Wild Island Waterpark, 775-359-2927
250 Wild Island Court Sparks NV 89434
One of Northern Nevada’s best local waterparks is conveniently located near the Sparks Marina and Interstate 80. Wild Island is a lot of fun for any age. There are a few height requirements and life jacket safety requirements for certain ages. There is plenty to do, so anyone the wrong size now has similar play opportunities and something to look forward to next year.
The projected spring opening date is May 14, 2011. Although scheduled hours of operation are 11 am to 7 pm, things like special events and weather can interfere with the plan. Their calendar site is updated regularly and should alert visitors to any changes. If you forgot suntan lotion, sunglasses, or just want to look around the gift shop, you will be glad to see the many things in their inventory.
I dropped by to visit a friend last year while her child was at this great local waterpark, the first time I had been there in three years. It was fun, and some things had not changed much. Here are some things I noticed. Certain age groups do not regard getting wet as fun. Parents who just paid over twenty dollars each for everyone to have fun must remember that fun is identified differently. Don’t scream at your kids if they don’t get in the water and get wet. You are ruining the day for everyone at the park, and very few people are going to feel badly for you. Be happy the kids accompanied you and let them enjoy themselves.
Some activities involve darkness and drops. If your kid does not want to go on them, relax. You are saving money, since inner tubes cost extra. These rides will have a minimum 48″ height requirement. Every family has at least one member who wants to try something like this. It should be a voluntary thing, as even adults vote to pass these by.
There are two areas that I noticed everyone enjoying. The first, Hurricane Cove, has a lot of water fun. Be prepared for shrieking and shrill voices as kids and adults take aim at one another in the cove. Remember that a direct hit is often reciprocated. The water is not deeper than 1 foot 5 inches and there is no minimum height requirement. Nobody escapes the cove dry. Just to be sure it doesn’t happen, a soaker bucket is set above and tips several times an hour. Luckily, everyone seemed to have fun at this event last year, even little kids.
The Montego Bay Wave Pool has no height requirement, although there has to be adult supervision for some of the children. Those under 42″ tall must wear have a life jacket. The water extends from the shoreline to 6 feet deep. Several different wave cycles hit randomly. I noticed a lot of younger children sitting in the water near the shore, and adults, tweens, and teens waiting for a wave to bodysurf.
There is plenty of room to relax and chat with friends while the kids burn up their energy moving around the park.
Sources:
Wild Island Park
Personal experience
