The best water slides to keep kids entertained this summer
With the mercury on the rise as summer approaches the best way to escape the soaring temperatures, (and keep the kids entertained) is to slip, slop, slap and head to one of these water parks across Melbourne and Geelong.
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With the mercury on the rise as summer approaches the best way to escape the soaring temperatures, (and keep the kids entertained) is to slip, slop, slap and head to one these water slides across Melbourne.
And once you’ve tackled all of Melbourne best slippery slides, you can take a short trip down the Princes Freeway to Geelong.
MELBOURNE’S BEST PLAYGROUNDS AND PARKS
ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH THE FAMILY IN VICTORIA
KID FRIENDLY CAFES IN MELBOURNE
WATER PARKS IN VICTORIA
Funfields — Whittlesea
2365 Plenty Road, Whittlesea
Funfields is Victoria’s answer to Gold Coast’s Wet’n’Wild. The park is in Whittlesea — which yes, is slightly less beachy than Gold Coast but nonetheless has just as much family fun to offer. There’s plenty of food and drinks available so the only thing your kids will have to worry about is whether they’ll be able to do all 24 rides! Opening in December is Victoria’s only heated outdoor wave pool. And for those less-inclined to the enjoy the waves, you can use the pool to cool off between wave sessions. Opening times and ticket prices are available online.
Gumbuya World — Tynong
2705 Princes Highway, Tynong
If you hadn’t heard Tynong’s much loved Gumbuya Park, has been revitalised and transformed into the newly named Gumbuya World and it’s bigger and better than ever before. The park has more than four worlds but if it’s some splashing about you want head to Oasis Springs. For the daredevil kids there’s two water slides, and Surf’s Up (booking required). And for kids still using floaties, there are rock pools for them to splash about. Parents or caretakers can relax in one of the new personal cabanas. You can check all ride restrictions and other park information online.
Adventure Park Geelong
1249 Bellarine Highway, Wallington
Adventure Park is a giant aquatic paradise with 24 rides and attractions. It’s just a quick trip down the Princes Freeway and will keep the entire family entertained all day.
Those with a need for speed can race for hours down the aqua racer water slide.
The massive Tornado water slide will be an adrenaline junkie’s absolute dream.
For the less daring there are water play zones, jumping jets and plenty of kid friendly rides. Everything you need to about rides, opening times and prices are available online.
WATER SLIDES IN MELBOURNE AND GEELONG
Watermarc
Indoor slides — 1 Flintoff Street, Greensborough
After a major redevelopment, Watermarc now has two colossal water slides, the thrilling Tantrum Alley and sister waterslide the Pipeline. Watermarc also has a mix of interactive water activities, light and sound features and exciting water play spaces for younger children. Opening hours and admit prices are available online.
Kew Recreation Centre
Indoor slide — 383 High Street, Kew
Ask anyone who grew up in the leafy green suburbs and they could tell you about their countless summer days zipping down this slide. For kids aged five and who are getting comfortable in the water, this is the perfect introduction to the thrill of a water slide. The slide is also open in winter and is a great way to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day. Opening times and prices are available online.
Seville Water Play Park
Outdoor jet park — 20-28 Monbulk-Seville Rd, Seville
For young families, introducing their kids to water for the first time this play park is the perfect spot. The entire park is an entire splash zone, with water jets providing the perfect way to cool down. The park also features a BBQ and plenty of lawn and shaded areas, so once the kids are exhausted the family can enjoy a picnic together. Entry to the park is free.
Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC)
Indoor slides — 200 E Boundary Road, Bentleigh East
It’s hard to avoid the cliche here, but there really is something for everyone at GESAC. For older, adrenaline junkies there are 2 water slides; Ship Wreck and Pirates Plunge. They can also attempt to walk the plank on their giant inflatable. For little pirates there is Pirates Cove which is water-based gymnasium, equipped with a small pipe slide and an open slide. Opening hours, prices and ride information are available online.
