Water parks are always a fun way to spend the hot days in Southern California. In SoCal you’ve got several choices: Raging Waters in San Dimas, Wild Rivers in Irvine (at least through the 2008 season), Hurricane Harbor in Valencia and then there is the chain of water parks owned by Cedar Fair: Soak City.

You can find Soak City in Buena Park, across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm, in Palm Springs and San Diego.

Each of the aforementioned water parks feature toddler play areas for your little ones. We recently visited Soak City in Buena Park for the first time with our toddler and had a great time. The Gremmie Lagoon is especially for the little ones with wadding pools and splash areas.
Life vests are provided free of charge for anyone that wants one. Children under 48″ tall are required to wear them in the wave pool and lazy river. There are also several inner tube slides where they are also permitted to ride. Our toddler spent the majority of her time in lazy river and play area and loved it.

Small, hand-held coolers are allowed in the park with bottled water or sports drinks only. There are plenty of places to buy food inside the park. Also note that personal floation devices are not allowed in the park. The inner tube rides have tubes free of charge for use and you can rent your own for the day for a nominal fee if you want.

Tickets are $22.95 for adults if you print @ home and $16.95 for children 3 to 11. The park is open daily through Labor day and on weekends through October 23. Hours vary.