On one of those not so friendly hot days in the southern California desert when the temperatures climbed well past the century mark on the thermometer, my eyes searched for a place to cool down, enjoy the company of fun people, and relax all at the same time.
Knott's Soak City, a state-of-the-art water park in Palm Springs, is where I ended up. Not only was it the perfect place to keep my body cool, but the view of the other bodies floating on rafts and going down water slides made it a place that I want to go back to and soon.
On your next Palm Springs vacation when the hot weather is too much to endure, enjoy the only water park in the Palm Springs area that is equipped with water rides as well as attractions. It is on 16 acres of land and was designed to be themed like a 1950's Southern California beach.
My favorite ride on my recent trip was the "Rip Tide Reef Wave" which I understand has an 800,000-gallon pool. It lifted me off the ground and then threw me back into the water. While not for the faint of heart, if you like roller coasters... this is a ride for you.
I also went on the "Tidal Wave Tower" which has 7 story vertical chutes that plunge the thrill seeker from the heights to the depths.
If roller coasters and vertical drops are not for you I recommend something for more subdued and relaxing; the "Sunset River" where you can lay back and take in the sun as you slowly float along.
There were lots of kids on some of the less daring rides, like tube and body slides "Surf Rider Rapids" or "Sea Snake" were the speeds are much more tame.
There are also rides like the "Undertow" which is a twisting and turning tube slide that you won't want to try alone. I went with one of my friends and hooted and hollered all the way down.
There are, of course, places to get burgers and fries and a wave pool and places where you can just sit back and watch the beautiful bodies.
Great fun on a hot day, it is with music food and lots of things to do.