by Sophie Cannon (follow)

Welcome to the second article in our 'useful lists' series- this week on the discussion group we asked what you thought were some of Brisbane's best, outdoor swimming areas and water parks and we've collated the top 7 answers as voted for by our Brisbane Mums.



If you're not lucky enough to have a pool at home, or if you're simply just looking for an awesome day out with the kids, then why not pay a visit to one of the following.

1. Orion Lagoon, Roebelle Domain Park, Springfield

Often referred to as Ipswich's very own Southbank, Orion Lagoon is the perfect way to cool off during the hot months. With a number of integrated pools and water features, the varying depths make for a day suitable for any member of the family.

The shallowest area starts from 0.3m so is perfect for toddlers and young children, with the deepest area in the centre of the pool at 1.5m. There are squirting spouts, miniature waterfalls and plenty of shaded areas around the pools for ultimate sun protection. Definitely one to check out this summer!



Good to know: Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times as lifeguards are only present at certain times throughout the year. There are BBQs and shaded picnic tables dotted around the park however there are also numerous eateries in the local area if you're wanting to buy food whilst you're there. There is only one free car park in the local area and the others charge a maximum of $5 per day.

"Great area if you don't want to get into the water as the kids just play in the little fountains" - BMG Member

2. Splashpad and Aquatic Playground, Newmarket Olympic Pool, Newmarket

Newmarket Olympic pool is home to one of the best local waterparks around and features a massive 30m waterslide for those daredevils of the family as well as a number of smaller slides suitable for a slightly younger audience. With heaps of water fountains, water cannons, inflatable slides, raining mushrooms and a gigantic tipping bucket that always draws in a huge crowd, there really is something for everyone.

There is also a dedicated toddler area with shallow depths and suitable water activities to keep little ones entertained whilst the big kids are running amok. The perfect place to cool off on a hot Brisbane day.



Good to know: There is also a brilliant pirate ship play park on site as well as a BBQ area, small snack kiosk and grassy spaces perfect for picnics so why not make a day of it this summer?

"Newmarket pool is awesome for all ages! Had toddler pool, with a couple slides. Older preschool pool with slides, bucket drop area with squirting guns, pirate ship playground then a couple of lap pools and a giant water slide." - BMG Member

3. Wynnum Wading Pool and Waterpark, Wynnum Esplanade

One of Brisbane's oldest, the Wynnum Esplanade Wading pool was first built in the 1930's and is a firm favourite with Brisbane residents especially now that it has been brought well and truly up to date. At high tides, sea water flows into the wading pool which is perfect for those wanting their kids to be able to enjoy the ocean without having to allow them to roam into open water. Although there is one small slide in the pool, the water area is designed more for paddling, splashing and playing with water toys.

As well as the wading pool, Wynnum Esplanade Parklands also features an interactive water play section. A number of whale fountains and squirters raised from the floor allow kids to cool off and run around whilst parents sit and supervise from the surrounding grassy areas.



Good to know: There are plenty of areas for picnics and also eateries within the local area serving snacks, fish and chips and ice creams. There is a car park close by and also plenty on on street parking.

4. Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe

Settlement Lagoon is perfect for families of all ages as there is a water depth to suit everyone. Sandy bays surround the lagoon itself and the water is shallow here, perfect for smaller children and toddlers to paddle and play. The water then gets deeper as you explore further into the lagoon ending up at a rocky island right in the centre.

As well as the pool itself, there is also a shaded area that features everyones favourite raining mushrooms and also several squirting lizards. If you're not wanting to swim yourself then there is plenty of areas around the lagoon to sit and supervise from a distance.



Good to know: As well as the water areas, there is also a play park on site as well as BBQs, shaded picnic tables and a kiosk that serves up snacks, cold drinks and ice creams.

5. Chermside Aquatic Centre

A full waterpark on a slightly smaller scale, Chermside Aquatic Centre has a number of water slides and water activities for every age. There are two slides designed for individual use and also a slide named the "Flume of Doom" which two people can use at the same time. As well as the slightly more daring slides, there is also a huge swimming lagoon, shotgun slides and a jumping platform. For the smaller generation, there is a toddler area featuring small scale water slides, water dump baskets and an interactive lily pad game.



Alongside the water park, there is also the standard council lap pools if any of the adults fancy a relaxing swim. On a much smaller scale then the Gold Coast waterparks but still just as much fun for the kids.

Good to know: There is lots of areas to sit with a picnic and there's a kiosk on site if you're wanting to purchase hot and cold food and drinks. There is an entry fee to the waterpark, individual prices start from $6.20 for a child and $15.50 for an adult however they do offer family tickets starting at $38.30.

"Chermside Aquatic Centre has a great toddler pool with slides and fountains, and full sized water slides and a tube ride for older kids & adults. Adults can ride the big slides with little kids over 2yo. Good snack bar with hot food and coffee, and lockers too." - BMG Member


6. Paradise Point Parklands, Gold Coast

If you're happy to travel to the Gold Coast then one of the perfect places to visit on a hot summers day is the Paradise Point parklands. With everything all in the one area, you can literally spend a whole day lazing by the water with cold drinks and a picnic and there's plenty for the kids to do too.

The parklands features 3 large playgrounds as well as number of smaller play areas along the esplanade, but the main attraction? On the south end of the parklands is a large netted swimming enclosure where everyone can take a break and cool down during the hot summer days. There is also a sandy bay where parents can sit and supervise or kids can take some time out from paddling and build some sand castles so make sure to take the buckets and spades!



Good to know: There are plenty of cafes and places to eat in the area and again, lots of space if you're wanting to eat alfresco or bring a picnic.

"Beautiful area to have a picnic, the water is calm, playground nearby and some lovely places to eat." - BMG Member

7. Aquativity, Southbank, Brisbane

Of course no list would be complete without mentioning Aquativity water park based at Brisbane's Southbank, a huge, water play park that is perfect for all members of the family. The most unique thing about Aquativity is that as well as being heaps of fun, it is also an experience that can be educational too.

Kids can learn all about how the water cycle works and also find out fun facts about native fish species all through the act of water play. Obviously there are also the usual water fountains, shooters and drop buckets as well as plenty of space to paddle and wade.

Aquativity is in located in the heart of Southbank and surrounded by plenty of parks, restaurants and things to see and do.

Good to know: Car parks, BBQs and picnic areas are all close by and did you know that you also get free Wifi access? Bonus!



As always, we know that there must be so many more awesome places to cool off outdoors this summer is Brisbane and we definitely want to hear about them! If you know of any other places that you think should have made the list then make sure to head over to our discussion group and leave us a comment to let us know!

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