If you’re ready for the last wet hurrah of the summer, head to Raging Waters in San Jose and have the time of your life! It’s the benefits of the beach without the sand and icy Pacific Ocean water and the added benefit of a theme park setting! It’s been YEARS since I’d last graced the water park, 25 to be exact! I was in junior high school with my best girl friends and we donned our bikinis for some fun in the sun. Now the park is updated and I’m in my tankini, yet family fun abounds!
This weekend is the last open weekend for the theme park, Saturday 9/15 and Sunday 9/16, hours are 11:00pm – 5:00pm. It’s the perfect time to get your 2013 Season Pass, $64.99, and that pays for itself in only 2 visits…one weekend! Also, parking is only $6…pack your SUV and bring family and friends, parking for other area theme parks and baseball games can be up to 5 times that much!
Here’s some more reason why you should visit Raging Waters, San Jose:
Endless River
I can float around here all day. I mean ALL DAY! As long as the teens and tweens stay in their floats and I don’t get splashed that is. But, this is one of those spots you’ll find me and the kids when we just need to take a breath from the excitement and talk about where to go next. Inner tubes and two-person floats are available. There is one spot where waterfalls would cool you on a blazing hot day, otherwise it’s a nice gentle float.
Little Kids
I think the park caters to the tweens and up to adult ages, but yes there are fun spots for the little ones like my 6 year old. The Little Dipper, Wacky Water Works, and the Pirate’s Cove all are perfect for the littles to chill out and not get bombarded by the big kids and the smiles abound!
Body Slides
Shotgun Falls were my husband and son’s favorite of the day! Those green slides above shot them into the pool so fast and furious, they ran back and forth in line to do it again and again. The pool is 10ft deep, recommended for strong swimmers only! Also White Lightning and Blue Thunder is a body slide my son loved, but make sure you keep your body aligned with your arms where they tell you, it helps avoid a bounce and sore back coming down!
Tube Slides
To mom, these were the rides I like. No direct impact on my body and riding together is what I appreciated. The Great White Shark had a really long slow line. The Barracuda Blaster’s line and the Dragon’s Den went faster. In Dragon’s Den you shoot so quickly in a dark tunnel into this spinning tank that I imagine what it feels like getting “FLUSHED” out a hole where you come out backwards. That was fun!
Wave Pool
Simulating tides and varying wave patterns, the Wave Pool was like being in the tropics for us, warm water yet Ocean movement. Life jackets are available all around the park for free which is nice for those who can swim but are under 48″ or just need a bit more security.
There are so many spots around the park to claim home base. Lounge chairs are abundant as well as grass area to throw your towels down and call a meeting place. Bathrooms have changing areas so you don’t have to arrive or leave in your bathing suits, and there are lockers for your convenience to keep valuables. Cabanas are available for rent, most weekends they go fast so if you want a fancier spot to lounge throughout the day, grab them early!
Food, snacks, and drinks are available at the park, I found the prices to be reasonable for the amount of food you get plus there are some healthier options as well.
Although my oldest daughter (almost 14) was ill that day, she loved what she saw and is begging for a season pass for next summer. I already can see her visiting with her girlfriends and having fun like I did 25 years ago and it’s really a great place for the WHOLE family!
Passes were hosted, all opinions completely our own.
