When temperatures begin to climb in the Beehive State, it's time to pack your cooler, sunscreen, and beach towels, and head to the nearest water spot to cool off. When you're looking for the perfect place to go, consider some of the best water parks in Utah. Here are our picks!

1. Cherry Hill, Kaysville

Cherry Hill’s Pirate Cove is a unique attraction for kids -- they can climb on the 40-foot pirate ship or play in the water features surrounding the ship. There’s also a lazy river and the Cardiac Canyon River Run for those who prefer a less-lazy river experience. The two waterslides have special effects with fog and lighting. Cool off in one of two regular swimming pools as well. Learn more about what you can do at Cherry Hill, one of the best water parks in Utah.

2. Seven Peaks, Provo

Editor's note: Unfortunately, this site is permanently closed. Seven Peaks has been a Utah County favorite for decades. Guests enjoy 17 water slides, a wave pool, Tadpole Pond and Adventure Bay for the little ones, and a lazy river. All day passes cost $24.99 for guests 48" and taller; $19.99 for shorter swimmers. Toddlers 2 and younger are free, as are seniors 65 and better. Get discount admissions after 4:00 p.m.. Located at 1330 E. 300 N. in Provo.

3. Seven Peaks, Salt Lake

Editor's note: Unfortunately, this site is permanently closed. Swim in the wave pool, splash around with little ones in Dinosaur Bay, float down the Amazon River or dare to plunge down one of Seven Peaks’ 14 water slides. It’s located at 1200 W. 1700 S. in Salt Lake City. All day passes cost $24.99 for guests 48" and taller; $19.99 for shorter swimmers. Toddlers 2 and younger are free, as are seniors 65 and better. Get discount admissions after 4:00 p.m..

4. Layton Surf-n-Swim, Layton

If you’re mostly interested in sunbathing or floating in the pool, you’ll enjoy Layton City’s Surf-n-Swim’s wave pool or standard swimming pool. The wave pool starts at just a few inches deep and gradually becomes deeper, so it’s great for splashing with little kids, too. It's a great little water park in Utah when you need to beat the heat. Head to the website for Layton Surf-n-Swim for the most up-to-date information.

5. Cowabunga Bay, Draper

This park is a maze of water-soaked fabulousness for kids. Cowabunga Beach is the spot for relaxing near a gigantic pool, which has a zero-degree entry. Cowabunga Cove for little kids has several small slides and tons of interactive water features. Guests can also float down a lazy river or jet down one of 11 water slides. Learn more about what's available at Cowabunga Bay, one of the best water parks in Utah.

6. Lagoon-a-Beach, Farmington

After a hot morning on Lagoon’s rides, you’ll want to cool off in Lagoon-a-Beach water park. The park offers six acres of water slides, hydro tubes, waterfalls, and a lazy river. Read further on about Lagoon-a-Beach, a must-visit water park in Utah.

7. City/County Aquatic Centers

The fun children’s pool pictured above is part of Cedar City’s Aquatic Center. Your town’s county or city department of recreation probably has a community pool; many also have a special area for kids, which functions as a sort of mini-water park. Indoor pools, such as the one pictured, have the added bonus of less sun exposure, which means you don’t have to be diligent with the sunscreen. In addition, city or county recreation facilities are a lot less expensive. Learn more about the Cedar City Aquatic Center.

8. City Park Splash Pads

St. George’s Town Square has a splash pad, lazy river, and waterfalls -- it might be one of the most entertaining free water parks in Utah! Most city park splash pads are much smaller affairs. They're a far cry from big water parks, but they’re a free way to cool down quickly. Does your town’s park have a splash pad, kiddie sprinklers, or some other water feature? Learn more about St. George Town Square.

Have you been to any of these water parks in Utah? What's your favorite way to cool off during the hottest days in Utah?

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