Kids In Vancouver: Whoosh Down The Waterslides At Splashdown

River Run, Splashdown Park | Photo: Splashdown Park

Fond memories swirl in the minds of local parents who visit Splashdown Park with their kids this Summer. Watching as their little splashers whoosh down the winding watersides and twirl in tubes down the River Run, nostalgic flashbacks of early childhood days flood their thoughts.

Since 1983, Splashdown Waterpark has been a local Summer staple, epitomizing childhood fun for kids and parents alike. Unfortunately, after 33 years, Greater Vancouver’s favourite (and only) waterslide park will be closing its doors permanently at the end of this Summer.

Splashdown Park Waterslides | Photo: Bianca Bujan

Slap on your swimsuits, pack up some towels (and a tent if you need a little shade), and pick your spot on the grassy surface that surrounds the park. You’ll want to save your spot and use it as your check-in point as you and your kids splash down the slides until the sun goes down.

Ease into it with a starter ride down one of the slower yellow slides like the Loop The Loop, and then hit the more advanced slides like the Whipper Snapper (a crowd favourite) for a wild and bumpy splash into the cool pool.

Don’t forget to eat! The park offers a range of hot and cold food options such as pizza, burgers, wraps and fries, and also features several picnic areas complete with BBQs for patrons who would prefer to grill their own lunch. Grab a cone from the sweet shop and then head back into the water for another round of waterslide fun.

Don’t leave without braving a tube ride for two down the Black Hole, if only for the bragging rights. If you manage to build up the courage to dash down the dark ride, your adrenaline will have you rushing up for another run.

Black Hole Slide, Splashdown Park | Photo: Jamie Dunlop Khau

Plan your visit for August 14th, and enjoy the Grand Finale of the annual Summer Splash event. Featuring reduced-rate tickets, a live DJ spinning your favourite Summer tunes, and activities such as a watermelon-eating contest and special dance performances, this is the perfect event to bid adieu to Splashdown in style. $3 of every entry ticket purchased will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC & Yukon, in support of fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening health conditions. Great fun in support of an important cause.