WITH summer now over, families will be looking for some of the best indoor attractions to keep the kids occupied this half term.
And the UK has some amazing indoor waterparks that have pirate-themed play zones, huge slides and wave pools.
Sandcastle is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark and has 18 different slides and attractions[/caption]
Some of them are right by the beach and others have fancier amenities such as heated infinity swimming pools.
We’ve rounded up three of our favourites to visit this autumn.
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
The country’s largest indoor waterpark is also unsurprisingly included on Blooloop’s list, with the park on Blackpool’s South Promenade home to 18 slides and attractions within a “tropical climate”.
It boasts “white knuckle” rides for those keen on going as fast as possible, with Masterblaster, Sidewinder and Montazooma among its most thrilling attractions.
The Masterblaster is the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster and promises park-goers “more than 200m (650ft) of adrenaline filled excitement”.
Meanwhile, Sidewinder is the country’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide.
Meanwhile, the Sea Breeze Spa provides a relaxing space just for adults to calm down away from the noise and excitement of the rest of the park.
It has its own steam room, sauna and heated loungers, as well as foot spas, and aromatherapy rooms.
Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent
Waterworld describes itself as the UK’s “number one indoor tropical aqua park” and has now been open for 35 years.
Its Space Bowl ride is a much-loved family favourite that sends people spinning around inside a giant spaceship before dropping them into a deep tank of water.
Meanwhile, Thunderbolt, Cyclone and Stormchaser all provide an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers and the likes of the super flume and the rapids offer more relaxing rides for visitors.
Like other waterparks in the UK, it’s mainly indoors, but has special outdoor relaxation areas and pools that open during the summer months.
Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent labels itself the UK’s number one indoor tropical aqua park[/caption]
Alton Towers Waterpark
The waterpark at Alton Towers can’t be forgotten, even though it has both an indoor and outdoor area.
There is the Lagoona Bay indoor pool, as well as the Wacky Waterworks Treehouse, with 70 features including cannons and water wheels to play with.
The lazy river Calypso Creek takes you around the water park, or you can wait for the Tipping Bucket bell to be under the 100l waterfall cascade.
Otherwise rides including the Master Blaster and the Rush ‘N’ Rampage, with the latter letting you pic your own music and light show.
You can buy tickets just for the Alton Towers waterpark[/caption]
Meanwhile, this huge new waterpark is set to open in Europe this year.
And four new record-breaking water attractions will be on site at this new park opening next year.
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: “If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
“If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: “Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
“It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life”.
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: “Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
“Children may try to grab these from the pool’s edge and fall in.”
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: “Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
“And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
“Waterparks are often very busy places and it’s easy to lose sight of a child in a split second.”
