Taking a winter splash

Package deals including overnight accommodations are available.

By REBECCA SLOAN

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

ERIE, Pa. — If the winter blahs have you down in the dumps and you’re dreaming of a tropical escape, heavenly Hawaii may be closer than you think.

At Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort in Erie, Pa., endless summer reigns supreme.

Never mind if it’s a teeth-chattering 10 degrees outside and the sky is spitting snow. Inside this sprawling, aquatic wonder world, the temperature is always a balmy 84, and the water is always a welcoming 86.

Parrots squawk from bamboo cages, electric palm trees shade lovely Polynesian-theme murals and turquoise water slaps gingerly at the edges of inviting pools.

Jump in and have some fun. There’s something here for every age and interest whether you’re a thrill seeker wanting to ride a wild water slide, a mellow type longing to lounge in a hot tub or a toddler hoping to get her toes wet.

Tiny tots, seniors and everyone in between will have a great time at Splash Lagoon.

WILD WATER SLIDES

The water slides are, of course, the top attraction at Splash Lagoon, and the park boasts seven big slides ranging from mild to extreme.

Some slides can be ridden with inner tubes, while others cannot (these slides are classified as “body slides”).

Some slides allow two riders to go together, while others permit only one rider at a time.

Each slide has its own unique features.

On the Black Hole, for example, riders succumb to total darkness as they twist and turn through a slick tunnel. Only when they emerge with a splash at the end do they see the light of day.

Hurricane Hole is even more intense. This slide whisks riders along at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour before spinning them in a giant bowl and plunging them into 6 1/2 feet of water.

Hurricane Hole riders must go solo without an inner tube, and due to the deep plunge at the end, they must be able to swim.

The Cyclone water slide also features a giant bowl, but this slide isn’t quite as intense as Hurricane Hole and can be ridden solo or by two people sharing a double inner tube.

Riders exit the Cyclone in the Lazy River, a shallow stream where folks sit in inner tubes as a slow-moving current carries them along.

The Big Kahuna water slide also exits near the Lazy River.

The Big Kahuna is unique because this enclosed slide actually snakes out of Splash Lagoon’s interior into the great outdoors.

But don’t worry about the wintry weather outside. The warm waters that slosh through the enclosed flume keep riders toasty even when the Pennsylvania air is frigid.

The enclosed Shark Attack water slide also reaches outside the interior of Splash Lagoon.

This slide is a body slide — no inner tubes permitted — and its quick drops, sharp turns and fast speeds will take your breath away.

The final slide that reaches out of the interior of the water park and into the great outdoors is Python Plunge — an inner tube slide where riders may go solo or with a friend.

This wicked ride winds, twists and plummets from five stories atop Splash Lagoon. Riders exit indoors through a hole painted to look like the gaping mouth of a snake.

The Maui Wowie — a body slide — is the mildest ride at the park. It is the only slide with an open top and is perfect for kids who might feel hesitant about trying the slides with enclosed flumes.

Riders board the Maui Wowie from the top of the Tiki Tree House, a 12-level interactive playhouse with water guns, nets for climbing and other fun stuff.

The four-and-a-half story Tiki Tree House sits in the center of the water park and boasts Splash Lagoon’s star attraction – the colossal Tiki Tree House Tipping Bucket.

This 1,000-gallon bucket dumps every five minutes, sending an unbelievable deluge down upon the heads of the adventurers who gather beneath it.

Park visitors are warned of the imminent tipping by a loud horn that bonks a rhythmic alarm.

When the horn sounds, people from all corners of the park rush toward the Tiki Tree House to experience the astonishing gush of water.

HEAVENLY HOT TUBS

Of course, not everyone who visits Splash Lagoon wants to be drenched by a torrential monsoon or whisked down a wild water slide.

Some folks just want to kick back and relax.

No problem.

Splash Lagoon offers three spacious hot tubs that are perfect for leisurely lounging.

The peaceful Frog Pond Family Whirlpool is located in a quiet corner of the park.

The Frog Pond gets its name from the whimsical frog statues that surround its perimeters. These six-foot-tall sculptures were completed by local artists and are truly delightful.

One long-legged leaper puckers a set of ruby-red lips, and another wears a colorful cape studded with stars and stripes. Another boasts a pair of studious spectacles.

Single streams of water shoot playfully from the frogs’ mouths and trickle into the swirling hot tub below.

Since this tub is shallow and not too hot, it’s perfect for families with children.

However, if you don’t have children and want to avoid the energetic capers of little tykes, stroll over to Paradise Cove, a hot tub designed exclusively for grown-ups.

This 30-person “adults only” hot tub is situated in a quiet nook that’s decorated with beautiful, hand-painted Polynesian murals of mountains and waterfalls. Soft lighting and tropical flora and fauna complete the relaxing effect.

Not far from Paradise Cove is the Lava Pool, a hot tub designed especially for kids.

The Lava Pool is located right next to Monkey Shine Island, the preferred spot for small children.

The Monkey Shine Island swimming pool features a beach-like zero depth entry so kids who are shy about stepping in can get their feet wet gradually.

Monkey Shine Island also features P.J.’s Plunge and Lola’s Lane, mini water slides for the tiniest and most timid of adventurers.

The island also includes bouncy swings for toddlers and the Hula Hopper, a ride similar to frog hoppers found at amusement parks. Children board the Hula Hopper and then jump up and down as they climb the wall. They finish with a big hop.

Not far from the Hula Hopper is Splash Lagoon’s Activity Pool. Older kids — and adults, too — will enjoy this 80,000-gallon swimming pool that features water basketball hoops and other silly yet challenging games.

