Palm Desert Aquatic Center — Attraction in Palm Desert

Rule central.

We’ve been to dozens of pools with kids. This pool has more rules than all combined. Even more rules than the local Water Slide Place nearby.

Whistles were going off non stop which made for a distracting visit. Many parents were commenting on Fort Knox.

— No parental help on the splash park (claiming weight restrictions). As in adults can’t even climb the metal stairs, and stand on the metal platform to help toddlers. Well it’s a steel structure. Splash parks are for toddlers who can barely walk let alone climb wet play structure without help. Come on, my backyard play structure made of tinder can support adults.

48” (4 feet) to ride the two water slides. Sorry but you can go on every Disneyland ride except 2 at 42”. They weren’t even long slides. My 6 year old wasn’t allowed on, yet she’s been doing Large water slides since 2. She also went down every water slide “last year” at 4.5 at a different local water park with maybe 20+ slides.

Constant tweeting for kids going over lane ropes instead of under. Sorry, but most kids can’t go under during family swim. So take down the ropes.

Require a full 3 second countdown and a 10 second wait for water slide. I’m an adult. And I had to stand at the slide for 10 seconds to verify no one was in the slide. Each time. Yet I was the only one going on it. Then, I was scolded for sitting down before the 3 second count down. Even though there was no one in the slide or exit area.

Signs everywhere such as “no boys over 4 in female washroom”. If a single parent comes to this place with a toddler, good luck helping them pee or change.

No chairs on the grass (more signs)

No more than two people on water slide platform. Everyone to wait on the stairs.

Greated by multiple signs upon entry “no cotton” “no street clothes” etc etc etc. signs everywhere.

It was disappointing as we had high hopes for this place. The constant lifeguard whistling at everyone really had parents annoyed. My recent (6 different water parks in 6 months alone) have had zero concerns like said above.

This is not the place to take kids. It’s a place for 14+ and you’d better hope you’re not short. Otherwise, the value for entry...

Hands down the biggest bang for the buck as far as kid activities go - and this place offers ALOT! There's a beach entrance pool, splash pool with water spray feature, 2 water slides, diving boards and assorted other lap pools. Picnic tables w umbrellas, chaises and chairs, plus abundant grassy areas to spread out. The kid areas are open 11am - 7pm 7 days a week during summer. Full locker rooms w showers and private/family restrooms w changing tables and showers are also available. Only complaint is that the concession stand only offers crappy (and expensive) junk food reheated in a micro and purchased at Costco. I'd like to see some healthier/ better tasting options. Outside food and drink (other than water) are not permitted. Saving the best for last....the staff!!!! Everyone I've encountered has been friendly, kind, professional and great with kids. I've never had a bad experience. If its HOT and you're on a budget w kids in tow this place is better than any water park I've been to. From babies to teens, its great for all ages....

The lifeguards need to get it together. Each lifeguard has different rules and it’s extremely frustrating that not everyone is on the same page. One lifeguard told my daughter she was tall enough for the slides and let her go on numerous time. Then when they switched shifts, the next lifeguard told my daughter she wasn’t tall enough when she clearly was and is already 8 years old. Mind you the slides are small and drop into only 3ft water and my daughter can swim in up to 11ft water. Then they had my daughter take a swim test to make sure she can swim, she passed and got a wristband. Apparently, the lifeguard put the wristband on too loosely. Later on another lifeguard noticed and had my daughter retake the swim test to make sure we weren’t lying and had taken it from someone smh. They act like it’s an actual water park and forget it’s just an aquatic center. They aren’t organized and each lifeguard has their own rules. Will not be returning. Only came cause we were in town and there’s nothing...