REVIEW: Splashdown Waterpark for Parents with Young Kids

As our eldest daughter (6), can confidently swim without aids, and our youngest (3), is super confident in the water (with aids), we thought now would be a good time to give Splashdown a try.

Whether you're a local resident or planning a holiday to Poole or Dorset, and are unsure whether you’ll get your moneys worth with young kids, read on to discover everything you need to know about Splashdown Waterpark and why it is a perfect choice for families with children under 7.

Although we visited on a very cold November day, we still had an unforgettable morning of fun and excitement as there are so many indoor rides to keep you entertained for hours.

Location and Facilities at Splashdown Waterpark

Conveniently situated in Tower Park, Poole, Splashdown Waterpark is easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

The park offers ample parking space, making it hassle-free to arrive with your little ones. Once inside, you'll find a well-maintained facility with clean and hygienic amenities and large family changing rooms. The entrance, changing rooms and slides are all in close proximity so it’s really easy to get your bearings. And your little ones can save their energy for the rides!

Attractions and Rides at Splashdown Waterpark

Splashdown Waterpark boasts a plethora of attractions and rides that are specifically designed to cater to the needs and preferences of young children. The park features a dedicated area for toddlers, where they can safely explore and enjoy water play. With shallow pools, mini-slides, and interactive water features, your little ones will have a blast splashing around in this toddler-friendly zone.

Both of our two girls met the height requirements but were slightly wary of the bigger rides. We managed to pop our 3 year old on the Red River Roller and she shot out of the bottom laughing her little head off. Our 6 year old wouldn’t follow her little sister on that one, but she loved the Missisipi Drifter Tyre ride. I’m pleased our 3-year-old didn’t go on that one though, and I would advise against tiny ones going on there. Even our 6 year old who is a strong swimmer got stuck and luckily I managed to paddle my way back to her to give her a push, we had lots of fun together though and she loved getting soaked by the water fountains.

There are two dedicated toddler/child friendly zones; Buccaneer Splash and Ricky’s Reef and we must have spent a good hour in Buccaneer Splash; with a small flume, water canons and various sea creatures to climb on, they were in their element.

The water is really warm so we were all more than happy spending the whole morning in the water.

My husband and I tag-teamed and gave all the slides a go and as there were no long queues we weren’t away from the children for long. My husband and I both loved Infinity; a high speed drop which then takes you in to a huge bowl to slide around before plunging in to a large pool. Barons Revenge was lots of fun too with a short sharp near vertical 8 metre drop.

For slightly older children, Splashdown Waterpark offers a variety of exciting slides and rides that are suitable for their age group. From gentle tube slides to exhilarating flumes, there is something for everyone. The park's attentive and friendly staff members ensure that all rides are safe and enjoyable, providing peace of mind for parents.

Safety Measures and Guidelines at Splashdown Waterpark

At Splashdown Waterpark, safety is of utmost importance. The park adheres to strict safety measures and guidelines to ensure that your children are protected throughout their visit. Lifeguards are strategically positioned around the park, constantly monitoring the pools and rides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Additionally, the park provides life jackets and arm bands for children who need extra assistance in the water.

Tips for Visiting Splashdown Waterpark with Young Kids

To make the most of your visit to Splashdown Waterpark with young kids, here are some helpful tips:

1. Plan your visit during weekdays or non-peak hours to avoid crowds and long queues (we arrived at 10am on a Sunday as soon as the doors opened which meant no crowds and very short queues.

2. Make sure you pack towels and a pond coin for the lockers (we needed two as we had our big winter coats with us.

3. Bring a swim nappy for toddlers (even though ours is toilet trained we By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your entire family.

4. If you’re feeling peckish after all that fun, or if you’re spectating, there is an onsite café (which serve sLavazza coffee!) overlooking all the action

Ticket Prices and Booking Information for Splashdown Waterpark

2-hour sessions are £14 per person and under 5s go for £9. To view ticket prices and opening times for Splashdown Waterpark, visit their official website. Online booking is recommended to secure your entry and avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons.

Other Attractions and Activities at Tower Park (where Splashdown Waterpark is located), offers a wide range of additional attractions and activities for families to enjoy. After your exhilarating time at the waterpark, you can explore the nearby bowling alley, cinema, indoor play area, and a variety of restaurants.

Tower Park truly provides a complete entertainment experience for the whole family. In conclusion, Splashdown Waterpark is a fantastic choice for parents with children under 7. With its wide range of slides and child friendly areas, plus safety measures, and family-friendly environment, this waterpark guarantees a memorable day of fun and excitement for your little ones. We’re excited to return again to see if the kids are a little braver now they’re familiar with it.