PRACTICAL MATTERS

If you’re a protective parent concerned about safety, don’t fret.

Splash Lagoon keeps lifeguards on duty around the clock — lifeguards who’ve been specially trained to work at water parks.

A first aid room is located on the premises should an accident occur.

Splash Lagoon also provides life vests. They are available at the front desk and are permitted on inner tube slides only.

Patrons must pay a $25 deposit that is refunded with the return of the life vest.

The park also offers restrooms with free changing areas and private showers and free towels for overnight hotel guests.

Lockers to store clothing and other items can be rented for a small fee.

And if you happen to forget to pack your swimsuit, you can buy a new one in Splash Lagoon’s Surf Shop, where clothing, souvenirs and other swim needs are sold.

FUN ON DRY LAND

Although water is the top attraction at Splash Lagoon, there are plenty of things to do on dry land as well.

The Treasure Island Family Arcade, located in Splash Lagoon’s mezzanine floor, offers 6,000 square feet of gaming fun.

From the latest video simulators to classic arcade games of the past, the glittering, high-tech Treasure Island has everything the arcade crazed can think of.

Next to the arcade is the Island Oasis and Tiki Bar, a full-service bar that offers specialty tropical drinks in a Polynesian setting.

Splash Lagoon also offers Lazer Tag in a brand-new, 3,000-square-foot state-of-the-art arena located adjacent to the water park.

Players will experience futuristic obstacles, 3-D graphics and earth-shaking sounds. Kids must be at least 6 years old and have dry clothes and proper footwear to participate.

Thirty minute sessions cost $9.95 per player, but group rates are available for 11 or more people.

The Lazer Tag arena also features a separate party room that’s perfect for birthday celebrations.

In addition, Splash Lagoon offers water park birthday party packages where kids can get wet and then enjoy pizza and cake in one of the resort’s private party rooms.

There are two party rooms at the water park as well as a Children’s Activity Center that features free movies, board games and coloring sheets. A magician named Captain Magic sometimes makes an appearance.

WHAT’S COOKING?

It’s a universally known fact that swimming makes a person hungry, so it’s no surprise that Splash Lagoon contains two restaurants.

The Laguna Grill is located just a stone’s throw from the Lazy River and offers hamburgers, deli-style sandwiches, salads, pizzas, fries, Dippin’ Dots and more.

Don’t worry about ordering your lunch in your swimsuit — shirts and shoes are not required at this eatery. The Laguna Grill is conveniently located on the water park floor, and diners can watch the activity of the park while they sit at a café table and munch.

Boston’s — a more formal restaurant located at the opposite end of the water park away from the hustle and bustle — specializes in gourmet pizzas and Italian food but also serves hamburgers, ribs and other non-Italian fare.

Boston’s, Applebee’s, Damon’s and Quaker Steak and Lube will deliver meals directly to the hotel rooms connected to Splash Lagoon.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Three hotels connect directly to Splash Lagoon — The Holiday Inn Express, Residence Inn Marriott and Comfort Inn.

All three hotels offer complimentary continental breakfasts, all suite rooms and fitness centers. Two have indoor swimming pools and guest laundries.

All hotels also offer package deals that include water park passes.

At the Holiday Inn Express, the Extended-Stay Studio Suite package includes six two-day water park passes, a room with two queen beds, two pullout sofas, an in-room whirlpool tub, a fireplace, a microwave and a refrigerator for $239 to $359 per night.

The maximum occupancy of this package is eight people.

The Holiday Inn Express’s Queen Suite package costs between $189 and $309 per night and includes four two-day water park passes, a room with two queen beds, a pullout queen sofa, a two-person whirlpool bathtub, a microwave, a wet bar and a refrigerator. The maximum occupancy is six people.

The Kid’s Suite package includes four two-day water park passes, a room with one queen bed, a two-person whirlpool bathtub, a microwave, a refrigerator, a partitioned kid’s area with twin bunk beds, a Nintendo Game Cube, a VCR, CD player and more. This package ranges from $209 to $329, and the maximum occupancy is four people.

Similar packages at the Residence Inn Marriott range in price from $189 to $429 per night, and the Comfort Inn offers package deals ranging from $119 to $289 per night.

The Econo Lodge, located directly across the street from Splash Lagoon, will appeal to penny pinchers.

Although the Econo Lodge is not connected to the water park, it offers a shuttle service to Splash Lagoon.

For folks who wish to visit the water park for the day and not spend the night in a hotel, all-day passes are $34.95 for people more than 48 inches tall and $24.95 for those less than 48 inches tall.

After 4 p.m. the price drops to $24.95 and $17.95.

A spectator’s pass costs $9.95, and children under 2 are always free.

A limited number of day passes are available, and reservations are recommended.

SHOPPING

Splash Lagoon is located at 8091 Peach St., Erie, Pa., 16509, and there are many restaurants and shopping centers a short distance from the water park along the Peach Street corridor.

The Mill Creek Mall is also located nearby, and during summer, Waldameer Park and Water World, an outdoor water park, and Presque Isle State Park draw thousands to Erie.

Splash Lagoon opened five years ago, and after two-and-a-half years expanded to include Python Plunge, Shark Attack and the Frog Pond Family Whirlpool.

Another expansion is in the works and will include a wave pool and surfing ride.

Splash Lagoon is open year-round seven days a week.

Hours fluctuate during peak and nonpeak seasons.

For more information call (866)-3-SPLASH or visit www.splashlagoon.com.