Splash parks, outdoors lidos and open swimming spots
Gosh it's hot out! Cool down in one of these fun, wet and watery outdoor spots in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Brand new for 2022, the splash park features interactive bubbling jets and other great activities all powered by movement, so the more kids explore, the wetter they’ll get! There’s also interactive play and a pirate ship the kids can run through. If they prefer something not as wet, they can jump on the swan pedalos.
Hood Park Lido and Leisure Centre
Not often you come across a leisure centre with an outdoor pool but we’ve got one. Cool off in the heat in this brill outdoor lido swimming pool.There are actually two outdoor pools that make up the lido and are both open every day until September and a sand pit too! Head down for a swim or hire out the lido for a party – it’s the perfect way to keep the family entertained.
Pic Credit: Twycross Zoo
Did you know there’s a huge water play area for your kids to go crazy in at the zoo? This specially designed play area, you can really go wet and wild so remember to bring a towel. Located near the Penguins, Wet and Wild is the perfect place for little kids to splash around in safely. Book before 15 July and you can pay £14 for an early bird ticket. 1000 tickets available every day. Be quick, the £12 tickets have already sold out!
Twinlakes, Melton Mowbray
Pic Credit: Twinlakes
This summer get soaked in the Au Guang Dragon Zone Outdoor Waterpark. With slides for all ages (trust me, you’ll be tempted to ride them) there’s a log flume, the Susanoo Splash Play, as well as Canada Quays where you can ride a pedalo and watch out for the giant bucket, it can drop litres of water at any time. Tickets for adults £14.95 and kids £10.95.
If you’re looking for some adrenalin-fuelled fun or even a relaxing break from the daily hustle and bustle, head to Rutland Water. Covering 4,200 acres of open countryside, there’s something for everyone, from walking and cycling to fishing, water sports and climbing. There’s also a beach that provides 140 metres of sandy shoreline and enough space for you to paddle and swim in.
Aqua Park, Rutland
Get wet, make a big splash and have a riotous load of fun in this floating inflatable park – the kids will love it. Expect climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers, blast bags and the UK’s biggest slides and a special corner for adrenaline junkies – it’s totally awesome. Open every day in July and August and open weekends only in September. Booking essential.
Race Hub at Six Hills, Melton Mowbray
Actually recommended by a reader, it’s a fantastic open water swimming venue used by British Triathlon, local triathlon clubs and swimmers of all abilities. The water’s around 22 degrees at the mo and guests are welcome to come to join the swim sessions also – no need to book, simply pay at the swim desk. West suits available to hire and swimmers from 8 years and over can take a dip.
Known for the quality of its spring fed water and on shore facilities, Stoney Cove covers area of 13 acres and offers a 1000 metre perimeter course in Leicestershire’s cleanest water and is open all year round for swimmers. It’s also fully-manned with a rescue boat on constant standby and qualified first aiders – handy if you’re not a confident swimmer. One hour open water swimming sessions cost £6 and they even offer sunset swims every first and third Wed from 6-9pm! There’s lots to explore beneath the water including fantastic fish life, shipwrecks, skeletons and even characters from The Pirates of the Caribbean. Combine your swim with a bite to eat at on-site, Nemo’s Bar and Restaurant. Over 12s only.
Stanton Lakes is open to all swimmers from experts to complete novices – think less swimming club and more of a friendly group of swimmers/triathletes. Sessions take place every Tuesdays 5-8pm and Sundays 7-10am and have to be booked in advance online. £6 for a one hour swim.
Main cover image Photo by Angelo Pantazis on Unsplash
