The temperatures are on the rise in southeast Michigan and if your family is looking for fun ways to chill out this summer, look no further than the Wayne County Family Aquatic Center.
This community water park has been serving the people of Detroit and the surrounding area for the past 22 years – and while the main draw is its 15,920-square-foot-wave pool that produces up to nine-foot waves, this spot is so much more than just a pool.
In fact, this family aquatic center, which is the largest family water park in Wayne County, features a wide variety of water amenities and bonding opportunities for kids and grown-ups of all ages.
“There are a ton of lawn chairs for people to sit under the shade and watch their kids play and the kiddie pool is always popular,” says Charles Buck, the managing partner and CEO of 3rd Gen Management. “We also have two slides – a single slide and a tube slide – that are pretty fast, faster than most slides in the area.”
If the 15-mile-an-hour slides seem too much for your kids, there are plenty of other water features to enjoy including the Children’s Splish-Splash Land, which features over 100 spray fountains that are constantly pouring water.
And no sweat if you don’t know how to swim because the Wayne County Family Aquatic Center also offers swim lessons for all ages.
“Our swim lessons start at the end of June and go for two weeks, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Our lifeguards have mainly been swimmers and have been on swim teams,” Buck adds.
Age and skill level doesn’t matter as far as lessons go because swimmers are broken up into groups based on their ages and techniques.
But that’s still not all that’s offered here.
In addition, the center hosts a variety of special events throughout the season including a community free day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 20, presented by Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, Wayne County Parks and 3rd Gen Management.
The next day, July 21, Warren C. Evans, USA Swim, Empowerment Zone, Wayne County Parks and Gamma Rho host music and special youth swimming instruction by former Olympian, Alyssa McClendon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Wayne County Family Aquatic Center is open to the public 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 15-Labor Day. Admission is based on residency and runs $2-$3/kids 2 and under, $5-$6/ages 3-12 and $7-$8/ages 13-plus.
Season passes run $50-$70/person. Swim lessons are $50/person.
Towels, bathing suits and sunscreen are available for purchase. Babies must wear a swim diaper at all times. Swim diapers are provided free with admission. Life jackets are also available, as are lockers.
Outside food and drink is not allowed as concessions are available for purchase in the park.
For more information on the Wayne County Family Aquatic Center, or to plan your visit, check it out online at waynecountyaquatic.com.
