Wild Rivers050

Wild Rivers water park in Orange County offers a cool, adventurous respite from the dog days of summer. The park offers a fine variety of water slides of all varieties, catering to all thrill levels.

Families looking to plunge together should head for The Patriot - one of the park's most popular rides, and the only one that accommodates an entire family wanting to ride together. Kids 44" tall and above can pile in with Mom and Dad for a satisfyingly long squeal ride of twists, turns, drops, and splashes in one long raft.

Other rides, like Wahtubee and River Rapids allow parents and kids to skid down long slides and chutes on double tubes, while several other rides offer thrills on single tubes, foam mats, or posteriors alone. Almost all rides in the park are available to kids 44" tall or more, making it easier for the whole family to stick together than at some water parks.

Other aqua entertainment includes a wave pool, where bathers can body surf or ride tubes in pseudo-surf, a lazy river ride, a surf pool for the over 54" set, and a few jacuzzis. Little kids have a few different water play areas to choose from, with entertainment ranging from infant swings that splash itty bitty feet, to tot-sized water slides amid sprays and sprinklers, to some way cool water slides that mimic the giant ones but only for the under 54" set. We confess to having envied our kids as they shot down those twisty slides again and again with almost no line and lots of splashing fun!

Lines in general are not a big deal on weekdays at this park; weekends are a different matter, but there's also plenty to do without standing in line. This is a great place to while away a hot summer day.

No outside food or drink is allowed in the park, but a picnic area is available just outside the gates for those wanting to go back to the car at lunchtime. In the park there are two snack bars serving classic poolside fare: burgers, corn dogs, pizza, nachos, chicken strips, sandwiches, salads, and killer fries. Lockers are available for $6-$12 per day (depending on size), and cabanas can be rented for $100, for groups needing a base of activities.

In general, though, one of the best things about this park is the manageable size and layout. We found we were able to repeatedly go in different directions and find each other again without any great effort. Bathrooms seem to be at every turn; the staff are all helpful, upbeat, and on the ball; and the entire park is clean enough for all ages to walk around barefoot.