Aqua Park Lakeside: A Half Term Adventure
We recently visited Aqua Park Lakeside on a chilly, rainy day during half term. Despite my initial concerns about the weather, it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences we’ve had in a long time. The water park is located by Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex so there’s plenty of things you can easily combine with this experience.
Arriving and Getting Set Up
Arriving at Aqua Park Lakeside was straightforward, with easy and free parking available in car park D which is near the Travelodge. This location offers convenient access to the park, situated just opposite the lake. Upon arrival, we were efficiently checked in and directed to the changing rooms. Staff were on hand to assist with fitting the life vests and providing rented wetsuits, which were a wise choice on a cold day like ours.
The Experience on the Water
Despite the initial chill in the air, once we started tackling the obstacles, we soon forgot about the cold weather. As a family, we found ourselves fully immersed in the fun and excitement of navigating through the various challenges like the Blast Bags, Giant Slide & Monkey Dome to name a few. The addition of grip socks, like those used for trampolining, ensured we had secure footing on the inflatables – these can be purchased onsite.
Facilities and Comfort
Once we were suited up and ready, we appreciated the warm showers available post-session, which were a perfect way to warm up after our time in the water. The park itself is well-organised, with plenty of attentive lifeguards stationed around the inflatable obstacles. This was reassuring, knowing that safety was a priority throughout our visit.
Family-Friendly Environment
Aqua Park Lakeside isn’t just for children; it’s a fantastic outing for the whole family. Whether you’re joining in with the activities or watching from dry land strategically placed for optimal viewing, it’s a fun experience. The park’s layout allows for easy supervision of children while they explore the obstacles in the water. Worth noting, the park is designed for all ages, but there is minimum age requirement of 6 years old to be on the inflatables.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re considering a trip to Aqua Park Lakeside, especially during the colder months, I highly recommend renting wetsuits to keep warm. Bringing along extra layers under the wetsuit can also make the experience more comfortable – that’s what we did on a rainy May day and I think it helped! You must booked this activity online in advance, so worth planning ahead. Remember to check the park’s website for any updates on facilities and opening times, ensuring your visit goes smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Our day at Aqua Park Lakeside exceeded our expectations, proving to be a memorable adventure despite the weather. From the ease of parking to the warmth of the showers, every aspect of our visit was well thought out and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a day out with children or looking for a fun activity with friends, Aqua Park Lakeside offers a fantastic blend of excitement and comfort for all ages.
For more information visit: Aqua Park Lakeside Website
We travelled by car to this experience and driving time from Chelmsford was about 30mins.
It is possible to reach Lakeside by Train.
The nearest train station is Chafford Hundred and you can walk from the train station to the shopping centre and aqua park.
For more ideas for family days out take a look at the Visit Essex website.