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC)
Indoor wave pool and slide — 30 Augthie Drive, Albert Park
Just a short trip from the CBD, MSAC has all the bells and whistles to keep the kids of all ages entertained for the entire day. Inside the mammoth centre is a 50 metre indoor pool, 25m lap pool, multipurpose pool, 14 diving boards. More importantly for the kids (and adults who love being a kid) there is a wave pool and a magnificent tube slide. Full details of MSAC’s facilities are available online.
Leisure Link
Indoor slides — 240 Pioneer Rd, Grovedale
As you approach this Geelong favourite you’ll see your kid’s eyes light up as they notice the two giant slides snake out of the building. The Black Hole is full of twists, turns and drops, which will have the kids giddy with excitement. Once they’ve tackled that they’ll have no worries grabbing a tube and jumping down the even bigger Space Bowl. For the little ones, not quite tall enough for the rides, the splash park has plenty of fun with water cannons, fountains, splash pad and a giant tipping bucket. Slide rules, opening times and ticket prices are available online
Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre (RACE)
Indoor slides — 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East
Barrels (or rather bowls) of fun are a sure thing at RACE. The water slides and tipping bucket will have kids squealing with delight. The famous Cannon Bowl slide will have everyone of bursting with adrenaline. The super quick, pitch black pipes will spit you out and send you spinning around the giant bowl. But if it’s more traditional you’re looking for then there is also a tube ride where you can share the thrill in pairs. Check out all the centre’s details online.
Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Outdoor slide — 139-153 Williams Road, Templestowe Lower
If you want to soak up the sunshine, then Aquarena is the place to go. There’s two fun-filled slides and an outdoor water splash and play area, and a massive 50m outdoor heated pool for when you just want to take a dip.
Noble Park Aquatic Centre
Outdoor slide — 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park
Brave the snaking tunnel and take in each sweeping bend of Noble’s Park massive outdoor slide. I guarantee once you get to the bottom you’ll want to go straight back up. But if you get tired from climbing all those stairs you can have a more relaxing dip in the 50m outdoor pool. Session times for the slide are available on time.
Knox Leisureworks
Indoor slide — Tormore Road, Boronia
As we all know Melbourne’s weather is rather unpredictable — thunderstorms and rain isn’t a shocking occurrence in summer. But if your kids hearts were set on making a slash we have the perfect alternative. Knox Leisurework’s indoor water slide operates all year round, and we promise the 80m ride won’t disappoint. Slide times and opening hours are available online.
Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre
Indoor wave pool — 626 Waverley Road, Glen Waverly
What if I told you that you could have the fun of going to the beach minus getting sand everywhere and not having to endure the massive crowds? Well, do I have the perfect alternative for you. Ditch the beach, Pack your body board and head straight to Glen Waverley and catch a wave at the indoor wave pool. All the wave pool times are available online.
Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC)
Indoor slides — 16N Cranbourne Road, Frankston
PARC’s 114-metre long Constrictor and Python water slides are unlike any in Victoria. As well as jaw-dropping tight turns, sections of the pipeline feature dazzling light displays that have to be seen to be believed. But to keep the ride scare factor high some sections are completely pitch black. You’ll enjoy the ride, but you’ll keep coming back for disco-fever inspired light display. Water slide opening hours are available online.
Aqua Pulse
Indoor slides — 80-82 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing
If you’ve got four crazy kids to entertain, don’t stress Aqua Pulse has got your day sorted. There are two giant water slides on offer, with four and two person rafts and an aqua play area. Your only problem will be getting them to leave! All admission and slide rules are available online.
Melton Waves
Indoor wave pool — 206 Coburns Road, Melton
The beach has come to Melton. Well, kind of! Take a trip to Melbourne’s west and hang ten in the wave pool at Melton. If you’re like me and have horrible co-ordination you can have a paddle in one of their seven swimming pools. And when the kids are all exhausted from swimming you can refuel with food from the cafe. Learn more about the Wave Pool online.
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