4 family-friendly water parks in Ottawa

1. Calypso Park

Welcome to one of Canada’s largest water parks, complete with a variety of waterslides, restaurants and other attractions. Now are you ready for some serious, twisting fun? Let's go! Many of the big slides are best for kids three and older, but your tiny tot will love the Zoo Lagoon! He can slip down the snake slide into the wading pool. Calypso Palace Wave Pool is the biggest wave pool in the country and will provide lots of rocking fun. For those looking for a more gentle time, take a ride down the Lazy River. Some of the slides, including Adrenaline, Black Hole, Turbulence and The Steamer are best for daredevil kids—they feature some crazy twists and quite large drops. Check the website for a guide on what slides are best for each age. After all that sliding, the kids will be hungry and there are tons of restaurants worth a visit—try some jungle leaves or grab a hotdog at Resto Kongo. And you definitely need to go to the Penguin Stop for ice cream.

Dive in: 2015 Calypso Street, Limoges 613-443-9995 calypsopark.com

2. Mont Cascades

Located in Cantley, Québec, this fun water park sits in Canada’s capital at the border of Ontario and Québec. You and your family will have lots to do and will have tons of fun attractions to choose from. New to Mont Cascades this year is SplashForest, complete with climbing nets, slides, and water buckets for your adventure-seeking kids who love to swim! You'll definitely get wet thanks to spraying leaves and exploding buckets—oh my! Also, make sure you don’t miss their infamous waterslides, like Black Magic, Vortex and Mammoth River, a family favourite. If you have a toddler, then head to Kiddie Rides, which has five mini-slides that swoosh into a beach-style wading pool. Admission for all ages is $19, all summer long, or you can get a season’s pass for $40!

Dive in: 448 Mont Cascades Rd, Cantley, QC 819-827-0301 montcascades.ca

3. Travelodge Ottawa West

If you’re looking to splash around, rain or shine, then the Travelodge West indoor water park is the spot for you! Make it a weekend getaway by booking a two-night stay at the hotel, and the water park is included—deal! Although more tame than the other destinations on this list, it's still loads of fun. You can ride the water with the kids at the indoor wave pool. And then catch them after they whoosh down the blue, twisty waterslide. If you have little kids, there is a tiny wading pool, complete with a mushroom fountain. And if your kids are older and more independent, you can sit back and relax in the whirlpool hot tub. Ahhh, aren't water parks the best?

Dive in: 1376 Carling Avenue 613-722-7600 travelodge.ca

4. Alottawata

Opening soon in the City of Ottawa is Alottawata. It’s promising to be Ottawa’s “superior water park,” with new, top-of-the-line waterslides and attractions. The opening date has been pushed back several times, with constant improvements and renovations being made to make it the most spectacular water park ever. Well, we're convinced and ready for a sliding good time! Check their website for the grand opening.

Dive in: 4221 Moody Drive alottawata.com

Read more: All the best indoor water parks in Canada> 7 family-friendly outdoor pools in Ottawa> Canadian playgrounds: 18 great outdoor parks>