Hayden offers oasis on those hot, sticky days

This summer we’ve seen days when the extreme heat makes it tough to enjoy a hiking or biking trip with the family. Throw in the smoke from forest fires and field burning, and it’s time to find an oasis.

The new 25,000-square-foot Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park in Hayden offers a solution. Climate-controlled, with just the right refreshing humidity, the dinosaur-themed facility offers a wave pool, spa, special play area for toddlers and multiple rider tubes and body slides to escape the outdoor elements.

Access: From Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 95, go north on U.S. 95 for approximately 3.7 miles, then turn right on Orchard into the Triple Play parking lot.

Length: Three big slides, with the longest approximately 350 feet. Two tubes for the little ones of about 30 feet each.

Elevation:Aapproximately 60 feet to the tower.

Use: Heavy

Condition: The water tubes are new, and the water is a perfect 85 degrees.

Difficulty: The tall tubes offer the most splash for the buck, and the lower two tubes are for the kiddies.

Restrictions: Persons under 42 inches are not allowed to slide in the large tubes, unless accompanied by their parents. Sliders must be at least 48 inches tall to slide alone. All-day Water Park passes cost $17.95 or $10 for those under 42 inches.

What to see: Fake dinosaurs and people having fun.

Special features: A retractable glass roof lets in sunshine, giving the indoor park the feel of being outside – without the temperature extremes. The “Children’s Lagoon” features a two-story play structure with a giant bucket tipping a huge splash of water about every 10 minutes. Lie in the sun or shade on lounge chairs and watch sliders pop out of the tubes.

Preparation: Call 762-7529 or visit the Web at www.3play.com for more information.

Gear: Wear swimming attire for all water activities – even observers tend to get wet. Although some flotation devices are available for free use, parents are advised to take their own for small children.

Notes: More water fun is offered outside with bumper boats, complete with waterfalls and high-powered squirt guns. Other attractions at Triple Play include mini golf, go-karts, a rock climbing tower, bowling, laser tag, arcade games and a restaurant. The water park is connected to the new Holiday Inn Express, making this complex the only hotel west of the Mississippi River with a full service water park, according to owner John Geddes.