As aerobic as sun-running and as refreshing as an A/C necklace, swimming pools provide the best of both summery staples without the requisite back-pain and spacesuit rental. Practice holding your breath with today's Groupon: for $12, you get a day at Hidden Creek AquaPark for two (up to a $24 value), in Highland Park. Hidden Creek AquaPark’s rates vary throughout the week.

Hidden Creek AquaPark's water-garden of delights fosters two winding and drop waterslides, a sand area ripe for beachy architecture, and a huge six-lane pool that gradiates gently from a toe-tickling zero-depth embankment to the deep water swim-zone, where cetaceans in training practice their whalesong. Set the diving board abuzz with your graceful swan-dive, or be content to watch wee ones make mischievous use of the playground's dump-bucket from a dry, deck-side lounge chair, munching tasty treats from the concession stand. Hidden Creek often hosts family-friendly events, such as this month's Guitar Hero BBQ, the buoyant big-screens of the Flick 'n Float films, and annual pool-noodle spaghetti dinners.