Best Water Parks in Riverside, California
1
Castle Park
Address: 3500 Polk St, Riverside, CA 92505
Castle Park in Riverside, California is a modest water park attached to a family entertainment center offering both wet and dry attractions to keep everyone cool and entertained. The aquatic area features several water slides, a wave pool, and splash zones perfect for younger visitors to enjoy during the hot summer months. Despite its smaller size compared to major water parks, this venue provides an affordable local option for families seeking a refreshing escape without the overwhelming crowds of larger destinations.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The reviews consistently refer to the water park as being outdoors.
Splash Pad: Reviewers frequently mention a splash pad or kiddie area, often called Buccaneer Bay, which is described as having slides and a water play area. Families generally rate it positively, although some mention that it may be small or crowded.
Adults: Some reviews mention that the park sells alcohol, such as beer and frozen margaritas. There is no mention of hot tubs or adult-only areas.
Season Pass: The park offers season passes. Many customers report getting good value from them. However, some express dissatisfaction with added parking costs associated with season passes.
Party: The reviews mention the park is suitable for birthday parties. Some reviewers have had positive experiences while others have not.
Parking: Yes, the park has parking, but many reviews express dissatisfaction with the high cost of parking.
Not Noted
Lazy River: Reviews mention a Buccaneer Bay area with slides and a splash pad, but do not describe a lazy river.
Wave Pool: There is no mention of a wave pool in the reviews.
Diving Boards: Diving boards are not mentioned in any of the reviews.
Food & Drinks: Reviews of food and drink options are overwhelmingly negative, citing high prices, limited options, long wait times, and poor quality. Some reviewers recommend eating before or elsewhere.
Lifeguards: The reviews offer mixed opinions on lifeguard service and safety. While some praise the staff's attention to children's safety and cleanliness, others describe negative experiences with staff attentiveness or rudeness.
Clean: Reviews are mixed regarding cleanliness. While some reviewers describe the park as clean, others note that some areas were worn down, needed maintenance, or had sun-damaged paint.
Prices: Many reviews mention prices being high, especially for food and parking. Some mention that season passes offered good value, while others found the park too expensive overall.
2
The Cove Waterpark
Address: 4310 Camino Real, Riverside, CA 92509
The Cove Waterpark in Riverside, California offers a refreshing escape from the inland heat with its array of exhilarating water attractions and spacious pool areas. Visitors can enjoy everything from lazy river floats to heart-pumping water slides, while younger guests splash around in dedicated children's play zones complete with spray features and shallow pools. The facility maintains a clean, family-friendly atmosphere with attentive lifeguards on duty, though peak summer days can draw substantial crowds to this popular local destination.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The vast majority of reviews describe this as an outdoor water park.
Lazy River: Many reviews mention a lazy river, with opinions varying from positive (calling it "awesome" and a highlight) to negative (describing it as "filthy", with insufficient inner tubes and people forced to walk).
Wave Pool: Reviews mention a wave pool or "surf area", with some describing it as "fun" but frequently closed or with long wait times.
Splash Pad: A splash pad or kiddie area is frequently mentioned, generally receiving positive feedback as a fun place for young children, although cleanliness was sometimes an issue.
Season Pass: Season passes are confirmed as an option and opinions on value vary greatly depending on the number of visits.
Party: The park is confirmed to host parties, particularly birthday parties, with varying experiences reported regarding service and amenities provided for parties.
Diving Boards: Diving boards are mentioned by several reviewers in relation to an Olympic-size pool, with positive feedback describing the diving boards as a feature they enjoyed.
Lifeguards: Many reviewers praise the lifeguards for attentiveness and safety, but some also note inconsistencies in lifeguard presence and enforcement of rules.
Parking: Parking is mentioned in several reviews, with some indicating difficulties in finding parking, especially on busy days.
Not Noted
Adults: Alcohol is explicitly mentioned as not allowed, there are no mentions of hot tubs or adult-only areas in the reviews.
Food & Drinks: Food quality and value are inconsistent across reviews; while some praise the food as "good" or "reasonable", many express dissatisfaction with the high cost, limited selection, and poor quality of food items.
Clean: Cleanliness is a recurring concern in reviews. While some praise its cleanliness, others describe the water, restrooms, and surrounding areas as dirty, filled with bugs, and poorly maintained.
Prices: Opinions on affordability are mixed, with some considering the park reasonably priced especially for season pass holders while others find it expensive, particularly given the additional costs for coolers and food.
3
Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park
Address: 3500 Polk St, Riverside, CA 92505
Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park in Riverside, California offers families a splashing good time with its pirate-themed water attraction that includes multiple slides and interactive water features. The seasonal facility keeps visitors cool with refreshing splash zones, dumping buckets, and kid-friendly water cannons spread throughout the aquatic playground. While relatively compact compared to full-scale water parks, this add-on attraction provides a perfect complement to the main amusement park's offerings, making it an ideal spot for families seeking relief from the inland heat.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The reviews do not specify whether the water park is indoor or outdoor; however, descriptions of sun, shade, and the overall setting strongly suggest it is outdoor.
Splash Pad: Many reviews praise the splash pad or kiddie area, describing it as a highlight for younger children.
Parking: The reviews do not explicitly mention parking, but it can be inferred that parking is available as visitors arrive at the park.
Not Noted
Lazy River: Reviews do not mention a lazy river.
Wave Pool: Reviews do not mention a wave pool.
Adults: Reviews do not mention adult amenities such as alcohol, hot tubs, or adult-only areas.
Season Pass: Reviews do not mention season passes.
Party: Reviews do not mention birthday parties or other similar events.
Diving Boards: Diving boards are not mentioned in the reviews.
Food & Drinks: Many reviews mention high food and drink prices, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the value. There is no consensus on the quality of food and drink offered.
Lifeguards: One review mentions an employee monitoring children leaving without adults, suggesting some level of supervision. However, another review mentions issues with water guns causing eye injuries, indicating potential safety concerns.
Clean: While some reviews praise the cleanliness and well-maintained aspects, others mention crowding and issues with dressing rooms and showers, indicating a mixed experience regarding cleanliness and maintenance.
Prices: Several reviews criticize the high prices of food and drinks, while others mention overall affordability. There is a clear divergence of opinions regarding value for money.