Splash down in Fresno for a day of water fun

BY Karen Aiello
kaiello@modbee.com

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The sizzlin' summer heat has arrived and it's time to head for a refreshing dip.

Perhaps the backyard pool or a trip to the coast is calling.

To get completely soaked, though, head south to Island Waterpark in Fresno. This 42-acre water park, just off Highway 99, is loaded with all things wet and wild.

WHERE: 6099 W. Barstow Ave., off Shaw Avenue, Fresno
WHEN:Through Aug. 14: Mondays-Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday-Fridays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fireworks celebration Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
ADMISSION:General admission, 48 inches and taller, $24.99; under 48 inches, $17.99; 55 and older, $17.99; children 2 and younger get in free. Admission after 3 p.m. is $16.99, and after 5 p.m. is $9.99.
GETTING THERE: Take Highway 99 south to the Shaw Avenue exit and head west. Make a right at the first light, Island Waterpark Drive, and follow the road as it curves to the left onto Barstow Avenue, continue to the park entrance.
DRIVE TIME: 1 hour, 25 minutes (MapQuest)
MORE INFO: 559-277-6800 or online www.islandwaterpark.com.

Visitors can try their luck on the Singapore Tsunami, Tokyo Typhoon or the Great Barrier Reef. For those who prefer a much calmer ride, jumping in and taking a lazy float in the island's Nile River may be just the trick.

For youngsters, there's a kiddie lagoon, complete with slides, climbing equipment and a bucket that douses visitors with 500 gallons of water.

The newest addition to the park is Bondi Beach, which opened in the spring. The beach, with its 60,000 square feet of sand, is complemented by a wave pool where the bold can try their skills at wave-boarding.

For your added enjoyment

Adding to the fun is a go-kart speedway, a train ride for kids and a miniature golf course.

As we all know, frolicking in water can induce hunger, so dotted amid the water attractions are a number of places where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy lunch, a snack or a beverage. Grilled burgers, fries and subs and salads are available, along with sweet treats such as ice cream and funnel cakes. For adults wishing to imbibe a bit, the park offers locations where adult beverages may be purchased for those 21 and older.

If bringing along your own lunch is preferable, pack away. The park allows guests to bring in their own lunch (ice chests, too, as long as there are no glass containers). However, there is no barbecuing allowed.

Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park.

Island Waterpark is refreshing, thrilling and relaxing all rolled into a splish-splashin' good time.

You'll find me taking my place on top of the Bonsai Pipeline after I delight in the Acapulco Dive, and I'll be hoping it is not a North Shore wipeout!

Bee assistant librarian Karen Aiello can be reached at kaiello@modbee.com or 578-2392.