Highland Aquatic Center: Great pool and splash pad

Looking for something that a 2-year-old and 5-year-old will both love? Take them to the Highland Park Aquatic Center in St. Paul. They'll both have a blast!

There were 2 water slides in the little kiddo area, and both my kids loved them. Plus there was a fish with fountains sprouting out around it, and other fountains on either side. The pool bottom sloped in this area and got to about 2 feet in the deepest part. On the other end was a deeper pool area with basketball hoops where some older kiddos were hanging out. Those that wanted the full pool experience had the pick of two other pools: a 50-meter, 8-lane lap pool with a 2-story water slide and another with water slides, climbing wall and diving boards. PLUS there was a splash pad in the middle of it all.

Highland Park Aquatic Center really seems to have a little bit of everything! All they're missing that other water parks have is a lazy river. At the age my kiddos are, this place suits us much better than either Cascade Bay in Eagen or Bunker Hills in Blaine (neither of which have much for the smaller kids). I also heard that it's more fun than the Richfield Aquatic Center, but we haven't been there yet.

They also have a row of cabanas and plenty of shaded areas so you don't have to worry about sunburn. And one Friday a month, admission is just $2.

There are 2 waterslide options for the little kiddos.

The splashpad stayed open during the 20-minute break that started at 2:25, giving the kiddos something to do.

#20 - Princeton Splash Pad

This is our most favorite splash pad. It's too bad it isn't closer to the Twin Cities area! (Princeton is about an hour's drive north of Minneapolis.) It costs $4 each to get in. The area is pretty big and it's all enclosed. There is no standing water.

The fence and lack of standing water make this a worry-free zone.

I can feel good about letting my 12-month old and older kids run loose. I love a water play area where I don't have to hover.

The splash pad is a bit hidden in Mark Park. Just drive all the way to the back; it's behind the park building. 11th Ave. So & 5th St. So. The place opens at 11 a.m.

I've written about it before at: http://drivingwiththewindowswideopen.blogspot.com/2010/07/splash-park-2-princeton-minn.html

Learn more at the city's web site: http://www.princetonmn.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={17341848-BF64-49BA-80C3-8DC7B0C35755}

#24 - Swim at Lake Hiawatha Park

We love this neighborhood park in Standish. The playground is tons of fun, and the pool is great. It is one of those labeled a "splash pad" but it's more like a pool with zero-depth entry. I did have to work hard to keep my one-year-old safe. He wanted to run straight into the water, but the puddlejumper didn't keep him safe yet.

#12 - Outdoor concert at Bryant Square Park

Minneapolis' Music in the Parks series is perfect for our family right now. The 1-year-old and 4-year-old can play on the playground while mom and dad enjoy the music. We often hang out with the grandparents at one of the shows, as well. It makes a nice night out.

See shows at Bryant Square Park on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Bryant also has a pool and fields, as well as a basketball hoop. I like it when the swings and areas for both preK and over K are right next to each other.

3101 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis

Learn more at http://www.mplsmusicandmovies.com/

Yo Jimbo Jazz

I love the dolphin! It doesn't work as a fountain anymore, but is still fun to climb on.