Pirates Cove Water Park – Free

Pirates Cove Water Park does exactly what it sets out to do: provide a safe, themed, budget-friendly water experience for young families. It doesn’t pretend to be a thrill park. The lack of shade, mediocre food, and dated facilities at some locations hold it back from greatness. But for a 3-hour morning trip with a 5-year-old, you’ll leave smiling.

Go on a weekday, bring your own lunch and water shoes, rent a locker only if needed, and skip the wave pool. Focus on the pirate ship splash zone and lazy river. Buy a season pass if you live within 15 minutes. Otherwise, it’s a once-a-summer stop. pirates cove water park