AS we head in to the cooler months, you’re probably thinking about winter sun destinations rather than water parks.
But in Germany, there’s an indoor water park where it’s summer all year round – and it’s perfect if you want to get back that summer feeling without taking a long haul flight.
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Tropical Islands is an enormous holiday resort located about an hour’s drive south of Berlin.
Its star attraction is a domed building called Tropical World, which is kept at a balmy 26C year round.
Inside, there’s a huge water world split between the Tropical Sea and the Lagoon.
The Tropical Sea is essentially an artificial coastline that comes with a sandy beach with sun loungers.
On sunny days, you can even get a tan thanks to the “UV-transparent film” that covers the south side of the dome.
The sea is around three times the size of an Olympic swimming pool and the water is held at a constant 28C.
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The Lagoon is even warmer, at 32C.
It’s here that you’ll find all the water slides, including a four-storey one that’s Germany’s tallest, as well as whirlpools.
There’s even a mini waterfall, so you can pretend you’re really in the tropics.
Aside from the water activities, guests can also explore the world’s largest indoor rainforest, which is home to around 50,000 plants.
Inside, guests can spot exotic animals including shark catfish, turtles and even flamingos.
There’s a play area just for kids, with a pool for bumper boats, a go-kart track and giant LEGO.
You can try your hand at mini golf or do a spot of shopping as well.
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The resort might be perfect for a winter escape, but it’s much better in summer.
There are even more pools and water attractions in Amazonia, which is the outdoor area of the resort, including Germany’s longest whitewater river.
This year, they’ve opened a surf simulator as well.
Day tickets to the water park are €44 (£39.33) for adults and €35 (£31.29) for children.
Alternatively you can stay on site, with overnights in tents starting from €75 (£67.05) per person per night, lodges from €100 (£89.39) per person per night and rooms from €120 (£107.27) per person per night.
The overnight rates include access to the water parks and breakfast.
Plus, overnight guests will have access to all the facilities 24/7 – although the water slides are closed overnight.
An Indiana Jones-inspired water park could be opening in Bournemouth.
There’s a new water park near Disney World that’s just opened.
And later this year, there’s a new mega attraction featuring a water park and theme park that’s opening near New York.
