EUROPE is sizzling through a major heatwave, but that doesn’t need to melt your getaway plans.
These waterpark hotels will ensure kids stay cool in the sun — and they are all in areas currently deemed safe from wildfires.
With plenty of deals still out there, Sophie Swietochowski picks some of the top waterpark resorts across the continent.
TURKEY – The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel and Aqualand
Thrill-seeking teens will be bowled over by this giant theme park in Antalya, on the southern coast.
Often labelled as the Disneyland of Turkey, it is home to a thrilling 62metre Hyper Coaster, a mega shopping district and a waterpark.
Typhoon Coaster is the highlight, hurling riders at mega speeds from 43-metres up, in to a splash basin.
There’s plenty for youngsters too, including a mini wave pool and slides, and a lazy river.
Guests staying at the onsite Kingdom Hotel get unlimited access to the parks.
GO: Four nights’ all-inclusive at the 5* The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel is from £972.50pp for a family of four sharing, flying from Stansted on August 26. Details at onthebeach.co.uk.
CORFU – Aqualand Resort and Waterpark
This resort, attached to the well-known Aqualand park, offers round-the-clock ice cream, pizzas, and burgers for hungry little mouths, as well as tasty Mediterranean-inspired grub for the grown-ups.
Guests get unlimited access to the waterpark where the whole family can get stuck in, thanks to the massive mishmash of rides.
Mum, Dad and the youngsters can head for the family rafting ride, down a 180metre tube, while the brave can tackle the 24metre-high free-fall slides and the open flume “kamikaze” slides.
With 15 pools and swimming areas, the kids will never get bored.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Aqualand Resort and Waterpark is from £943pp, based on a family of four sharing and including flights from Liverpool John Lennon on August 17. See firstchoice.co.uk.
SPAIN – Evenia Olympic Park and WaterWorld Lloret
For adventurers, Tui offers a special package that combines a stay at the 4* Evenia Olympic Park with complimentary access to adjacent WaterWorld Lloret, one of Europe’s largest waterparks.
If it is too hot for the ten- minute walk, you can catch a free shuttle and then cool off straight away in the splash lagoon.
Meanwhile, older kids will want to make a beeline for X-trem Mountain, a 260metre watercoaster with steep drops, dark tubes and sharp bends.
There is also an onsite waterpark at the hotel with multi-lane racer slides, and a pirate ship.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Evenia Olympic Park and Waterworld Lloret is from £876.53pp based on a family of four sharing and including flights from Manchester on August 22. See tui.co.uk.
CYPRUS – Leonardo Laura Beach & Splash Resort
One of the best holiday destinations for waterpark fans, but don’t just take my word for it. It is frequently ranked among the best in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The kids’ activity pool, featuring a series of mini slides and water jets, will ensure under-12s don’t miss out, while adrenalin junkies are catered for by the Tornado King ride.
When you are not splashing around, there are five onsite restaurants as well as kids’ clubs, an escape room and cinema.
GO: Four nights’ all-inclusive at the 4* Leonardo Laura Beach & Splash Resort is from £965pp based on a family of four sharing and including flights on August 12 from East Midlands airport. To book, see thomascook.com.