Your standard leisure centre with its Olympic pool, children's pool and maybe, if you're lucky, a little slide is all very well and good.
But unless you're learning to swim or keeping fit they're a bit boring.
What you really want is a massive indoor swim centre with several long slides, a wave pool, a tubing flume and other water based amusement.
Leeds sadly doesn't have one - but there are some indoor water paradises within an easy drive of the city.
Richard Dunn Sports Centre, Bradford, has a long slide and a tubing slide while Calypso Cove, Barnsley, has a range of slides and kids' attractions as well areas for proper swimming and relaxing.
The Dome, Doncaster, has seven pools, plus slides and water chill out areas.
And if you don't mind going a little further, Alpamare in Scarborough has four huge slides plus outdoor pools which stay warm no matter the weather.
Richard Dunn Sports Centre
Rooley Avenue, Bradford, BD6 1EZ
How far is it from Leeds? 11 miles, 20 minutes by car
What's it got? A 'Cobra' long slide and a 'Zambezee' tubing slide, plus a 25m leisure pool and sauna
When's it open? Centre is open Monday to Thursday 6.30am to 10pm, Friday 6.30am to 9pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm. Splash area hours may vary. Visit website for details.
How much? Adult £7.80, children £5.15, family of four £20.75
Contact? Bradford Council website or call: 01274 434700
Calypso Cove
The Metrodome, Queens Ground, Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AN
How far is it from Leeds? 24 miles, 35 minutes by car
What's it got? Many slides, a sunken galleon plus lane swimming pool, training pool, diving boards and water relaxation areas.
When's it open? Term time: Monday to Friday 4pm to 8pm, weekend 10am to 5pm. School holidays: Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, weekend and bank holidays 10am to 5pm
How much? Typically for 90 minutes: adults £7.50, children £5.80, under 3s £2, family £23.30. It's cheaper off-peak (Monday to Friday, 4pm to 9pm during term-time). Express tickets which allow you join the fast queues for features are more expensive.
Contact? Website or call: 01226 730060
The Dome
Doncaster Lakeside, Bawtry Rd, Doncaster DN4 7PD
How far is it from Leeds? 37 miles, 50 minutes by car
What's it got? Four slides, wild water rapids, seven pools and water chill out areas
When's it open? Centre is open Monday to Thursday 6am to 10pm, Friday 6am to 9pm, weekend 7am to 7pm. Splash area hours may vary. Visit website for details.
How much? Typically £4 adults, £3 kids, under 5s go free
Contact? Website or call: 01302 370777
Alpamare
Burniston Road, Scarborough, YO12 6PH
How far is it from Leeds? 69 miles, 1hr 30 by car
What's it got? One slide 'Snow Storm' is the height of more than three double-decker buses.
You ride down it on a large lilo which can carry up to four people.
'Olympic Run' is the slide right next to Snow Storm and is designed for two riders.
There are two heated outdoor pools including the Infinity Pool with message jets, whirlpools and bubble benches.
When's it open? All year 10am to 10pm (10am to 9pm Sunday)
How much? £19 adults, £15 children, £60 family of four
Contact? 0172 386 1431 www.alpamare.co.uk
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