Last updated on November 19th, 2023 at 10:12 am
When the weather is bad outside, which lately it has been a lot especially over Christmas break, I like to find fun things for us to do outside the house. You can only go to the soft play areas so much before you need other alternatives to those rainy days. We are lucky to live in between two waterparks. My kids are absolute fishes. We go family swimming every single weekend and they go once or twice during the week too. Water slides just make swimming that much more fun.
So while Daddy was working away, we decided last minute to book tickets online for a day out at the waterpark. I thought at five plus months pregnant it would be some good water exercise while I chased the kids from slide to slide. You can see from the photos and our little video below just how much fun a few slides and a big wave pool can be for a family day out.
I always think those unplanned days out are some of my favorite days out. We had no rush to get back at a certain time or get there at a certain time. We packed our swimming gear and we hopped in the car. Swam for a few hours, had a lovely lunch together and swam so more before we can’t home happy and exhausted. The kids slept good that night.
It was cheaper to book online than when we got there so I was glad I did. We went to Sandcastle Waterpark this time as last time we went to Alton Towers Waterpark. We live right in between the two so it’s handy to switch it up. Both are fun waterpark. Sandcastle is smaller and makes me feel like I can keep an eye on both kids at the same time when I am on my own.
The kids got a big kick this time out of the wave pool. They are getting that little bit older, braver to go on big slides and try a few more thrills in their adventures. I love it.
Mostly though they just love to swim and splash like all kids do at their age. To say, Mommy, was water logged was an understatement. They kept wanting to see how long I could hold my breathe and stand under the waterfall on the lazy river which was their favorite area this time. It’s a faster lazy river with a few buckets of water being dumped and sprayed on you from all angles so wouldn’t recommend if you are trying to keep your hair and face dry. But pregnant it was nice that the kids kept wanting to go round and round and Mommy could just float behind them for awhile, relaxing.
As part of my goals this year to do more last minute, spontaneous days out with the kids, this was right up our street. We used to just get in the car and see where it took us on the weekends. With the weather warming up, we can get back to doing just that. Beaches, little villages, theme parks, and more, here we come!
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR SHORT VIDEO BELOW:
Family Day Out at the Waterpark … what else do you hop in the car to do on a rainy day?
Looks like you had lots of fun! I’m totally with you on the days out too. We really enjoy getting out and about together. Roll on sunnier days I say xxxx
I am really begging for better weather we were stuck in again today so not fun. I love a good day out need more ideas on our list.
I have never been to the Sandcastle, the boys have and love it. Although we are off to Center Parcs net week wooohoo so looking forward to a little water park fun, I will have to try the sandcastle too, its a great way to exercise x
It looks like such a fun place to go! We rarely go swimming as the girls aren’t that confident in the water but I must start taking them to places like this so they can get more confident at swimming. The local leisure centre doesn’t have anything fun like a wave machine or slides so I think I need to have a look at what else there is near us.
Oh yes you have Alton towers waterpark near you. We love that one too. So good best thing to do with unconfident around Water is to More as a previous lifeguard and swim coach it’s just about doing it more. It helps.
What a brilliant thing to do at this time of year!! It’s so cold and gloomy outside but inside a waterpark you can pretend it’s summer. The kids look like they’re having a great time and you got some great shots. We went to the Alton Towers waterpark a few years ago and loved it, we’ll have check this one out next time we’re up North xx
Oh yes the Alton Tower one is a firm favorite if ours too. It’s such a great thing on a rainy day to jump in the car and be out of the house. Did feel like mini holiday. Loved it.
Oh we loved it there when we went two years ago. If your littles love here you should definitely try Alton Towers Splash Landings – gorgeous little video
I’ve heard such great things about this waterpark and really must take my kids. It looks like you all had so much fun! x