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FAMILY TIME<br />
Fun Ways<br />
to Beat the<br />
Heat This<br />
Summer<br />
BY VALENE AYAR<br />
The WoahZone<br />
at Heron Beach.<br />
Summer is really heating up! And because we<br />
have barely been able to go outside earlier this<br />
summer because of the poor air quality, we<br />
have to make up for some much-needed splash time.<br />
Thankfully, though, you don’t have to travel too<br />
far to engage in some family-fun outdoor activities.<br />
So many new splash pads and aquatic centers have<br />
emerged in the last few years; allow me to list a few.<br />
WhoaZone at Heron Beach<br />
I decided to start with the most unique and versatile<br />
place on my list. This attraction was perhaps Oakland<br />
County’s best-kept secret, but the secret is out<br />
now. Located on the sandy beach of the Holly Recreation<br />
Area, you and your family will want for nothing<br />
where fun and water activities are concerned. For instance,<br />
the Wibit Aqua Park is a one-of-a-kind floating<br />
obstacle course for anyone 7 years and older and<br />
at least 45 inches tall.<br />
If you have younger children, there is also the<br />
Wibit KidsZone for children ages 4-6 and under 45<br />
inches tall; this is the perfect miniature version of the<br />
Wibit Aqua Park.<br />
These obstacle courses are just a few things you and<br />
your family can enjoy. There are also watercraft rentals<br />
for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. WhoaZone also<br />
Kensington<br />
MetroPark’s<br />
Splash N Blast<br />
attraction.<br />
offers shaded seating rentals, SnackZone concessions,<br />
and a beach store. If your interests are simpler, you can<br />
always enjoy a nice dip in the cool, refreshing lake. For<br />
more information, visit whoa.zone/holly.<br />
Troy Family Aquatic Center<br />
With both indoor and outdoor pool activities, you<br />
have so many options if you decide to spend a day<br />
here. Located at 3424 Civic Center Drive, the Troy<br />
Family Aquatic Center is the ideal place to cool off<br />
this summer.<br />
Their outdoor aquatic center has a main pool<br />
with a zero-depth edge, tube and body slides, a kiddie<br />
area with a waterfall, kiddie slide and splash pad,<br />
sand volleyball and sand play area, along with concession<br />
stand. And these are just a few of the outdoor<br />
attractions; there are plenty more both outdoor<br />
and indoors if those are not enough for you. Visit<br />
rec.troymi.gov/parks_facilities for more information.<br />
Lily Pad Springs in West Bloomfield<br />
Located at Maple and Farmington Roads in West<br />
Bloomfield, (where Potomac Pool previously was),<br />
this new neighborhood splash pad is great for kids<br />
of all ages.<br />
With over 50 play features, 4 water slides, and a<br />
splash bucket that dumps 55 gallons of water, you really<br />
cannot go wrong here. Add to that the very low<br />
price of $4 per resident and only $7 per nonresident,<br />
it is likely to become your new favorite end-of-summer<br />
hangout. And because it is in the heart of West<br />
Bloomfield, there is no doubt you and your children<br />
will run into some familiar faces or perhaps make<br />
new friends as you splash around and make some<br />
memories. Find Lily Pad Springs at wbparks.org.<br />
Heritage Park Splash Pad<br />
Located inside Heritage Park on Farmington Road between<br />
10 and 11 Mile Road, you will find a splash pad<br />
with a series of fountains and sprayers that is free to<br />
the public.<br />
Why not have a picnic and a splash at this Farmington<br />
Hills community staple? There is also a Nature<br />
Discovery Trail and a snack shack that sells treats<br />
and refreshments, just to round out your family outing.<br />
Visit fhgov.com for more info.<br />
Kensington MetroPark Splash n Blast Waterpark<br />
Located inside Kensington Metropark at Martindale<br />
Beach in Milford is an oldie but a goodie —Splash<br />
n Blast Waterpark. I loved going there as a kid and<br />
teen, and from the looks of it, the park and slides<br />
have only gotten better with time.<br />
In addition to nice, sandy beaches and spacious<br />
shelters and picnic areas, you will also find a splash<br />
pad, two 240-foot-long twisted waterslides, the ‘spray<br />
ground’ with palm trees, serpents and cannons that<br />
spray water and more…much more! With the perfect<br />
blend of refreshing lake and affordable splash park<br />
options, there is something for everyone. But don’t<br />
take my word for it, plan a day, and go check it out for<br />
yourself! You will not be disappointed.<br />
Find out more at metroparks.com.<br />
Conclusion<br />
Summertime for parents and children can be tricky.<br />
With summer coming to an end but time on everyone’s<br />
hands, it can be difficult to find ways to fill up<br />
your days while also bonding as a family and staying<br />
active. My advice . . . turn off those iPads and hit the<br />
splash pads!<br />
44 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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