Happy National Waterpark Day! If you are a fan of water slides, wave pools, or even the lazy river, today is the day for you. What I love about waterparks is that there is something for every patron. Our youngest patrons can go in the areas designed with young children in mind, while older patrons can go on the most intense slide they can find.
There are so many ways your library can celebrate National Waterpark Day. This year, for the first time, my library is raffling off a waterpark gift card as a grand prize for our Summer Reading Program. Patron feedback has been amazing, and middle schoolers have been turning in extra reading logs to get more chances to win. You could also run a program with water-based activities. I especially love Michelle Coxford’s idea of watercolor salt painting, and Jonathan Dolce’s idea of demoing pool games. These ideas both sound like a blast, and I can’t wait to try them in the future!
Along with programs and prizes, there are so many great books about going to the waterpark! Here are some excellent choices for a display for beginning readers about the joys of going to the waterpark.
Battle of the Bad-Breath Bats by David Bowles (Scholastic)
When three cousins take a shortcut down 13th Street, they think it will help them get to the waterpark faster. Instead, they run into evil, giant bats. This first book in the 13th Street series is a fantastic combination of fun and spooky. Kids looking for a summer scare with enjoy this frightening good time.
The Inflatables in Bad Air Day by Beth Garrod and Jess Hitchman (Scholastic)
The only thing better than going to the waterpark? Living there! In this funny graphic novel, four waterpark inflatables live in the lost and found. When Flamingo learns a camera crew is coming to the waterpark, can he finally become the star he was always meant to be? This is the first in a series all about waterpark floaties, making it a perfect recommendation for summer.
Fun at the Waterpark! by Amandeep S. Kochar (Paw Prints Publishing)
Jeet and his puppy, Fudge, have a great time wherever they go. In this adventure, the animal shelter is hosting an adoption event at the waterpark. Dad says that after volunteering they can go on the rides, but can Jeet and Fudge be patient enough to wait? This sweet story is perfect for animal lovers.
Splish Splash at the Water Park by Fran Manushkin (Picture Window Books)
Katie and JoJo are back and ready for another fun day. What better way to spend a rainy day than in an indoor waterpark with your friend? Everything is fun at the waterpark until Katie sees how tall the Super-Duper Slide. Can JoJo help Katie be brave and go down the slide? This book is a great friendship story and perfect for patrons who are a little nervous about going down the larger slides at the waterpark.
Flushed Away Water Park by Andy Nonamus (Little Simon)
Having your class field trip at the waterpark sounds like a great day! Or, it would be, if the waterpark was finished. But when this class arrives that the waterpark, none of the rides are finished, and the water is murky! Worst of all, the owner believes mermaids are living in the waterpark. Can this field trip be saved, or is it doomed to be a disaster? This hilarious story will make your patrons laugh as this class tries to survive their field trip.
What are your favorite books set in a waterpark to recommend to patrons?
Ann Baillie (she/her/hers) is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at the Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library in Alsip, Illinois. She is a past-manager of the Illinois Library Association’s Youth Services Forum. Her main interests are the connection between Readers’ Advisory and technology, and how libraries can use technology to better reach patrons.
This post addresses ALSC Core Competencies II. Reference and User Skills and III. Programming Skills.