The Bay Water Park

Recreational splashers and serious swimmers can find aquatic common ground at Bay Water Park, owned by the City of Kansas City Parks and Recreation. A six-lane lap pool facilitates low-impact workouts and a water playground and family slide let kids splash to their hearts' content. Guests can grab a tube or absurdly large piece of penne pasta and ride down two different tube slides or twist and twirl along the swirl-bowl ride.

The cardio-centric River Walking program takes advantage of the gentle tide of the park's lazy river, as participants stroll leisurely to sharpen balance and become strong enough to water ski without a boat. Both kids and adults can also take swim lessons at the park, while programs such as the Water Safety Awareness Clinic teach proper use of life jackets, rescue equipment, and general water safety.