First published December 2019
Calypso Cove Waterpark, Barnsley
We went here after hearing great reviews from others in the North Leeds Mumbler chat group and the kids loved it! It’s in the middle of Barnsley (worth getting the satnav loaded as it’s down a backstreet) but only takes 35 minutes from North Leeds.
There are 3 big slides* (Terror Torrent, Eruption, Kraken) only Eruption has a 1.2 metre height restriction (there is a drop into a deep pool at the end so advisable only for strong swimmers) and then a slalom slide which the younger ones can also use (either on their own or with you). There is also a wave pool, a normal pool and a diving pool with 3 different heights of diving board. (You can even watch them dive into the pool from an underwater viewing area!)
They recently opened a dedicated area for younger children, Barnacle Bay, it says it is suitable for the under 8’s but I would suggest it is more suited to under 5’s. The pool in Barnacle Bay is shallow and there are lots of water features, a mini slide, a submarine to play in and lots of squirting water!!
In the main pool there is a Pirate Ship which has a slide coming from it and water cannons to squirt! We also spent time in the main pool practising swimming and jumping in whilst daddy and older Mini Mumbler went on the main slides.
There is a large mixed gender changing area, lockers (you need a £1) and showers but these got very busy.
You can either pay for a 1.5 or 3 hour swim, we found that 1.5 hours was plenty especially for the youngest mini Mumbler.
My advice would be to get there early. It opens at 10am and we got there for when it opened and just had a 5 minute queue. When we left at 11.30am there was a large queue. You can book priority tickets online to avoid the queues.
Calypso Cove is part of the larger leisure complex at the Metrodome and there is also a bowling alley, restaurants and games area. There is lots of free parking available.
Make sure you check the admissions policy before visiting regarding adult: child ratio.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day.
Metrodome Leisure Complex, Queens Ground, Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AN
Huddersfield Leisure Centre Waterpark
We had a visit in-between Christmas and New Year last year and had to drag the kids out! It took us about 45 minutes from North Leeds, even when Huddersfield Town were playing at home!
The Splash Park is ideal for all ages and is a nice size meaning that if you have confident swimmers you can see them on most parts of the splash park. A key point to note is the two main slides have a height requirement of 1.2metre and they are strict on this. The Splash Park operates a band system which gives you 90 minutes to enjoy the park but also means it is never too busy.
The Splash Park has a fun pool for the younger ones which is warmer than the main pool and has a few ‘animals’ which the children can sit and slide on.
In the main pool there is a lazy river, toddler area with slide, “things” to turn and twist and a water bucket. There are two slides (a water flume and Slidewinder) which you ride in inflatable rings (single and double), three water guns and an area where you can have free play. We have been to a few “Waterparks” when on holiday and both my husband and daughter have not stopped talking about the Sidewinder! It doesn’t look that much from the ground but apparently, it feels almost vertical when you go down it!
One thing to note is there is a lot of squirting water, my two wanted their goggles on! Apparently included in your entrance there is also another pool where you can do length swimming but we never made this!
There is also a great little viewing area which means that swimming with adults isn’t a necessity if your children are competent and confident swimmers. (Check admission policy of child: adult ratio before visiting.)
There are a cafe and snack bar (open when cafe shuts) on-site for refreshments. There are other activities including climbing and soft play as part of the Leisure Centre if you wanted to make a day of it.
** Check timetable for Splash Park before visiting as Huddersfield school holidays can be different to Leeds.
Doncaster Dome
The Dome is approximately 50 minutes from North Leeds. Swimming in The Lagoons (7 interlinked pools) at the Dome is fun for all of the family, from parents with toddlers, to teens and tweens who want the fun packed action of the big slides! The slides include The Falls, Serpent and The Blackhole, children have to be 1.2 meters tall to use the slides.
There is a lovely, quieter paddling area for little ones behind the slides, which has a little climbing frame, plus jets of water and fountains that are fascinating for babies and toddlers. There is a larger pool for some proper swimming and then there is an area which has fountains, jets, airbeds and a hot tub, plus an outside area with rapids if you’re brave enough in this weather – although it is heated!
There are plenty of family changing rooms, you need a £1 for the locker system.
If you’re planning to make a day trip of your visit the Dome also have a playzone, soft play area, bowling and ice rink too! There are numerous places serving food throughout The Dome.
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day and reduced hours New Year’s Eve (7am-3pm) and New Year’s Day (11am-4pm).
Doncaster Lakeside, Bawtry Rd, Doncaster, DN4 7PD
Immerse at Spen Valley Leisure Centre
Immerse is a dual pool family attraction, featuring a 13 section interactive inflatable set up in the Main Pool, challenging players to take part and compete against each other in interactive games.
Feature lighting and upbeat music creates a unique, lively and exciting atmosphere in the Activity Pool with small inflatables and foam floats/rafts for all to enjoy.
Pools in and around North Leeds that have ‘fun’ swimming sessions
If you fancy a drive to the coast Bridlington Leisure Centre also has a great splash zone with two slides and an interactive waterplay structure.
*Prices and details correct at time of publishing, December 2019. Please check timetables before visiting as changes can be made especially during school holidays. Also, make sure you check the adult to child ratio at individual waterparks prior to visiting.
