For my first nine years of motherhood, my kids were “backyard kids” in the summertime. I cherished those days of setting up the water table, the inflatable pool, or the sprinkler, and sitting back in a chair and watching my kids play all day. This year, with an almost 10-year-old, an almost eight-year-old, and a just-turned-five-year-old, the water table in the backyard is just not as enticing to them. At the beginning of the summer, we made the decision to join the local water park, and the membership paid for itself within the first few weeks. Joining the pool has changed the way that we do summer break, for the better.
- It gives us a routine. This is the first summer that I don’t have any nappers in the house, so our routine isn’t quite as set in stone as it once was. And I like a routine. Going to the pool gives us some structure — I get up early and pack the lunches and pool bag, we spend a few hours at the pool after breakfast, and then we come home in the afternoon and everyone has rest time. There is much less time to say, “I’m bored!’
- It allows us to socialize with friends and family. My sister’s family, as well as some of our friends, belong to the same water park, so it’s been a fun way to meet up with people on a whim (without the need to rush to clean the house before guests arrive).
- It gives us quality time with no distractions. My kids are young enough that I want to get in the water with them, and for safety reasons, I need to be fully present when we’re at the pool. I look forward to the forced break from outside distractions anytime we’re there!
- We sleep better. Vitamin D, fresh air and exercise helps everyone sleep a little bit better. On the days that we go to the water park, we all go to bed early, and that’s a win!
- We’ve saved money. Yes, really! The cost of a summer membership for our family of five ended up being the same price as one week of half-day camp that my oldest opted out of this year. Since we can go whenever we want, the water park now replaces an outing that we would’ve been spending more money on, and the majority of the time, we are bringing in our own food and drinks.
Disclaimer: This is the first year that I have felt comfortable taking three kids to a water park by myself, and we specifically chose one geared towards younger kids with an ample number of lifeguards. If you’re not yet in this season of life, your time is coming!
