Well, the weather may not be cooperating, but it is almost summer! I am always on the lookout for places to bring my kids to swim and ride water slides, but sometimes theme parks can be too busy and expensive. Don’t get me wrong Water World is great and so is Pirates Cove, but these parks get busy and ride time gets limited. I have learned to find smaller versions of these summertime staples, so my kids can feel like they are getting ample slide time. Below are a few water parks that won’t break your budget, but will get you that summer fun your kids want!

We belong to the Parker Recreation Center and with the membership comes access to a great miniature version of Pirates Cove. H2O’brien pool in Parker, CO is tucked away in a little neighborhood area that feels secluded, but is loads of fun. If you aren’t a member but want to bring your kids to play in this pool paradise then don’t sweat it, you are only going to be forking over about $4.50 for kids 3 and up (2 and under is free!). Ages 10 and up are $5.50 and if you are a Parker resident it is cheaper. Plus, what I love about this place, is that they have a Little Squirts play time that starts at 9:00 am, before the park opens. It allows the smaller kids play in a quieter environment before the big kids come. That’s not a bad deal for a day or more of water park fun!http://parkerrec.com

If you live on the Northern side of town then you probably already know about the Brighton Oasis Water Park. I would drive by this park everyday on my way to work, I was just waiting for it to open. It’s a great spot to bring the kids when the temperature soars, it’s got everything your kids could want, slides, a lazy river and a spot for the little ones to hang. The best part is that it’s not expensive, children under 3 are free and kids over 3 are only $3.00 if you are a resident. It’s an amazing deal, this pool is definitely a blast any way you slice it. http://www.brightonco.gov

This next pool has been in the making for quite some time. The Del Mar Aquatic Center in Aurora, CO has so much to offer kids of all ages when the city gets hot. They boast a water playground for the smaller kids and two slides for the older ones. They have a full concession stand which is great because you can eat lunch while you swim. They also have areas where you can host parties at the pool. The best part is that admission is practically free, for kids 2-17 years old it’s only $3.50. It’s a great deal, but this park doesn’t open until 11 am, so if you have younger kids who nap, it may be a little difficult to spend a lot of time here. http://www.auroragov.org

So don’t wait, get your summer started the fun way! Head to your local aquatic park and start sliding and splashing, your kids will love it and you will feel like you just gave summer a slam dunk!