Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags St. Louis gives you the best of both worlds - a full water park that's included with your theme park admission. That's a pretty sweet deal when you consider you're getting two parks for one price.

The water park sits right next to the main Six Flags, so you can literally go from riding Batman to floating down a lazy river in minutes. The wave pool here gets packed on busy summer days, but it's big enough to handle crowds without feeling like a sardine can. You'll find the usual lineup of body slides and tube slides, plus a solid kids area that keeps the little ones busy while parents grab some shade.

The multi-level play structure is a hit with kids under 10 - tons of dumping buckets, mini slides, and water features to explore. Teens gravitate toward the bigger slides, though don't expect anything too extreme compared to standalone water parks. What really sets this place apart is the convenience factor.

You can start your day on roller coasters, hit the water park when the Missouri heat kicks in around noon, then head back to the dry rides as things cool down in the evening. Smart visitors bring flip flops they can easily slip on and off since you'll be walking between both parks. The food situation is typical Six Flags - overpriced but decent quality.

Pack snacks if you can, or grab lunch in the main park where there are more options. Cabanas are available but book ahead during peak season. The changing rooms can get swamped mid-day, so consider arriving in your swimwear.

Parking is shared with the main park, so get there early on busy days. This setup works great for families who want variety in their day and don't want to choose between rides and water attractions.