Our guest writer today is kid reporter, Julia Headley, a rising 9th grader.
The Dublin Wave Waterpark is a water park with lots of attractions and water play areas for all ages. If your little ones are too small to enjoy it, the adjacent Emerald Glen Splash Park is a free spot to get wet for smaller thrill-seekers.
What kids will love about the Dublin Wave
Younger kids, especially ones who aren’t ready for the big water slides, will enjoy the Splash Zone near the entrance to the park. The Splash Zone includes a giant bucket of water that pours over the playground onto the kids’ heads. There are a lot of squirt guns for kids to aim and have fun with. However, I would recommend the two water slides they have in the Splash Zone because the slides are mellow but enjoyable.
Related: {510} Families has reviewed every Bay Area waterpark
For kids older than 8, the three lower-level slides on the waterslide tower will be more fun. The Golden Wave, Riptide Rider, and Mt. Diablue all serpentine down the tower with different speeds and exciting turns. These slides require all participants to be at least 40” tall.
For the older, more daring kids at the park, the slides at the top of the tower are awesome and thrilling. Keep in mind that for the following slides you must be 48”-76” tall and between 45 and 300 pounds: the Dublin Screamer, the Emerald Plunge, and the Shamrock Swirl.
The Dublin Screamer is a vertical drop from a launching capsule where the floor literally comes out from under the rider. The Emerald Plunge is an open-topped slide that has an even steeper drop and is arguably more fun. The last slide, the Shamrock Swirl, is a slide that shoots the participant out into a bowl shape and spins them around until the ride comes to an end.
Besides the waterslides, The Wave has two different pools, one indoor and one outdoor. The outdoor pool has both a shallow end and a deep end as well as the indoor pool.
The waterpark has easily available parking near the entrance to the park. One thing that sets The Wave apart from other water parks are the bathrooms which are kept very clean and organized. The bathrooms are very roomy and clean with lots of places to hang belongings.
What to bring to the Dublin Wave Waterpark
To be prepared for this adventure, everyone should make sure to have their swimsuit, towel, water bottle, and sunscreen. Everyone buys wristbands right outside the park and can rent a password-protected locker to put their things in. Outside food is not allowed in the park but there is a concession cafe with hot dogs and hamburgers. The alternative to that is picnicking at the nearby park across the street.
Admission and rules
Anyone under 13 must be accompanied by someone 17 or older. The park is open from 11 am to 6: pm , May 28 – 30; and daily from June 4 through August 5. Once school resumes in August, The Wave will be open weekends only, August 6 – September 5. If you can’t make a day of it, half-day passes can be purchased for the hours of 3:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m., daily.
For non-residents $15 for anyone under 40” and $17 for anyone over. Residents of Dublin pay $13 for anyone under 40” and $15 for anyone over 40”. Kids under two are $4 ($3 for residents). Buy your tickets in advance here>
The Wave Waterpark is located at 4201 Central Pkwy, Dublin, Ca 94568. Learn more at The Wave’s website >>
If this water park is not for you, check out our Parents Guide to Bay Area water parks.
Thanks to Julia for her contribution to 510Families.com. If your child(ren) would like to share information about their favorite places in the East Bay, send their writing along with at least one photo to whitney@510Families.com.