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Best Regional Swimming Holes

It’s hot out and time to splash in the pool. Here are some favorite swimming holes for your family to enjoy.

SunSplash (Roseville) – in our opinion, the cleaner of the water slides in the Northern California region. SunSplash has two kiddy pool areas for children 5 and under and fantastic and lengthy longer slides for the older kids. They also have a fun wave pool where you can either brave the waves or just sit in the shore area to cool off. We like SunSplash in Roseville and rate it for cleanliness and nice, well-behaved clientele. Also, when it’s really hot, it becomes crowded. Arrive early and expect to leave early to avoid the crowds.

Orangevale Aquatic Center – the lesser-known aquatic center isn’t quite as large as Folsom or Roseville, but its low-key status means fewer crowds. They have a large wadding area and a fun waterslide for the older children to enjoy. They also have a large swimming area and diving boards. Folsom and Roseville, although larger with more slides and bigger pools, become very crowded in prime summer season.

Family Fitness Centers – not known for their swimming activities, the Family Fitness Center on Greenback in Fair Oaks has two large pools (a lap pool) and fun play fountains. They also have a large Jacuzzi to warm up or soothe tired muscles. Their wadding pool is large-sized for the little kids to frolic. They offer swimming lessons, and you can sign up at the front desk.

 

The Westin La Paloma Spa and Resort

Are you interested in an authentic Arizona experience? We recommend you consider a stay at the Westin La Poloma Spa and Resort in Tucson. Other than the fact that almost all Westins are typically amazing – and famous for their “heavenly” bed; the La Paloma is in the part of Arizona where the giant cactus grow, and for your information, are protected much like giant redwoods in California. If you’re like most people, you’ve only seen those cactus in cartoon replicas or old westerns, so it’s really beautiful and special to see them growing wild in the Arizona desert. Second, La Paloma sits right at the base of the mountainside. It’s quite an experience to go out and sit by the pool and gaze right up at the austere mountainside, with its crumbling rocks and barren face that by its own nature and right is absolutely stunning. Since you’re staying at a resort, your entertainment is self-contained within the parameters of the facilities. The restaurant food is authentic Southwest fare and often very spicy with plenty of various sauces full of a lot of zest and kick. You can then retire to your luxurious room that is spacious with a complete private bath. It’s a four-star experience all the way, which means it’s not inexpensive and at the time we stayed $400 a night, but well worth every penny just to enjoy that view. Do keep in mind, it’s summertime and temperatures can peak at 110 to 118 degrees in the afternoon. So, you may want to plan indoor or poolside activities for daytime and relegate hikes, strolls and physical activities to the early morning or evening.

Train Time

 For families with small children nothing beats a train ride. Not a kid exists under the age of 5 that isn’t enthralled by trains. So, if mom and dad need a way to entertain the younger set, but also enjoy some scenic sights, check out the train rides that start at Roaring Camp in Felton, California. You can opt to take the redwood train into the forest or select the Santa Cruz Beach and Board Walk ride that takes passengers right up to the sidewalk that sits parallel to the boardwalk. It returns every hour on the hour so you can make a day of it and play on the boardwalk or head straight for the beach for some sand-and-surf fun. The boardwalk, recently renovated, offers numerous attractions and old-fashion midway rides. You can purchase a full-day pass and spend the afternoon enjoying the old rickety Giant Dipper roller coaster (this author’s very first roller-coaster ride), enjoy the carousel and don’t forget to grab the brass ring, or toss some rings and win a giant stuffed toy. It promises to be a great family afternoon. And then jump back on the train and head back to Roaring Camp through the magnificent giant redwood forest. The scenic ride will be a great way to relax a bit before you jump back in the car and drive to either a local hotel or campground. Use the Santa Cruz Camping Guide  to find the campground right for you. If you would like to have someone else set up your trip and manage the details, send an email to Elisa Taylor at etaylor@worldlesstraveled.com.