Six Flags Hurricane Harbor554

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor holds up the wetter end of the Six Flags California experience, anchored by Six Flags Magic Mountain. From May through September, kids and adults can frolic, slide, and splash around a mind-boggling array of watery attractions.

At the center of Hurricane Harbor is a family favorite, the River Cruise, which wafts guests around a 1,300-foot-long, slow-moving river past the park's attractions. Relaxing on an innertube and floating lazily downstream is a great way to decompress, and our family could happily have spent the whole day on the river alone.

The Lizard Lagoon offers a tropical beach theme with a 7,000-square-foot pool, and lots of sports activities, such as water basketball and volleyball. It's also the receiving end of a few adventurous slides that are kid-friendly for the 42" and above set.

Kids who like their adventures on a slightly smaller scale can have a blast at the pirate-themed Shipwreck Shores, which is home to more than 32 family activities, including a huge skull which dumps water, a patio of 'ancient ruins' that spray every which way, and a pirate ship full of watery slides and climbing structures.

Younger kids (under 54 inches tall) especially enjoy Castaway Cove, where slides, waterfalls, sea creatures, and the tide pools of Octopus Island are all just the right size for the littlest visitors.

The Forgotten Sea is a wave pool, and the park's largest body of water. Younger kids can hang near the shore and jump over gentle waves, while bigger kids leap into the torrential fray at the back. Plenty of lounge chairs are available on the 'beach' area.

Thrill seekers can find satisfaction on slides ranging from the giant drop of Taboo Tower to the competitive lanes of Bamboo Racer. A highlight is the Black Snake Summit, which has five speed slides (including two fully enclosed slides) that twist, turn, and plunge riders to their adrenaline's content.

Slides that offer a gentler adrenalin rush abound as well, including the family-oriented rafting adventure, Lost Temple Rapids. Round rafts that hold up to five people come splashing and bouncing down a long, twisty aqueduct. This fun ride can be a great stepping stone for kids 42" and above who are almost ready for the bigger slides but would still prefer to hold hands.

All children must be in appropriate swimwear. Children wearing diapers must wear an approved waterproof diaper, available at Cabana Bros. in Hurricane Harbor. For adults, the park rules demand non-provocative swimwear, as well as banning long pants and swimwear with rivets, buckles, or any metal ornamentation. T-shirts are not allowed on speed slides.

Hurricane Harbor is only open from May till September. Hours for the park vary, but are generally 10am-7pm throughout the week. Call the park in advance for exact closing times.