Terramor Water Park - Wordless Wednesday

Also known as the Red Bucket... it is a favorite for kids in Ladera Ranch 

(you can read my posts about it here and here).

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Dinner at the Red Bucket aka Terramor Water Park in Ladera Ranch

Last night I took my boys to do one of my favorite things… dinnertime at the Terramor Water Park in Ladera Ranch (aka the Red Bucket). We’ve found that going at 5:00 pm makes for a very enjoyable time as the crowds from a busy (and hot!) day at the water park are beginning to dissipate. The park closes at 7:00 pm (but for a reason I have yet to figure out they don’t actually blow the whistle and kick everyone out until 7:12 pm…). Going at this time is much less crowded; the sun isn’t as hot and with the park closing at 7, makes it much easier to convince the kids it is time to leave!

Also be aware if you are planning your arrival, departure and eating times, that there is a mandatory safety break every hour on the hour for exactly 10 minutes (also gives the Lifeguards a needed break). As a Mom, this is great because it gives you the opportunity to get more sunscreen on the kids during the day, give them some snacks, bathroom break or just an easy opportunity to exit without as much complaining from the kids!

Do be aware the if you go during the days (even weekdays) that the park can fill-up and you may not be able to find free chairs, so put a couple folding chairs in your car to use just in case. I’ve also see people bring their own easy up shade tent to set up on the grassy areas surrounding the park.

I like to bring a collection of snacks because the kids always get hungry, even if we aren’t going at a mealtime. PB & J sandwiches are always great. Washed grapes, cheese & crackers, cut fruit and carrot sticks are always great snacks to bring. Be sure to bring water or something to drink.

Other misc. info:
-There are four lifeguards on duty.

-You can reserve the covered picnic tables on weekends for birthday parties (must be a Ladera Resident)

-You need to be a Ladera resident (or accompanied by one) to enter the water park. Admission is always free.

-The water park is just after the third roundabout coming down O’Neill from Crown Valley Parkway. It will be hard to miss and on the right hand side.

-There are bathrooms, showers, first aid and vending machines on site (snack & drink).

-The deepest part of the pool is only about 2 feet!

Things To Do
Mission Viejo

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Terramor Aquatic Park, Ladera Ranch

Terramor Aquatic Park, Ladera Ranch

Why we love it: The kids have endless fun and are watched closely by the multiple life guards stationed around the water. The lifeguards do an outstanding job of keeping kids from running or otherwise getting themselves hurt. There are lounge chairs and tables set up around the water, so unless you have very young children (under age 3), parents can comfortably sit around the edge of the pool without worry. The deepest point of the pool is 18 inches.

Be sure to bring: Ladera Ranch Access card is required, so if you don’t live in the area- you must attend with someone who does. Lots of sunscreen, several towels, snacks and water are a must! Pool toys are not allowed (they aren’t necessary because the kids have plenty to explore on the elaborate structure), but I would recommend water sandals for tender feet. Children under age 4 are required to wear plastic underwear (provided by the facility) for hygiene reasons. If it’s a hot day and/or a weekend you should also consider bringing your own folding chairs and shade. Vending machines and restroom facilities are also on site.

Appeals to: Children of all ages. There’s a beach entry at all sides of the pool so even the youngest children have a safe area to splash around. For older children there are water blasters, steering wheels and other activities on the structure. The giant red bucket also slowly fills with water and dumps on to a roof that inundates the eagerly waiting children below- which also seems to be a congregating point for many of the older children. At the top of every hour there is a mandatory 10 minute “safety break,” in which the staff do a quick check of the pool to be sure there aren’t any surprises in the water. The safety break also provides a much needed break for younger children to drink some water and snack.

Location: 26281 O’Neill Drive, (Mission Viejo) Ladera Ranch. Take Crown Valley Parkway then turn right (south) on O’Neill. The Terramor Aquatic Park will be on your right and it is easily identified by the giant red bucket visible from O’Neill Drive. See link for exact map of the area- http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&q=&near=26281+O%E2%80%99Neill+Drive,++Mission+Viejo,+CA&ie=UTF8&ll=33.552769,-117.646966&spn=0.023676,0.034461&z=15&om=1

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