So it’s getting colder out and you’re itching for a balmy beach getaway, but a trip to the tropics just isn’t in the budget, right? Since our first family trip to Wisconsin Dells (”waterpark capital of the world”) almost ten years ago, I’ve become a bit of a waterpark evangelist. Since then we’ve visited over a dozen parks within a few hours’ radius of our Michigan home.

Over the last five years or so, indoor waterparks have started popping up all over the country, so you no longer have to live in the Midwest to be within driving distance of one. Here are a few of the reasons why indoor waterpark resorts are one of my family’s favorite weekend getaways:

Something for everyone. Most of the indoor waterparks I’ve been to offer a nice mix of attractions for big kids and little kids. For instance, during a recent trip to Key Lime Cove in Gurnee, IL (north of Chicago), I spent most of my time in a warm, zero-entry toddler pool with a series of small slides. Clara, our baby, splashed in the shallowest water while Owen, 3, and William, 6, went down the slides. The big boys opted for the thrill slides, going down again and again, which emptied into a wave pool right next to the toddler pool. Of course, we had to take a few trips down the lazy river, too (my favorite part!).

During our summer trip to Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, WI (north of Milwaukee), after tiring of the slides, the big boys kept themselves busy for hours in an activity pool featuring plastic floating animals and logs to climb on, just ten feet or so from the baby area. I’ve always been impressed by the attentiveness of the lifeguards at the big waterpark resorts, too–even though I know I have to keep a close eye on my kids, it’s nice to know I have some backup.

The resorts generally offer some dry fun, like an arcade and kid’s play area, in addition to the waterpark. Big resorts like the Great Wolf Lodge, Key Lime Cove, Kalahari, and Blue Harbor Resort even offer a full-service day spa in case Mom wants to slip away for a massage or mud wrap. Another plus: indoor waterpark resorts tend to be friendly to big families, offering suite-style room options that easily accommodate our group of seven (something that isn’t easy to find in other hotels).

It’s easy. Though I’m by nature a “let’s go explore!” kind of person, with five kids it’s sometimes nice just to be able to get somewhere and STAY there. Indoor waterpark resorts offer one of the easiest kind of family vacations: Once you’re in the hotel, you don’t have to leave again. You’ll find a few different dining options in most resorts, and some resorts, like the Great Wolf Lodge offer kitchenettes in the suites where you can keep snacks and food on-hand. You can wear shorts and flip-flops in the hotel even in the winter. And some waterparks have really gone out of their way to create a no-hassle environment: for example, at Key Lime Cove, your wristband is your waterpark ticket, your room key, and can also act as a debit card for purchases all over the hotel, from tokens at the arcade to poolside food to lockers. If, like me, you have a bad habit of losing hotel keys and/or money and/or debit cards you will really appreciate this feature.

It’s warm. They keep these places downright toasty—it really feels like a summer day at the beach. Some, like the Kalahari Resorts in WI, OH, and VA, even have tanning decks with special glass ceilings that let U/V rays through (though they’re separate from the main play area, so you can still keep kids out of the sun). The water temps range from the low to high 80s at most resorts, meaning it’s downright balmy compared to the average splash in a lake.

It’s mom-friendly. Okay, so you know that sinking feeling you get when you know you’ll have to walk down the beach in the classic mom tank suit and cover-up, surrounded by tan, lithe young girls in their teeny bikinis? No such problem at waterparks. The vast majority of guests are families, so you’ll feel right at home surrounded by other jiggly, pasty moms and dads in their sensible swimsuits.

Do you have a favorite indoor waterpark or a waterpark resort experience to share? Share it in the comments below!

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