Splash! La Mirada Aquatics Center vs Wild Rivers
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Splash! La Mirada Aquatics Center | Wild Rivers |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Splash! La Mirada Aquatics Center
- swimming pool
- splash pad
- group rates
- season passes
Only at Wild Rivers
- wave pool
- lazy river
- food court
- tube rentals
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Splash! La Mirada Aquatics Center
California
Splash! La Mirada sits right in the heart of suburban LA County, and it's exactly what you'd expect from a well-run municipal aquatics center that takes its water features seriously. The centerpiece is a proper competition pool that doubles as a great spot for lap swimming and recreational splashing, but the real draw for families is the extensive water play area that keeps kids busy for hours. The splash pad setup here is more elaborate than most city facilities - you've got multiple spray features, tipping buckets, and interactive water elements that work for toddlers all the way up to elementary school age. The park also features a solid collection of water slides that range from gentle slopes perfect for nervous first-timers to faster runs that'll get your heart pumping. What I really appreciate about this place is how they've designed it with families in mind. The pool deck is spacious with plenty of shaded seating areas, which is crucial during those brutal Southern California summer afternoons. The facility stays clean and well-maintained, which sadly isn't a given at every municipal water spot. Staff here actually seem to care about keeping things running smoothly. Come early if you can, especially on weekends, because La Mirada residents know they've got a good thing here and the place fills up fast. The parking lot is decent-sized but can overflow during peak summer days. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save money, and definitely bring a pop-up shade tent if you have…
Read the full Splash! La Mirada Aquatics Center guide →Wild Rivers
California
Wild Rivers was Southern California's water park pioneer, opening in 1986 and running for over 25 years before closing in 2011. During its heyday, this 20-acre Irvine park was the place to beat the heat in Orange County. The park's signature attraction was Thunder Falls, a massive water slide complex that towered over the property. The lazy river wound through the entire park, making it easy to float between attractions without walking on scorching concrete. Wild Rivers had something most parks didn't - a genuine beach feel with its wave pool that generated 4-foot swells every few minutes. Kids loved Splashout Island, a multi-level play structure with smaller slides and water features. The park also featured several body slides and tube slides of varying intensity levels. What made Wild Rivers special was its location and timing. Situated in the heart of Orange County, it served families from across the region who didn't want to drive to bigger parks like Knott's Soak City. The park had a relaxed, community feel that many visitors remember fondly. You could easily spend a full day here without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The food was typical theme park fare, but the shaded picnic areas provided relief from the California sun. Wild Rivers closed permanently in 2011 due to financial difficulties and the site was later developed into residential housing. Many Orange County families still have fond memories of birthday parties and summer days spent at this local favorite. While you can't visit Wild Rivers today,…
Read the full Wild Rivers guide →Ready to visit Splash! La Mirada Aquatics Center?