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Park it, Mister
Tyrone Walker
The Post and Courier
Wannamaker Park's Whirlin' Waters
Much like going to Disney World or to see one of those clever Pixar movies, the water park is a place where parents like to pretend they only go because their kids make them. But let's be honest here, everybody gets a kick out of splashing innocent bystanders with a monster cannonball. And since the average summertime high temperature in Charleston is 4,200 degrees Fahrenheit, why not grab the kids and head to one of Charleston's local water parks before they close for the season. If it makes you feel any better, you can say you're doing it for the kids. Whirlin' Waters Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Blvd., North Charleston 572-7275 Whirlin' Waters is not only the newest of the three water parks (it opened in 2001), it's also the best. With a six-lane, 347-foot-long slide, tons of spraying geysers, a huge wave pool and a big treehouse that dumps water all over you, it's the perfect place to go to cool off. Though admission is a tad steep ($18.99), it's worth the price if you spend the entire day there (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). Which, if you do the math, comes out to fun at the rate of $2.37 an hour. Not that bad. After all, can you imagine what the admission would be if it was a gas park? (HINT: For a break on the price, try going after 3 p.m. during the week when it's only $9.99.) FEATURES: Kiddie pool, toddler play area with shallow pool and spray geysers, 27,000-square-foot wave pool, 347-foot-long, six-lane racer slide, Twister multislide complex, Big Splash Tree House (featuring a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water every 10 minutes), lazy river. HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (through Labor Day). (Check www.ccprc.com for certain weekdays when the park is closed.) COST: $18.99 (or 12 books of Greenbax stamps) for adults, $13.99 (or nine Greenbax stamp books) for children under 48 inches tall and free for children 2 and under. (After 3 p.m. during the week the rate is $9.99.) Splash Island Palmetto Islands County Park, 444 Needlerush Parkway, Mount Pleasant 884-0832 When it comes to Lowcountry water parks, it all began here. Splash Island (NOTE: Technically, not an island so leave the boat at home) in Mount Pleasant opened its floodgates to kids and adults in 1994 and has been going strong ever since. With features such as a 200-foot-long waterslide and the swirling waters of the Cyclone, there's something for everybody — well, unless you're wearing a cast. FEATURES: 200-foot water slide, 16-foot otter slides, sprays, geysers, raindrop waterfalls, the Cyclone (10-minute swirling water ride), recreational pool. HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (through Labor Day). (Check www.ccprc.com for certain weekdays when the park is closed.) COST: Admission is $6.99 (or five Greenbax stamp books) for adults, $5.99 (or four Greenbax stamp books) for Charleston County residents, $4.99 (or three Greenbax stamp books) for children under 42 inches and free for children 2 and under. (After 3 p.m. during the week the rate is $3.99.) Splash Zone James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, James Island 795-7275 Opened in 1995, the Splash Zone at James Island County Park is the proverbial middle child. Often overlooked and under appreciated, it's the forgotten gem in the Lowcountry water park trio. But the truth of the matter is: It has almost as many features as the others, as well as smaller crowds. So take advantage of the Splash Zone's low self-esteem and use it for your own cooling-off pleasure this summer. FEATURES: 200-foot tube slide, 200-foot open slide, Caribbean play structure with slides, wheels and sprays, 500-foot lazy river, recreational pool. HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (through Labor Day). (Check www.ccprc.com for certain weekdays when the park is closed.)
COST: Admission is $9.99 (or six Greenbax stamp books) for adults, $7.99 (or five Greenbax stamp books) for Charleston County residents, $6.99 (or four Greenbax stamp books) for children under 42 inches and free for children 2 and under. (After 3 p.m. during the week the rate is $4.99.) NOTE: All three water parks feature lifeguards, snack bars, restrooms, showers/changing areas, lockers and lounge chairs.
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