Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park — Attraction in Merced

If you haven't been to a water park like this, you should definitely try it some day. It's unlike any water park you'll ever try. There was a lot to do and some surprisingly fun attractions such as "the blob" which is an incredible experience for the daredevils in your family. I love the fact that they would allow to heavy adult jumpers to launch any size human daring enough to fly upward bound to the heavens. My experience with my 237 pound son and my 175 pound friend jumping together; launching me what felt like 20 plus feet off the ground was out of this world. I only did it twice but it was an incredible experience. Some launches were more painful than others and it wasn't anything I could control. You are at the whims of physics when it comes to "the blob".

My family and I felt safe with observant and fun lifeguards. One exception; there was one life guard in particular was a little bit of an authoritative bully. I overheard him telling three young girls who climbed to a high tower (with slides and a drop for jumping) that they had no choice; they absolutely had to go down a slide or jump off the 20 foot wall. He was not going to let them down the ladder. I listened to this conversation and tried to coax the young girls to give it a try but I could tell they were getting scared. Normally I wouldn't intervene but I felt I had to tell this young man that he was overstepping his boundaries and that he needed to bring his mighty power and aggrandized authorization down a few notches. With that he finally let the girls go back down the ladder. I don't want to sound like a complainer, most of the staff at Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park were exceptional.

We loved the blow up structures and even though we drove here from the bay area which was a super long drive, we went home happy and thrilled to have tried something totally new and exciting.

NOTE: The water was incredibly cold. I know why they call this place splash and dash. You don't just swim in this river (not a lake) for fun, you hustle and you swim as fast as you can to get out of the water. It's seriously snow run off from the Yosemite Sierra Mountains and it takes your breath away when you first get in. We were...

This place is amazing. They bring food and drink to you and service is very attentive. First come, first serve for the lounge chairs under the tents. They also offer some extremely classy cabanas that can be rented for special events. They have a DJ mixing many different tracks, mostly from the era for millennials; perfect for the parents.

The pictures don't do any justice for this park. When I arrived, I was slightly let down by what looked like a small area of the lake populated with a few blow up amenities. Boy was I wrong.

First, water shoes are required and sold on the beach if needed. I was immediately upset at this and believed it to be a racket. However, I was wrong. The water park equipment was so rough on my shoes, the soles were breaking down by the end of the day.

Second, life jackets are required. Not too crazy if you ask me, but after the next surprise my understanding was concrete.

Third, the water is very cold. Fresh snow melt for sure. It doesn't take long for your arms and legs to go numb preventing swimming.

After doning all the required personal protective equipment, I faced the final challenge; unbridled fun.

Surviving the initial shock of ice water, I climbed on the first platform, and came to realize how truly large and intricate this park is. If you've ever seen Ninja warrior you already know. If not, this is basically a hardcore obstacle course. The greatest thing about the cold water is it gives you an incentive to not fall in.

There are many jumps, rope swings, and balancing acts that must be maintained to prevent splashdown. Along with this, there are jumps, slides, and other forms of getting wet to cool you down from the cardio overload.

This is one tough course, you will be winded, you will get exhausted, and you will have the time...

If you have not been to this waterpark, it is a must visit!! The drive from Fresno is not bad, smooth roads and nice scenery. When you get to the park entrance, sadly there is no person to greet you, you can scan the QR code to pay for parking. From the entrance it is the first right you come to to get to the waterpark area. There is ample parking. You can purchase tickets and rentals online before you arrive, or you can make your purchase at the counter. They have cabana & chair rentals and the prices are not bad. Of you rent a cabana if you happen to rent a cabana, YARELI & JUDITH are fantastic hosts so attentive!!!! At the counter you can purchase items like water shoes, candy, and drinks. Everyone who will play on the inflatables has to have water shoes. Drinks are reasonably priced. After getting your tickets, you will be fitted for a life vest. They size you and ensure it is a good fit. Then a quick safety briefing and you are ready to get in the water. THE WATER IS FREEZING!! The source for the water is snow runoff so expect it to be freezing. The kids under 7 have a small section to play on, but they have to swim to it, about 10-15 feet. Everyone over 7yrs plays on the big inflatables, and you swim out about 15-30 feet. The kids can play while the parents watch from the comfort of a soft chair. You can bring snacks and food but please keep everything neat! Pick up after yourself!! They have a cafe where you can burgers, hot dogs, fries and onion rings. They do have a nearby store, so if you need something you can go check out the store, lots of great ltems. Check out is just as easy. Have fun and make lots of great...