Apple Valley Aquatic Center

Overall the park is a good value for the money. Unfortunately there are too many power hungry teens that work there along with poor management that make it frustrating to visit. I’ve been here twice with my kids but both times I witnessed lifeguards not doing there job as I see it, but instead harassing adults and kids alike since this is their first job with «power». There was a 4 year old kid alone and grasping on the wall crying with no floating devices. He was right under the lifeguard tower and for minutes, the guards did nothing. My wife finally approached the kid who was scared and comforted him. The parent finally found him but the lifeguards did nothing. They were too busy yelling at kids for minor things to even notice. What really frustrated me was being personally harassed by lifeguards in the lazy river and one of the slides for using a gopro hero camcorder. The website is not clear about usage but when I brought it to the managers attention, she walked inside and printed the website page that was vague after making me wait 10 mins outside of her door. I asked for the reason behind it and she said that if glass breaks they drain all the pools and are shut down for three days (bogus). I said then why do others have cell phones in the pool– no answer. I also said gopros are designed for this and are enclosed in plastic housing not glass– once again no answer. I then said what about people wearing glasses in the pool? She said, this is not allowed. I said, I’ve been wearing mine all day along with hundreds of others with no harassment– once again no response. After leaving I proceeded to wear glasses with no harassment but no longer used the gopro. Until they stop randomly enforcing vague and arbitrary rules and the guards (who are teens) learn to do their job and not pick at kids and adults for minor things that are not on their list of rules, I recommend taking your family elsewhere. Trying Eagan next time.

This is my second time here. I attended after hours as VAA Volunteer Appréciation event. I rôde on all slides to give an accurate review. There are 2 body slides which you ride on without an innertube. The climb up the steps was only 3 stories high. These were nice. The lifeguards told you when to go. They also have à toilet bowl slide which you ride on an innertube. You slide down then ride in circles until you get flushed and end at a small pool. This one is very popular. There is another green innertube slide which is also fun. The Lazy river is where you ride on an innertube and you may have buckets of water dumped on you. I also went down two small drop slides that you must plug your nose. You get dropped in 12′ of water. This place is clean, Well maintained and steps are made of aluminium and treaded so you don’t slip and fall. Many lifeguards on duty. Plenty of lawn chairs and a concession stand. Bathrooms and changing rooms also clean and maintained. A fun place for parents and kids alike. Highly recommend any day over Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls.