIM WARD COMMUNITY CENTER

Outside the center is a small zero-depth water play area perfect for the toddler set. Little ones can crawl or toddle through spouts specifically geared toward the pint-sized while caretakers catch some sun on the sidelines. 301 NW 46 Ave., Plantation, 954-585-2344 plantation.org

LAUDERDALE LAKES SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX

This city-run facility between Oriole Elementary and Lauderdale Lakes Middle schools features a pool with six 25-yard lanes, deck space for lounging and pool rentals for special events. Classes are offered for children as young as age 3 to introduce water safety. 3077 NW 39 St., Lauderdale Lakes, 954-733-6283 lauderdalelakes.org 

MIRAMAR PINELAND

You don’t have to go far for kids to let off

a little steam. Miramar Pineland has a water-play area in the southeastern area of the park, with a covered playground nearby. You can also explore the 157-acre preserve’s natural beauty on elevated boardwalks, at picnic areas and more. 3600 S. University Dr., Miramar, 954-357-8776 broward.org/parks

MIRAMAR REGIONAL PARK WATER PLAYGROUND

Bring the family for fun at this interactive water playground and pool area. The water playground includes slides and lots of places to splash and play, while the climate-controlled pool offers swimming lanes and a dive well. 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, 954-883-6955 ci.miramar.fl.us

MULLINS PARK POOL

The facility features a 25-yard pool, two diving boards, and a beach-entry shallow water children’s pool. 10180 NW 29 St., Coral Springs, 954-345-2170

PARADISE COVE AT C.B. SMITH PARK

Kids will feel like they’ve gone to heaven. Broward County Parks’ largest aquatics facility features three large water playgrounds and a meandering tube ride. The newest addition to the park is four five-story tall corkscrew waterslides that exit into a four-foot deep plunge pool. Paradise Cove also features an interactive water play area with three waterslides for all ages, and a play space with two small waterslides and play elements for toddlers. 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines, 954-357-5170 broward.org/parks

PIRATES COVE AT PATCH REEF PARK

Little buccaneers can venture to Pirates Cove Playground for a swashbuckling good time with water elements including showering palm trees, water cannons and a cargo net.  2000 W. Yamato Rd., Boca Raton, 561-367-7035 patchreefpark.org

PATRICK J. MELI AQUATIC COMPLEX

Fun for all ages, this aquatics center features a children’s pool for family fun, plus a 25×25-yard short course competition pool with a dozen lap lanes. Lessons that emphasize water safety are offered for kids as young as 3 years old. 2901 SW 52 St., Dania Beach, 954-985-4401 ci.dania-beach.fl.us

PINE ISLAND AQUATIC CENTER

This facility features an Olympic size pool, shaded deck with lounge chairs and a state-of-the-art lightning sensor system. The aquatics area is a popular spot for recreational swimming, pool parties, swim lessons and special events. 3800 SW 92 Ave., Davie, 954-327-3926 davie-fl.gov

PLANTATION AQUATIC COMPLEX AT CENTRAL PARK

Here you’ll find two Olympic size pools, each 50 meters by 25 yards, as well as a 500-square-foot water playground for toddlers. The water playground has a colorful combination of equipment and is situated on the pool deck within a fenced area. Its zero depth and spongy surface creates a safe environment for all. 9151 NW Second St., Plantation, 954-452-2525 plantation.org

PLANTATION WOODS SPLASH PAD

Colorful cattails, ground sprays and loops keep kids cool in a zero depth setting in the center of Plantation Woods, a 2.5-acre woods-themed park. The location also includes three playground areas with treehouses and swings, log benches and picnic pavilions. 5555 Palm Tree Rd., Plantation, 954-452-2510 plantation.org

POMPANO BEACH AQUATICS CENTER

This facility features an Olympic size pool with two spring boards, a 25-meter pool for recreation and a number of aquatics programs including family swimming, water fitness, swim team and party rentals. 820 NE 18 Ave., Pompano Beach, 954-786-4128 pompanobeachfl.gov

RAPIDS WATER PARK

This 30-acre park boasts 35 waterslides and other watery fun. Among the crowd pleasers are Big Thunder, a four-person tube ride that accelerates on a giant funnel before dropping riders through a tunnel, and FlowRider, a simulated wave system. Milder activities include a wave pool, lazy river, and areas for younger children. The extra driving time and admission expense are the tradeoffs for a day of excitement. 6566 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 561-848-6272 rapidswaterpark.com

SKI RIXEN AT QUIET WATERS PARK

This innovative facility allows you to indulge in water sports without the need of a boat. Instead, a system of cables drags you through the water, allowing you to water ski, wakeboard or even surf without waves. Originated in Europe, Ski Rixen welcomes beginners and provides everything you’ll need to try it out, including life jackets and unlimited use of skis, kneeboards and wakeskates. 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-429-0215 skirixenusa.com

SPLASH ADVENTURE AT QUIET WATERS PARK

This water park includes an interactive children’s water playground that allows kids to create their own fun with hand wheels and levers, water curtains, crawl tunnels and more. The depth of the pool ranges from zero at its edges to 12 inches at the center. 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100 broward.org/parks

SUGAR SAND PARK

Already a magnet for families because of its many features, from the Science Explorium to a lovely community center, Sugar Sand Park is also a good place to burn off energy in the summer. Kids can play at the park and have a cool time skipping through the water jets and sprinklers. 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 561-347-3900 sugarsandpark.org

TROPICAL SPLASH AT CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK

This 110-acre multi-use park features two interactive water playgrounds: one for small children with climbing features and small slides; and one for bigger kids with two spiral slides, water guns and a dumping bucket. It also has an ADA-accessible instructional pool. 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, 954-357-5400 broward.org/parks

VENETIAN POOL

This historical landmark is one of Miami-Dade County’s most unique attractions, and perhaps the only swimming pool in the country to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. Formed froma coral rock quarry in 1923, the 820,000 gallon pool is fed with cool spring water daily and features two waterfalls, coral caves and grottos. Note: Children under 3 are not admitted. 2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, 305-460-5306 coralgables.com