Splash into Spring Break
Local waterparks offer fun winter escape
FitRec’s recreation pool is free for all members. Photo by Fred Sway
If you’re not among the lucky ones traveling to Florida, Puerto Rico, or Jamaica this spring break, don’t despair. It may be too early to hit area beaches, but there are a number of indoor waterparks and pools just a short walk, train ride, or drive away. So dig out that swimsuit, find a beach ball, and head for the water.
BU Fitness & Recreation Center
It’s always summertime at FitRec’s recreation pool, tucked behind the competition pool on the lower level. The water is a tropical 86 degrees year-round in the lazy river and the three 20-yard lap lanes. And if that’s not hot enough, you can enjoy the nearby 15-person whirlpool.
FitRec members have free access; nonmembers pay $10 to use the recreation pool. Spring break hours vary from the normal schedule. The pool is open today and tomorrow from 7 to 9 a.m., noon to 2 p.m., and 5 to 9 p.m. On Friday, the pool closes an hour early, at 8 p.m. Saturday hours are from noon to 2 p.m., and on Sunday, from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
An aquatic center is one of the many attractions at Dorchester’s new Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. The space boasts a heated lazy river, a bubble bench, 25-foot lap lanes, and a two-story tube slide that snakes inside and outside the facility.
Day passes for nonmembers cost $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $15 for families. The aquatic center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. And Sunday hours are from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Kroc Center is at 650 Dudley St., just blocks from the Uphams Corner commuter rail stop. The MBTA’s #15 and #44 buses also stop outside the center. For more information, call 617-318-6900 or visit the center’s website.
CoCo Key Water Resort
Spring still hasn’t officially arrived, but it’s always 84 degrees at CoCo Key Water Resort, 50 Ferncroft Rd., Danvers. The 65,000-square-foot indoor water park, about a half hour drive north of Boston, has a number of attractions to please children and big kids alike. There are giant whirlpools at the Palm Grotto Indoor/Outdoor Spa, a wading pool and occasional movies at the Dip-In Theater, and a number of body and raft waterslides throughout the park.
Online reservations are recommended. Some options include a Twilight Day Pass, from 4 to 9 p.m., at $27 per person, and a Family Four Pack, which includes full-day access for four people, at $94.
The waterpark will be open through March on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 978-777-2500 or visit the resort’s website.
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