Water Parks in and Around Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville, Florida is one hot town in the summer. From June through September, it's not unusual to have a heat index of well above 90 degrees, and on a day like that, all you want to do is cool off in the water. With that in mind, here are the top water parks in and around Jacksonville.

Shipwreck Island at Adventure Landing

The premier water park in Jacksonville features a wave pool and river, a toddler area, and a half dozen hair-raising water rides. When you're tired of the water, Adventure Landing also offers an arcade, a miniature golf course and go karts, although additional fees apply.

Admission, not including tax: $25.99 for people over 42 inches tall, $21.99 for people under 42 inches, and free for kids three and under. After 3 pm, admission drops to $15.99. They also have a great family special on Friday nights - only $10.99 per person after 7:30, but, as they say, "No kids without parents, no parents without kids!" They also offer season passes for $129.99 for the first person and $99.99 for additional family members.

Adventure Landing info: 1944 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. Phone 904-246-4386. http://www.adventurelanding.com/jaxbeach/shipwreck.html

Summer Waves at Jekyll Island, Georgia

Only 75 miles from Jacksonville, Jekyll Island is a great spot for a weekend getaway for the whole family. But make no mistake, although seeing the beautiful nature is great, the kids will want to make Summer Waves their first stop. The park features a wave pool and river, a toddler area, fun water rides, plus a splash area for those who want a tamer water experience.

Admission, not including tax: $16.95 for those over four feet tall, $14.95 for those under four feet tall, $10.95 for seniors over 60 and free for kids under three. They also offer discounts after four pm ($10.95 on Saturdays and $8.95 other days), a two-day ticket for $24.95 and season passes for $69.95.

Summer Waves info: 210 South Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527. Phone 912-635-2074. http://www.jekyllisland.com/summerwaves/index.asp

Wild Waters in Ocala, Florida

A long-time favorite of North Central Florida, Wild Waters is just over 100 miles from Jacksonville, about an hour and a half away. Wild Waters has a great kids area, a wave pool and four thrill rides. It's also next door to the well known Silver Springs, home of the famous glass bottom boats.

Admission, not including tax: $23.99 for adults and $20.99 for kids under 48 inches. Season passes are $39.99. Florida residents also qualify for Wild Waters and Silver Spring combo tickets at $33.99. These are buy one get one free.

Wild Waters info: 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488. Phone 352-236-2121. http://www.wildwaterspark.com

Splash Island at Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia

Combining a visit to the water park with a visit to a theme park can be a blast. At just over 120 miles from Jacksonville and cheaper than the Orlando parks, Wild Adventures should be high on your list. Splash Island is just one of a dozen neat things about Wild Adventures, but if your main goal is to get wet, you can choose from the wave pool, the river, and several fun rides. And, of course, there is an area for the little ones!

Admission to Splash Island is included with your ticket to Wild Adventures: $44.95 for adults, $39.95 for seniors over 60 and kids 3-9, and free for kids two and under. They also offer Passports (season tickets) for $69.95 or $99.95.

Wild Adventures/Splash Island info: 3766 Old Clyattville Road, Valdosta, GA 31601. Phone 229-219-7080. http://www.wildadventures.net/splash_island/index.php

Play Park at the Jacksonville Zoo

The 4000 square foot Splash Ground in the Play Park is basically a huge playground covered with fun sprinklers in the shape of marine animals, including one very large whale. It's not worth a trip for just this, but it's a fantastic finale to a day at the Zoo. Older kids will be bored, but little kids will love it. Other (dry) areas of the Play Park include a fantastic tree house with slides and vines to climb and a goat petting area.

A visit to the Play Park is included with admission to the Zoo: $7.50 for kids 3-13, $11.00 for those ages 13-64, $9.50 for seniors over 65, and free for kids two and under.

Jacksonville Zoo/Play Park info: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Phone 904-757-4463. http://www.jaxzoo.org/things/PlayPark.asp

Have fun!