GROUPON: $9 admission to The Cove (ends June 30, 2012).
Ahoy Mateys! Set your sails for a new pirate themed water park in Riverside, known as “The Cove”, which has officially opened its doors for its second season.
When you arrive the first thing you’ll notice are 3 brightly colored water slides, known as the “Crow’s Nest Slides”. 2 of the slides are open and one is a “Blackout” tube. Kids were “racing” each other down, trying to figure out which one is the fastest. My vote is for the red “blackout” tube, but try it for yourself and let me know! The slides are about 180ft tall, so you have to be over 48” to ride.
The older kids headed over to the “RipTide Reef Flo-Rider”, and showed off their moves. This double sized wave simulator offers the choice of a surfboard (must be 52” to ride) or a body board (must be at least 42” to ride). Trained crewmembers are nearby to answer questions and can offer tips, based on their own experiences. The crewmembers aren’t just observers, they’re surfing enthusiasts!
Smaller kids will love “Lil’ Mates Lagoon”, a large water play structure in the middle of knee deep water. They can choose from 3 different slides (must be taller than 36” for the two small slides and 40” for the twisty one that’s a bit longer), or squirt each other with water guns! Active kids will enjoy climbing the rope ladder, and discovering the hundreds of different squirt features throughout the play area. Kids who prefer to hang back a little will have fun watching the large bucket at the top of the structure fill up with water and drench the anticipating (and some unsuspecting) people below.
Feeling a little tired at this point? Meet the whole family at the popular “Ne’er Endin’ River”, a long lazy river that circles the park. Grab a tube (provided by “The Cove”), and float lazily down the river, or even float without a tube! The best part about the lazy river is that everyone from toddlers to Grandma can enjoy themselves. Kids under 40” are now required to wear lifejackets. A small pool is located next to the large slides if you prefer a simple swim instead. Every day at 3:30pm join the staff at the pool for “The Cove Dance”, an already popular event much anticipated by guests and staff alike.
General Admission (48″ and taller) are $18, Junior tickets (36″-48″) & Seniors are $14, and “Tot” tickets (30″-36″) are $9. Season passes are available, discounts on season passes available to Jurupa residents only.The Cove also offers year round swim lessons, lifeguard training, and party rentals. My review was based on my experience with my 2 year old daughter. For a more young adult look check out Scotts review of The Cove Water Park, written in 2011. For more information about The Cove please visit The Cove‘s official website.
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