Home >> Summer 2010 >> Knott's Soak City [article by kim cook, natalie howard and sarah miller
photography and layout design by sarah miller]
| Our Tips! |
Arrive early to avoid long lines and to secure a lounge chair near the wave pool.
Walking to and from the rides on the hot concrete can scorch your bare feet. Take it from us; wear some kind of water shoes and also plenty of sunscreen. It’s a long day out in the sun!
There is parking available for a minimal fee, but look for parking on the street. It is only about a five minute walk down the sidewalk to get to the park and you can take a picture in front of the Soak City sign to put in your scrapbook.
If you are from out of the area and need to stay overnight, there are plenty of hotels nearby to choose from.
Vist knotts.com for a list of nearby hotels. |
Soak City Water Park
Don’t have a pool but want to stay cool this summer? Knott’s Soak City Water Park in Palm Springs is guaranteed to provide the whole family with an exciting way to cool off on hot California days. They have 18 outrageous rides and attractions including tube slides, body slides, speed slides, a wave pool and a family water fun house. One of our favorites was the lazy river lagoon, where you can circle around in the water and relax in the sun. A perfect spot where parents can relax is the private pool-side cabanas, which provide a covered awning and waitress service. This gives parents a nice getaway but still allows them to watch their kids.
The admission is very reasonable and season passes are available as well. Season passes are comparable to the price of two admission tickets, so well worth the cost if you plan on visiting the park often. If you know in advance that you will be going to the park, buy your tickets at Information, Tickets & Tours in the Main Exchange to get a better deal than at the gate. Lockers are available near the restroom facilities when you first enter the park to store your belongings, but they only take cash. They are somewhat small, so make sure you pack light or are prepared to get two.
The park also features restaurants, snack shacks, gift shops, restroom facilities and picnic areas to make your day more enjoyable. The snack shacks all offer a similar selection on their menu; however our personal favorite was Taquito Bandito’s, located on the island of the lazy river lagoon. Their plate of nachos is big enough to fill up the whole family…and delicious too! You get the most for your money here. You are not allowed to bring in outside food or beverages so if you are planning an all day event, budget to eat at one of the restaurants or snack shacks.
Soak City is a great spot to host your child’s next birthday party. The party package includes one meal for each party guest, goodie bags, ice cream and birthday cupcakes. In addition, you will have a reserved time slot in the Birthday Party Zone. All-inclusive pricing consists of admission for each party guest and a special gift for the birthday child. Reservations need to be made two weeks in advance.
If you do not have children, don’t worry, you can still enjoy the water park. We suggest you go with a group of friends to make your trip more enjoyable. To go on a few of the rides you will need to carry a tube up to the top of the ride. This is a group effort as the tubes hold multiple people. After a few times, the trip up became a little tiring but these rides were the best by far. If you gather up 20 of your friends you can enjoy a catered all-you-can-eat picnic in the Crystal Cove picnic area. This requires reservations as well, so call in advance for pricing and availability. Overall, Soak City Water Park is an enjoyable experience and makes a great day trip to escape the heat of the desert.
| More Information: |
Information, Tickets & Tours
Main Exchange, Bldg. 1533
760.830.6163 x252
itt29palms@usmc-mccs.org
Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Knott’s Soak City Water Park
1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
714.220.5200
knotts.com
Hours vary throughout season.
Be sure to check the website before planning your trip. |
