Tired of the same neighborhood swimming pool? Maybe dipping into one of these metro Atlanta water parks could add variety and thrills and quench the summertime pool blues. (Note: Hours are subject to change.)
CHATTAHOOCHEE RAPIDS BEACH & WATERPARK
What's new: No additions this year.
Crowd pleaser: Includes more than a dozen slides and attractions. Extreme thrills can be found on both the Intimidator and Triple Threat. Be prepared to catch a little air. Long lines often form for the FunDunker Drop. Riders shoot down a tunnel-encased slide and into something resembling a massive drain. After swirling around the bowl for a bit, sliders plop through a hole and into a landing pool.
Just for babies: Small slides, spraying water and other tot-friendly fare live in Kiddie Lagoon, including Wiggle Waves, a scaled-down, mild version of Wild Waves, the park's wave pool.
Concessions: Fill up on pizza, subs, burgers and chicken sandwiches. But the most popular treats are of the cold variety. Dippin' Dots ice cream ($4-$5) and frozen Icee drinks ($4.75) are hot properties. You can't bring food and drinks into the park, but some guests leave their coolers at the front gate and eat lunch at a picnic area located near the entrance.
Extras: Entrance into Lake Lanier Islands is $8 per vehicle. Locker rentals are $7 and $9 per day. A $3 deposit is returned when guests turn in their locker key.
Cost: $13.99-$29.99; ages 2 and younger free. Discounts are available if you purchase tickets online.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 8; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 14-29; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 4-6.
Location: 7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, Buford
Information: 770-932-5789, www.lakelanierislands.com
SIX FLAGS WHITE WATER
What's new: The Wiggles Water World, based on the popular kiddie TV series "The Wiggles," is a shiny new attraction spreading across 40,000 square feet. Water sprays from everywhere, and kids can hop aboard the S.S. Feathersword, an interactive ship standing 25 feet tall. Cruise around locales including Wags the Dog's Kennel Slide Tower, and step behind the wheel of the Big Red Car, which is equipped with a slide. Wiggles music plays throughout.
Crowd pleaser: The Cliffhanger's 90-foot drop and the air-grabbing Dragon's Tail still remain popular.
Just for babies: The Wiggles Water World
Concessions: The Johnny Rockets Express recently opened, but the staff says Papa John's Pizza is the hottest grab. Small pizzas are priced at $7.99 each.
Extras: Lockers are $13, $16 and $19 depending on size. Parking is $10 per vehicle.
Cost: $26.99-$36.99; ages 2 and younger free. Discount tickets available online.
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through Aug. 8; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, Aug. 13 through Sept. 12; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sept. 6.
Location: 250 Cobb Parkway N., Marietta
Information: 770-948-9290, www.sixflags.com/whiteWater/index.aspx
SUN VALLEY BEACH
What's new: No new attractions, but the cable has been lowered on the pool's popular Lumberjack Log so smaller kids can hang on.
Crowd pleaser: The Lumberjack Log located in the pool is a big fave. Kids try to balance themselves on a floating faux tree by holding a cable that's suspended from above. Some splashers spend hours on the thing, while others enjoy the 11 water slides.
Just for babies: Since it's a zero-entry pool, little kids can splash about in just inches of water. Some brave the kiddie slide and dolphin fountain.
Concessions: Owner Ann Powell created the infamous Ann Sandwich ($6.95). She takes two funnel cakes and puts ice cream between them. Some splurge for a strawberry, chocolate, caramel or peanut topping. Don't forget to cap it with a cherry. The mushroom and provolone cheeseburger combo ($5.95) includes fries and a drink.
Extras: Lockers run 50 cents per day, and mini golf is $3 per person.
Cost: $10-$17.95; ages 1 and younger free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays through Aug. 8; two Mondays, July 5 and Sept. 6; Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 14 through Sept. 19.
Location: 5350 Holloman Road, Powder Springs
Information: 770-943-5900, www.sunvalleybeach.com
THE BEACH AT CLAYTON COUNTY INTERNATIONAL PARK
What's new: The latest addition is the kiddie pool's new play structure. Donated by Dream Park International, the attraction boasts slides, a cargo net for climbing and a massive bucket that fills with water and periodically empties down upon the splashing children.
Crowd pleaser: Some get the most bounce for their buck by jumping on the water trampoline located in the lake. Others enjoy the two water slides.
Just for babies: The above-mentioned kiddie pool.
Concessions: Grab pizza, a hot dog, burger, chips, candy and more. The staff says the most popular pick is the golden french fries ($2).
Extras: Lockers, located in the changing rooms, are free if you bring your own lock. Or you can rent a lock for $3 per day. Parking is free.
Cost: $11; ages 3-12 $9; ages 2 and younger free.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays, 1-7 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 8; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends, Aug. 14 through Sept. 5; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 6.
Location: 2300 Ga. 138 S.E., Jonesboro
Information: 770-603-4005, www.claytonparks.com
SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA
What's new: It's business as usual at Skull Island, a mini water park within a theme park, located in the Cotton States section of Six Flags Over Georgia.
Crowd pleaser: Skull Island is basically a massive play structure with winding water slides and oodles of interactive elements for all ages, including waterfalls and liquid cannons. The higher slides are sought after among the older set. Smaller slides and water effects attract younger kids. The centerpiece is a massive pirate skull that towers from above and dumps a giant wave of water onto guests. Additional thrills include Six Flags' collection of roller coasters and other edge-of-your-seat rides.
Concessions: The nearest grub can be found at Jolly Rogers, which offers popcorn, pretzels, nuts and soft drinks priced from $4 to $6.
Extras: All-day locker rentals are $11 and $13, and ride lockers are $1 for two hours. Parking is $15 per vehicle.
Cost: $31.99-$44.99; ages 2 and younger free.
Hours: Open daily through Aug. 8; Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 14-Oct. 17; Sept. 6; Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 22-31. Call or check Web site for hours.
Location: 275 Riverside Parkway S.W., Austell
Information: 770-948-9290, www.sixflags.com/overGeorgia/index.aspx
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