Three waterparks for the kids

Children who love waterslides, lazy rivers and all-round aqua-entertainment will want you to factor these destinations into future holiday plans.

1 Waterbom Bali: Bali, Indonesia

Take an exciting ride through 3.8ha of tropical plants at Bali's premier waterpark. There's fun for the whole family, with a range of slides from the easy-going to the more adrenaline-pumping drops. Thrill-seekers will love the Smashdown 2.0, which starts at a height of 25.9m — before you enter the ride through a trapdoor at your feet. Even more extreme is the Climax, which drops riders down with 2.5 G-force of speed, with a near-vertical dip. The latest addition, the Flow Rider Double, is a surf simulator you can ride with a friend.

Waterbom Bali waterpark. Photo / Getty Images

2 Siam Park: Tenerife, Canary Islands

A Thai-themed waterpark on the Spanish island of Tenerife? It pays not to think about it too much. Siam Park has been named the best waterpark in the world by TripAdvisor for several years. Built on the side of a hill, its most thrilling attractions include The Dragon — designed to mimic the effects of zero gravity — and The Tower of Power, a 28m slide with a practically vertical slope. Or for a more relaxed alternative, take a ride down the Mai Thai River amid tropical fish and waterfalls. There's also a surfing school for both children and adults.

3 Beach Park: Aquiraz, Brazil

Brazil's largest waterpark includes everything from pools, saunas, ecological walks and artificial rapids to a waterslide with an extreme 14-storey drop. Situated on the beach of

Porto das Dunas

, it attracts nearly a million visitors annually. Although the extreme attractions are a drawcard, there's plenty for little kids as well.

Beach Park, Aquiraz, Brazil. Photo / Jade Querioz

Families will love the Treasure Island attraction, which includes water cannons, a six-piece artillery wall and lighthouse with a spiral slide. There's also a Noah's Ark area, dedicated exclusively to kids.