Let's be honest, we're all sick of winter and crying out for some sun.
But the weather is slowly starting to warm up as we head towards spring and summer.
And many families love heading for a good old fashioned swim and splash around with the kids.
So fortunately we're blessed with some great pools in Nottingham, but there's not a huge number of water parks.
If you want something a bit different you're going to need to get in your car.
But if you do that you'll find a wide variety of good options that really aren't that far away.
Here's a look at various different attractions that aren't that far away.
Alton Towers Water Park
Alton, ST10 4DB. 1 hour from Nottingham
Packed with flumes, including a "water coaster" with a view of the entire park, Alton Towers Water Park is probably one of the best in the UK.
As well as flumes for adrenaline junkies there's also a number of more relaxing rides.
And crucially there's plenty of options for little people as well, including water play areas and smaller slides.
There's even an outdoor pool where you can watch the steam rise on a cold day.
Click here to buy tickets.
Standard admission for children is £14.50 and adults is £16.50.
Waterworld
Stoke on Trent, 70 mins from Nottingham
Also making a claim to be the UK's number one water park is Waterworld, in North Staffordshire.
And like Alton Towers there's a wide variety of impressive rides, including the Space Bowl and Super Flume.
There's also a range of medium flumes and toddler slides, as well as racing slides for competitive types.
A single ticket for adults, children, spectators, carers and disabled guests is £20.50
Children under 2 cost £5.
Calypso Cove Waterpark
Barnsley, 70 mins from Nottingham
Yes, we know Barnsley is a long way to go for a waterpark, and it's not an area that's exactly renowned for it's natural beauty, but this place may well be worth it.
It'll take you 90 minutes to get there if you get a good run up the M1, not that much longer than Alton Towers.
And what you find when you get there is pretty impressive.
Described as Barnsley's hidden treasure, the waterpark was created by D Creations who worked on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean, and features a bespoke 9ft skull that had to be transported in pieces then reassembled in the waterpark.
There's three flumes, including one where you choose your own music before you slide down, and a host of other pools and features.
For one and a half hours adults cost £9.50, juniors are £7.50 and family tickets are £32.
More info here.
Tamworth SnowDome
Tamworth, 50 mins from Nottingham
Better known for, well, snow, Tamworth SnowDome also has a decent pool with a flume.
Not quite on the same level as Alton Towers, just up the road, the SnowDome's facilities are still worth a visit though.
In fact if you're looking for a full day out many visitors hit the slopes and then go for a soak afterwards.
As well as a 25m pool there's a junior and toddler pool, ensuring safe splashing for your brood.
For more information click here.
Water Meadows
Mansfield, 35 mins from Nottingham
Water Meadows is, according to their website, one of the premier indoor water attractions in the Midlands.
It was named the water leisure venue of the year for 2018/19 though, and does look rather good.
There are two flumes, a wave machine and a pirate fun pool.
More info can be found here
Leicester Leys Leisure Centre
Leicester, 40 mins from Nottingham
It may have seen better days, but Leicester Leys Leisure Centre has a lot going for it.
A brilliant wave pool, a nice warm children's pool and a tremendous shallow splash pool make it an attractive place for families.
Add in a popular little slide and two flumes (only open at weekends) and you've got a decent venue.
It's cheap too when compared with other places. More info here
The Wave
Coventry, 70 mins from Nottingham
The Wave has become a hugely popular addition to the water parks of the Midlands.
Boasting nine slides, the £36m development is right in the centre of Coventry making it convenient for parking, eating out and other attractions.
From high-speed slides and a fun-packed splash zone to the wave pool and relaxing lazy river, there’s something for thrill, spill and chill seekers of all ages to enjoy.
It's not too far a drive, either, clocking in at just over an hour from Nottingham via the M1 and M69.
More info here
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