As I sat down to weave through the wonders of Metro East, where the heart of adventure beats beneath serene landscapes, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise that I couldn’t wait to share. Imagine, if you will, the joy of discovering hidden gems, much like finding an old, forgotten recipe that brings back floods of warm, sunny memories. This time, it’s the water parks of Metro East, opening their gates in May, ready to welcome laughter and splashes as the summer whispers its arrival.

The thought of these water parks, nestled in the warmth of Metro East, brings a smile to my face, much like the anticipation of sharing a well-kept secret with friends. Each slide, each wave pool, a page in a storybook of joy and family fun waiting to be explored. It’s not just the promise of cool relief from the summer’s embrace but the unexpected joy of discovery, of making new memories in the sun-drenched afternoons of May and the rest of summer.

Splash City Waterpark in Edwardsville

So, you’re thinking of taking a plunge into the cool, thrilling waters of Splash City Waterpark in Edwardsville, huh? I’ve been there, and let me tell ya, it’s an absolute blast. But, before you slather on that sunscreen and grab your swim gear, let’s dive into some essentials you gotta know.

Hours and Dates

Listen, time’s a tickin’, and you don’t wanna be that person who shows up only to find the gates locked tighter than a drum. Splash City is your summer haven, but it’s not an all-year affair. Opening in May, this watery paradise welcomes visitors through the golden rays of the sun till Labor Day. It’s that sweet spot between school ending and beginning again, making it perfect for a summer getaway.

About hitting the right time when the gates swing wide open: the park is pretty accommodating. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, doors open from 11 AM to 7 PM. Yeah, that’s your window to make the most of it. Trust me, time flies when you’re having fun shooting down water slides or lazing on the lazy river.

2 Girl's Swimming during Daytime

Imagine this: it’s a sunny day, you’ve got your whole crew geared up for a day at Splash City, and as you’re driving over, someone pipes up, “Hey, did anyone check if they’re open today?” Instant mood killer, right? To avoid being that person, jot down or memorize these hours. Better yet, stick a reminder on your fridge; whatever works to keep the fun uninterrupted.

So, there you have it, folks. Pencil in those dates, set your alarms, and prepare to make some waves. Whether you’re screaming down the body slides or chillaxing in the wave pool, every moment at Splash City is a splash worth taking. Don’t forget: summer waits for no one, and neither does Splash City Waterpark in Edwardsville.

Raging Rivers Waterpark in Alton

Ah, the thrill of summer in Mero East—sunshine, laughter, and, of course, the unbeatable fun of water parks! Let me dive right into one of my personal favorites: Raging Rivers Waterpark in Alton. Trust me, this place is your ticket to beating the heat in the most exhilarating way possible.

Hours and Dates

So, you’re pumped and ready to make a splash at Raging Rivers, right? Well, hold on to your swim caps because it’s crucial to know when you can jump in. This waterpark welcomes thrill-seekers starting in May, just in time to kick off those summer vibes. And, guess what? The fun continues right up until Labor Day. That’s a whole season dedicated to water-based adventures!

But wait, there’s more! Think about this—you’ve got your sunscreen, swim gear, and the gang’s all here. Imagine how bummed you’d feel finding the gates closed. Ugh, a total summer bummer! That’s why jotting down the park’s operating hours is a must-do. Here’s the deal: doors open at 11 AM and don’t close till 7 PM. That’s eight whole hours of water wonderland bliss every single day!

So, what’s the takeaway here? Simple: remember the dates, get there early, and squeeze every drop of fun out of your Raging Rivers adventure. After all, summer’s not just a season; it’s a state of mind, and at Raging Rivers, it’s always sunny in that state.

O’Fallon Family Aquatic Center in O’Fallon

Alright, let’s dive into another splash-tastic destination in Metro East – the O’Fallon Family Aquatic Center in O’Fallon. It’s more than just a mouthful to say; it’s an entire day’s worth of fun packed into one wet and wild location. Starting in May, this water park becomes the local go-to for anyone looking to beat the heat in style.

Hours and Dates

Getting the lowdown on when to show up is crucial unless you fancy a surprise pool party for one (spoiler: the pool won’t be open). The O’Fallon Family Aquatic Center has got you covered from the get-go with their season stretching from the beginning of May right through to the end of summer. Think long, sun-drenched days filled with laughter, screams of joy, and the inevitable “watch this!” moments before someone attempts an ambitious jump.

  • Opening Day: Early May – Mark your calendars or set a reminder, you won’t want to miss the opening splash.
  • Season End: Typically wraps up when school bells start ringing again at the end of summer.
  • Daily Hours: 12 PM to 6 PM – That’s six whole hours of potential poolside shenanigans!

The O’Fallon Family Aquatic Center doesn’t mess around; they’re open seven days a week, ensuring that any day can become a pool day. Just remember, weekends tend to draw bigger crowds, so if you’re planning a visit, getting there early to claim prime lounge chair territory is a pro move. Plus, it gives you a moment of tranquil bliss to appreciate the water park before it echoes with the sounds of splashing and laughter.

waterslide, leisure pool, water park

After reading about Raging Rivers and now the O’Fallon Family Aquatic Center, it’s clear that Southern Illinois is a water park wonderland waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adrenaline rush or just someone who appreciates the serene joy of floating on water under the sun, there’s something here for everyone. So, slap on some sunscreen, grab those flip-flops, and let’s make this summer one for the books.

Collinsville Aqua Park

So, you’re itching for another splash-tastic fun in Metro East? Look no further than Collinsville Aqua Park. Trust me, your swimsuit will thank you for it.

Hours and Dates

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty, shall we? Collinsville Aqua Park isn’t just any old spot to beat the heat—it’s your summer salvation. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Opening Day: Brace yourselves, the gates to your summer paradise swing wide open starting May 29th. Mark it, circle it, tattoo it on your arm—just don’t forget it.
  • Daily Hours: From 11 AM to 7 PM, get ready to get your splash on. That’s eight whole hours of fun in the sun, folks.

Splash Pad at Moody Park in Fairview Heights

So if you’re mapping out your summer adventures don’t forget to mark down the Splash Pad at Moody Park in Fairview Heights for a day (or more) of fun. With its convenient hours and the promise of a cool respite from the heat, it’s a must-visit for families friends or anyone looking to make a splash. And remember with the variety of water parks in Metro East there’s always a new wave to ride. Here’s to making a splash this May!

We hope you are enjoying these articles and are willing to continue to follow along as we share our adventures of learning about life in southern Illinois, This is an exciting area and we are so happy to be part of this area. Our lives are being fulfilled by the people we are meeting. Bruce & Karen.

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We’re Bruce and Karen Carlson. We recently moved to the Metro East area of Illinois. This area is east of St. Louis from the Mississippi River north to Alton, east to Carlyle, back south to Waterloo and the Mississippi River, finally north to Columbia. The center is Fairview Heights, Swansea, Belleville, Shiloh, and O'Fallon. Not to be forgotten is Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Edwardsville. It’s a whole new world out there. Our goal with this website is to share our exploration of the Metro East area. As we find businesses and services we use in our daily lives, we’ll share how these businesses and services have helped make our lives better and easier to live.

We’re calling our move to the Metro East area retirement, but we’re not quite sure what that means. By sharing our story with you, we hope you too will gain a better sense of what the Metro East area has to offer and how their businesses and services can improve your lives and build a better community.