We went to Waterworld for the first time today. It's been getting hot and humid here in Hamilton and was daydreaming about getting in a cool and refreshing pool. I'd seen signs around town for it for ages, but never really knew exactly what all was there. I imagined it would be reminiscent of water parks in the US, and probably a little to "big kid" for our 3-year-old. Thankfully, I was wrong :)
First, let me just say, the admission price is ridiculously reasonable. A place like this in the U.S. would easily cost $20-30 (or more) for an adult and half as much for children. We got in for the bargain price of $6/adult, our under 5-year-old children were both free. You can bring in your own food and drinks (but can't consume them by the pool).
There are male, female and family changing rooms and lockers for rent. You can also purchase swim diapers/nappies at the counter. There is a cafe on-site with the usual sorts of prepared food and beverages. There is also a gym on this site, with a number of cardio machines that are visible from the pool areas below (I didn't check this out in great detail). It appears that they also do swimming lessons, hydrotherapy/rehab and a number of water fitness classes. (I wish I had known about this place when I was pregnant!).
Inside, there is a small toddler pool (0.3m deep) and a large family pool (0.8m deep). They have large floating "turtles" and "frogs" for the kids to use like paddle boards (free). In the next room over are 2 more large lap lane pools and finally, there is a large diving pool (with platforms and such). There are lifeguards/staff members patrolling in the indoor pools (and I suspect, the outdoor pool, but we left before the outdoor pool opened).
Outside, there is an enormous outdoor pool of varying depth. The shallowest end has a large awning over it for sun cover. There is also a large splash pad area, with various fountains and showers for the kids to run through and a very tiny "water slide," that is appropriate for very small toddlers. There is a playground, several picnic benches and gazebos that you can reserve. There is an expansive amount of grassy area, plenty of room if you want to pitch your sunshade and sprawl out on the grass. There are also a few large (adult) waterslides (hydroslides).
We got here fairly early on a Sunday morning, and it was a little busy, but didn't feel crowded. The indoor pools and outdoor splash pad were open, but the big outdoor pool was due to open later in the morning. My 3-year-old mostly enjoyed the splash pad, but after a while, did come inside for a little splash around in the toddler pool and family pool. Afterwards, he changed into his dry clothes and hit the playground for a while. We filled up on some of the snacks we brought and hydrated.
Bring your sun hats and sunscreen and plan to stay a while, for this price and amount of activities available, you really can't beat it for a day out with the little ones. read more