Why do families love water play areas?
It will come as no surprise that during your holidays – especially camping holidays – children and their parents particularly appreciate play areas to keep the little ones busy and entertained. This naturally includes the various water play facilities at campsite water parks.
Water play areas have become a real asset for family campsites. These fun and refreshing spaces allow children to have hours of fun in the water while their parents enjoy a moment of relaxation.
It is a summer activity that combines fun and refreshment, particularly sought after during hot summer weather.
Different types of water play
Slides for children
A classic feature of campsites, slides remain very popular with families. Here, we are talking about slides specifically designed for children, with dimensions adapted to their age and gentle slopes (unlike the impressive water slides found in campsite water parks). These can be:
- Straight or curved slides, for a gentle slide,
- Multi-lane slides, for racing,
- Spiral or tunnel slides, always designed for families.
You can find these at Les Mille Pépites***** campsite in Maugio and Le Flamenco**** campsite in Argelès.
Water jets, geysers, misters, arches and waterfalls
There's nothing like a shower of jets shooting out of the ground to entertain children! Geysers, fountains, arches and misters offer a fun and refreshing experience, perfect for summer days. There are also tipping buckets and interactive waterfalls. A group game that triggers laughter and camaraderie.
Illustrations: Les Mouettes***** in Carentec, La Presqu'île de Giens**** campsite in Hyères, Mer et Soleil**** campsite in Agde (cover photo)
Water cannons
For older children, some campsites install fixed water cannons or water pistols for aiming and spraying their friends.
Water play areas, spaces to choose according to the age of the children
Every self-respecting water park has an area dedicated to children, from toddlers to teenagers.
Splashparks/Splash Pads, the new trend in camping
Splashparks/splash pads are shallow water play areas (there is no pool). The ground is flat and non-slip, and the water sprays out in the form of jets, misters, geysers, tipping buckets or under arches. These areas allow children to run, jump and get wet freely, while remaining safe, and are suitable for all ages thanks to their interactive games.
These so-called "interactive" games often react to children's movements: jets that are triggered, buckets that tip over or fountains that change direction, making each visit unpredictable and fun.
You can find Splash Pads at Les Fontaines***** campsite in Pernes-les-Fontaines and Le Ventoulou**** campsite in Thégra.
Fun paddling pools
Ideal for toddlers, paddling pools offer a safe first introduction to water. Colourful decorations, small slides, sprinkler mushrooms and funny animals transform the pool into a miniature campground where children can splash around without fear at the Terra Verdon***** campsite in Castelane or the Les Méditerranées - Nouvelle Floride***** campsite in Marseillan (among many other campsites).
Mini water parks and themed structures
These fun water play areas are very shallow (10 to 20 cm), combining jets, geysers, tipping buckets and mini slides for children.
They are often integrated into themed structures (pirate, jungle, tropical), which add an imaginative and adventurous dimension to play.
As with splashpads, children can play freely, run around and get wet, with minimal risk due to the shallow water depth. The area is designed for children aged 2 to 10 and allows parents to easily supervise.
Illustrations: La Mirabelle***** campsite in Volstroff, Resort la Rive***** campsite in Biscarrosse and Land'Island***** in Moliets-et-Maa
A word about safety in swimming pools and water parks
Whether they're splashing around in a paddling pool or playing in a Splash Pad, children can enjoy areas designed especially for them, combining fun and safety:
Campsites equip their water play areas with non-slip surfaces and very shallow depths. The risk of drowning is therefore very low, but constant adult supervision remains essential, especially for younger children. Signs and markings also indicate play areas and depths. The water is generally recycled and continuously filtered, meeting the same standards as traditional swimming pools. Find out more about swimming pool safety at campsites.
In short, water play areas, children's slides, splash pads and themed structures have become a must-have feature of modern campsites, transforming a simple stay into an unforgettable holiday for the whole family.