This is Part II of my post on Rancho Las Palmas and their blissful two acre water feature fun area called Splashtopia! If you missed Part I, click HERE to read about the lovely rooms and our experience staying at this ultra family-friendly resort! Splashtopia was so amazing I had to dedicate an entire post to our pool time FUN!
Splashtopia is what sold me on going to Rancho Las Palmas in the first place, so I am happy to say it exceeded our expectations…and then some! Divided into two separate areas, the first is a big pool for swimming surrounded by lots of umbrellas (ON WHEELS for easy moving – how brilliant!) and lounge chairs with comfy cushions.
Even though it was {fairly} crowded, we easily found chairs {good ones} each day and always had enough room for swimming. They also had a great poolside shop where you could buy ice cream, sunscreen and lots of inflatable fun toys! We picked up this little boat for only $8 and they blew it up for us.
Here is a pic of some of the poolside goodies for sale in the Swim Shop…fun much?
Once we were done swimming at the big pool, we would walk over past a gate to the second area, which included a giant lazy river with inner tubes, a sprinkler / water feature play area, two giant water slides and even a sandy beach!
Once again, even when it seemed like it was crowded, we never had a problem finding an open inner tube. There are jets that propel the river to go in one direction, so you sit in your tube and just float around Splashtopia. My daughter absolutely LOVED it!
And, off the river behind the water slides there was a Sandy Beach! Yes, a sandy area with buckets and shovels and toys surrounded by lounge chairs for little ones.
My husband and I sat in the shallow area since it was toasty while Emma had a ball playing in the sand.
In the center of the lazy river there were sprouting fountains of water and two huge water slides.
Too bad my daughter didn’t have much fun playing in the fountains…hee hee…
Then adjacent to the fountains were the two huge water slides. On the first day, we excitedly got up to the front of the line and my little one stood as tall as she could, chin up and all, against the measuring stick but came in at a whopping 40″. Turns out all riders have to be at least 42″. Denied!
I thought I would be able to take her on my lap, but they only allow one rider at a time. So after like 20 seconds of disappointment, we went back into the lazy river and the water slide denial was soon forgotten. I promised her we will go back and she can go on them next year…
Splashtopia Dining!
They have poolside service where you can eat on your lounge chairs or you can take a break from the pool and walk over to the Splash Grill which has a beautiful open air patio and service at the bar. We sat and enjoyed the view and a GREAT veggie burger & fries. My daughter had a kid’s meal pizza and it included a drink, pack of Goldfish & fruit.
If your family is looking for a family-friendly resort conveniently located within an easy drive from Orange County, look no further than the beautiful Rancho Las Palmas! Splashtopia will quickly become your child’s Utopia!
I was actually thinking it would be a blast to go with a bunch of families, just the perfect spot for an easy getaway.
See Monday’s post with more info on the activities for kids and special deals going on right now for summer. In the meantime OC, keep COOL in these hot temps and have a fabulous weekend!
{Disclosure: Our room charge for two nights was provided complimentary by the resort. Thank you Rancho Las Palmas for a trip we will always remember!}
GORGEOUS! I want to go!! Hehe! It looks like so much fun!!!! Was it unbearably hot?
It was seriously a PERFECT place to take the family! We went mid-June and it was in the low 100’s, which from what I understand was a little cooler than normal for that time, so we lucked out. Even in the low 100’s, it was soooo lovely. We were in the pool most of the time during the day, so that was great, and when we were sitting in the shade, it was totally fine. I can’t speak for the July/Aug temps – but the temps we got in June were great!!!
These pictures have me wanting to go this weekend!! I have been cahtting it up with the hubs about taking the kids and going – we are looking into Aug or Sept. Can’t wait!! Would it be strange if I love this place more than the kids?? 🙂
Hilarious! You will have a ball! Have a bluEmber happy hour mai tai for me when you go! 🙂
I can probably keep my kids cool here during a heat wave! The place looks fabulous! With my two water babies, we would be inside the pool the entire time.
Hi! I found your blog via Rancho Las Palmas on facebook… you write some great posts, love the colors on your blog and GREAT pictures too!
We are planning a trip to RLP in September/October and I’m even more excited after reading your awesome reviews! We have two boys age 6 and 8 and I just know we’re all going to have a great time!
On another note, I see an ad on your home page for Laura Rauch Photography… do you know her? She is a friend of mine and our old neighbor, she’s awesome! So if you do know her… what a SMALL world!
Hello Lindy! Oh, I am so glad you happened upon Tiny Oranges. Your boys will absolutely go CRAZY at Splashtopia. Laura has been an advertiser for a few months now for me! She is a neighbor of a friend of mine and that’s how we got connected. Seriously SMALL world! Have a blast at RLP!
This place looks AMAZING! We have friends who go every year. I’m going to show Hubs this post and see what he thinks! The older two kids are definitely over 40″ so they’d be able to do the slides, while X could play in the sand/shallow area. And there’s enough to do to keep everyone happy. thanks for the post!
There is really something for everyone and all ages there. It’s nice to go to a place where you feel families are just completely WELCOMED and CELEBRATED! Hope you are able to swing a little getaway. Your kids will have a great time!
Hi! I hear they charge for the inner tubes. Would you happen to know the rates? Thanks! p.s. Great pictures
Hi Johnny! We don’t charge anything for the inner tubes! We do have some that you can purchase to take home with you but you don’t have to pay to use the resort’s. Let us know if there is anything else we can help with!
Thanks! – Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
I’m going in March. Do you know if you can bring your own inner tubes? They offer to sell them to you during the reservation process for $40 for 2… so I’d much prefer to bring my own if that’s allowed? Thanks for your review! I’m looking forward to our trip!
Nevermind! Just read the answer above!