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Best Waterparks And Pools In Miami

Living in south Florida certainly has its perks, and the biggest is year-round summer weather. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the pool or a hard-hitting water workout, these local options were tailor made to fit the whole family. Expect extras including everything from water polo leagues to paddle boats at the Miami's best waterparks and pools this summer.

waterparks boys
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Scott Rakow Youth Center Pool 
2700 Sheridan Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-7767
www.miamibeachfl.gov/

Price: free for residents/$10 adult non residents/$6 ages 4 to 18/free 3 and younger

The Scott Rakow Youth Center Pool promises perfect all-day family fun. Weekends, especially, include activities for every member of the family: Come here for ice skating, bowling, a good workout in the gym, arts and crafts, game and media rooms, the fitness center, a music room and its computer lab. Classes at this awesome facility include swimming, hockey, ice skating and a great variety of sports including water polo. Dedication to families, children and ending gang violence is huge at this facility, which was named after fallen police officer Scott Rakow, who used to work with the recreation department.

Related: Best Waterparks in South Florida

waterpark - splash buckets
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Tropical Splash Waterpark
3700 N.W. 11th Place
Lauderhill, FL 33311
(954) 357-5400
www.broward.org/

Price: $1.50 gate entrance free for children younger than 5 on weekends/$5 per person per day/$5 per person per session/$40 season pass

Tropical Splash Waterpark is located in Central Broward Regional Park and offers two interactive water playgrounds. Older kids enjoy a spiral slide, dump bucket and water guns, while younger kids take advantage of climbing features and age-appropriate slides. There's also a general pool area where swim classes are offered. These classes are divided up into separate 10-day sessions divided by swimmers' skill levels. Tropical Splash also offers paddle boats and picnic areas that may cost a rental fee depending on the time of year. Rent a funbrella to stay cool outside of the water while snacking on concessions or homemade picnics.

waterpark - girl in wavepool
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

A.D. Barnes Park Pool
3401 S.W. 72nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 665-1626
www.miamidade.gov/

Price: free

The heated A.D. Barnes Park pool is known for the fact that it's open year-round, offering programs for both children and adults. Take an exercise class, learn to be a lifeguard or jump in on general swim classes taught by certified teachers from the American Red Cross for kids ages 3 to 6 and 6 to 17 as well as adults 18 and older. Even though the pool is public, it can also be rented for birthday parties and events. A splash park playground for kids and a picnic area make this ideal for all-day fun. Enjoy other parts of the 65-acre park, including the Sense of Wonder Nature Center, which offers guided tours of this migrating-bird mecca. Also home to the anti-venom reptile collection, visits to the pool here should include a whole day full of family friendly excitement at the nature center as well.

Related: Best Public Pools for Kids

Victoria Burns graduated with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami, where she currently teaches. She also writes educational articles and blogs on various psychological and women's issues. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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