I know how hard it is to get young kids out of the house to go somewhere - even quick outings require you to pack enough snacks, diapers, and toys to make you think you’ll be gone for a week. And who wants to wrestle kids in and out of carseats just to find out that your destination isn’t kid-friendly? That’s why I’ve decided to visit Triangle area sites to see if they’re worth your trip. I won’t use a rating system but I’ll try to describe what you’ll see well enough for you to decide if your kids would find it interesting. I’ll also give you the heads up on bathrooms, stroller accessibility and any other SNAFUs I encounter.

2/15/2013

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center



Website


     I've only been to one other indoor swimming facility in Raleigh (Pullen Aquatic) but Buffaloe Rd. is by far the nicer and probably the newest.

     I took my 1 year-old son after I dropped his brother off at preschool. At 10am when the place opened we walked right in and paid our admission ($3 child, $7 adult for Raleigh residents) and headed for the dressing area. There are two really nice family changing rooms with fold-down tables, a toilet, sink, and shower. Then we headed for the pool.

     There's a lap pool but we were bound for the kiddie pool. The ramp into the kiddie pool allows the littlest ones to frolic in only 6 inches of water and it reaches a maximum depth of 1 foot 6 inches. There are plenty of sprinklers, sprayers, and showers in the kiddie area. A small water slide provides even more fun. The staff also puts out a generous supply of float toys, cups, balls, etc. for the little ones. We spent most of our time in this area.

    Buffaloe also has:

  •  water basketball goal
  •  3 story water slide
  •  lazy river
  • birthday party area with tables
    Life vests are available even for tots as young as mine. We made use of one and I took him through the lazy river a couple of times. The water in the kiddie pool is cooler than the other pool so it was nice to take a warm diversion through the adult area.

    We had a great time but the large digital clock on the wall told us it was time to go pick up my preschooler. I can't wait to go back.

view of the lazy river from the water slide (photo courtesy of  City of Raleigh)










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1 comment:

  1. ChristyFebruary 18, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks! I actually pulled the website up for this pool for the first time this week and was considering planning a trip for my kids. Your reviews are great and perfectly timed.

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