The lighter nights and brighter mornings almost feel within reaching distance as we head towards March, but unfortunately the weather hasn't quite caught up yet and in most parts of Yorkshire it's still chilly!
And while it might not be sunny enough to start pulling the paddling pool out just yet, thankfully for parents in Leeds, there are several indoor places you can take the kids for a dip without the risk of frost bite.
Most kids love swimming and when you throw in some slides, splash pools, wave making machines, water cannons and inflatable tubes - you've got yourself a fun-filled day out that's guaranteed to tire them out.
READ MORE: Amazing new retro-style bar and food lounge opens in Leeds - and you need to visit on a Monday
Here's five water parks within an easy drive of Leeds if you're looking for something to do with the kids this weekend - thank us later!
Huddersfield Leisure Centre
Spring Grove St, Huddersfield HD1 4BP
How far is it from Leeds? 20 miles 42 minutes by car
What's it got? Amongst the super slides are the Sidewinder which boomerangs you sky high then back down to ‘earth’ in a huge rubber ring. Then there’s the Lazy River which as the title suggests, floats you around bends and past water cannons at a lovely, gentle pace.
The centre also has a 25m eight lane pool where serious swimmers can train, while the little water babies can splash around in the kids' fun pool and build up confidence in their swimming ability.
When's it open? Monday - Friday 10am to 6:30pm (slides open 4pm to 6:30pm) Saturday - Sunday 10am - 6pm (slides open all day).
How much?
Online prices:
Family Pass without slides £10.00
Family Pass with slides £20.00
Adults without slides £4.40
Adults with slides £7.50
Junior (3-15) without slides £2.50
Junior (3-15) with slides £7.50
Under 3 £2.50
Entrance prices:
Family Pass without slides £14.00
Family Pass with slides £23.00
Adults without slides £5.40
Adults with slides £8.50
Junior (3-15) without slides £3.50
Junior (3-15) with slides £8.50
Under 3 £3.50
Mini Splash and Play family £8.00
*Family Passes admit 4 people, which may be 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children, dependent on swim ratios.
Contact? Visit the website here or call: 01484 766269.
Surf City
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheaf Street, Sheffield, S1 2BP
How far is it from Leeds? 36 miles, 1 hour 7 minutes by car
What's it got? Surf City has two covered flumes, a wave pool, a lazy river (where you can hop on a float and enjoy a leisurely ride) and a family pool with mini fountains and a dolphin (albeit not a living one).
When's it open? The centre's opening hours are Monday to Friday 6.30am to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday 8am to 9.30pm. Pool hours may vary. Visit website for further details.
How much? General admission is adults £4.65, kids: £2.60 or you can get a family pass from £8.65. Sessions must be booked online in advance.
Contact? Visit the website here or call: 0114 223 3400.
Calypso Cove
The Metrodome, Queens Ground, Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AN
How far is it from Leeds? 24 miles, 51 minutes by car
What's it got? Calypso Cove is home to some of the UK's indoor flumes including Terror Torrent, Eruption and Kraken to name a few of the biggest attractions.
Along with the many slides, there is also a sunken galleon, plus lane swimming pool, training pool, diving boards, splash pool for the little ones plus water relaxation areas.
When's it open? Term time: Monday 10am to 12pm, Tuesday 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday 10am to 12pm and Friday 10am to 6pm. At weekend's the centre is open 10am to 5pm.
School holidays: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, weekend and bank holidays 10am to 5pm.
How much? Typically for 90 minutes: adults £10.70, children £8.60, under 3s £3.50, family £36.00.
Express tickets which allow you join the fast queues for features are more expensive.
Contact? Visit the website here or call: 01226 730060
The Dome
Doncaster Lakeside, Bawtry Rd, Doncaster DN4 7PD
How far is it from Leeds? 37 miles, 1 hour 13 minutes by car
What's it got? Four slides, wild water rapids, seven pools and water chill out areas
A fantastic session with a variety of pools,slides and features. Slide down our serpent snake slide or have a go on our family slide, even better go outdoor and enjoy wild water rapids
When's it open? The centre is open Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm, And 7am to 7pm on weekends. Splash area hours may vary. Visit website for further details.
How much? Typically £8 adults, £5.50 kids, £3.00 under 3s. The session is 90 minutes long from the session start time.
Contact? Visit the website here or call: 01302 370777
Alpamare
Burniston Road, Scarborough, YO12 6PH
How far is it from Leeds? 70 miles, 1 hour 37 minutes by car
What's it got? One slide 'Snow Storm' is the height of more than three double-decker buses.
You ride down it on a large lilo which can carry up to four people.
'Olympic Run' is the slide right next to Snow Storm and is designed for two riders.
There are two heated outdoor pools including the Infinity Pool with message jets, whirlpools and bubble benches.
When's it open? All year 10am to 10pm (10am to 9pm Sunday).
How much? £19 adults, £15 children, £60 family of four
Contact? 01723 339 859 www.alpamare.co.uk
Read next:
- Map shows England's 'worst' schools as Leeds primary school listed as 'inadequate' with 'serious weaknesses'
- Leeds taxi drivers to protest 'racist' bacon remarks made by Leeds City Council officer
- Leeds West Indian Carnival organisers under fire for banning traders from selling alcohol
- Fed-up Butts Mount residents slam people who find Leeds street name 'funny'
- Life in Leeds' 'least trusting' area where stabbings and shootings are 'the norm'
