|
Discover the fun "Shamu's Happy Harbor" children's area at SeaWorld San Antonio! Updated Feb 28, 2007. Related info--- HOME :: Latest News :: Comparing 2 SeaWorld Parks :: Seaworld's new Shamu Show, "Believe" :: Other SeaWorld San Antonio Shows :: SeaWorld San Antonio's Roller Coasters & Rides :: Shamu's Happy Harbor :: Phoenix, AZ family attractions :: Phoenix Outlet Malls :: Tucson Outlet Malls :: Arizona Outlet Mall Index Shamu's Happy Harbor
Looking for a great attraction that will capture your young childrens' hearts and keep them busy for...well, maybe even for HOURS? There IS such a wonderful spot in San Antonio for toddlers, preschoolers, and even kids up into the "tween" ages. That spot is "Shamu's Happy Harbor" play area within SeaWorld.Now, I consider SeaWorld of San Diego to be my "home" Sea World location...and I love it dearly. And, I do think that SeaWorld San Diego has a cute "Shamu's Happy Harbor" play area. BUT...when all is said and done, San Antonio's "Happy Harbor" wins the "battle of the playgrounds" hands down! Why so? Because not only does San Antonio's Happy Harbor have the giant, colorful play boat as its centerpiece...and the huge play structure for running and climbing (just as San Diego's Sea World does), it ALSO has fun kiddie rides that children ADORE...AND a large water play area, as well. If you're vacationing with your young child or grandchild, you can be pretty darned certain that he or she is going to LOVE Sea World San Antonio's "Shamu" Happy Harbor play area! Shamu's Happy Harbor -- Shamu Express junior roller coaster
Kids love Shamu the Killer Whale. They love Shamu shows. They love Shamu stuffed animals. They love Shamu balloons, cookies and soft drink cups. AND, as you can see by the picture to your left, kids LOVE Shamu's cute image on the "Shamu Express" roller coaster! This ride is a HUGE hit attraction with the younger crowd. And, why not? They get to ride in a cute Shamu-themed vehicle while ALSO enjoying the thrills of a junior roller coaster...another favorite thing with kids of this age group. The Shamu Express coaster is one of the attractions that make Happy Harbor a kid's Nirvana! The Shamu Express was added to SeaWorld in 2004...and children were immediately delighted! This junior roller coaster would make an excellent "child's first coaster" for your little one to experience. Though thrilling to little tykes, Shamu's top height is only 13 feet above ground...and its top speed is a mere 14 MPH. Riders get to make 2 spins around an oval shaped track (and, of course, the ride will stop after the first go-around if any child starts crying.) For extra safety, kids under 41" tall must be accompanied while riding on "The Shamu Express." Shamu's Happy Harbor -- Virgil's Paint Mixer ride
In the photo to your right, you can see another darling ride in Shamu's Happy Harbor...the colorfully decorated, "Virgil's Paint Mixer."Virgil's Paint Mixer is a great ride for even the youngest toddlers; only babies who can't yet stand alone are prohibited from riding. Each ride car spins around gently while the ride car track revolves around the central hub. Preschoolers and younger elementary school-aged children can't get enough of Virgil's Paint Mixer! Children only need to be 36" tall to ride without an adult in the car...making them feel very "grown up" indeed! Shamu's Happy Harbor -- Pete's Pinwheel ride
All of the kiddie rides in Shamu's Happy Harbor are a visual treat...and the enjoyable "Pete's Pinwheel" ride is no exception! As you can see in the image to your left, Pete's Pinwheel is beautifully decked out in pastel colors. (Actually, the ride cars remind me more of Easter eggs than parts to a pinwheel!)Of course, adults are welcome to ride with their children on Pete's Pinwheel, just as they are on all the rides in Shamu's Happy Harbor. But...just in case you've got an independent-minded child, he or she only needs to be 36" tall to ride unaccompanied. Wheelchairs should enter through the ride's exit. Shamu's Happy Harbor -- Giant play structure
Does your child or grandchild love to climb, run, bounce...and do everything BUT sit still? Then, the giant play structure in Shamu's Happy Harbor will be a sure favorite!This ample playground features rope netting for climbing and tumbling, "bouncy" bridges for enjoying some jumping fun...and just general "room to roam" for your child. Shamu's Happy Harbor -- Large water play area
At SeaWorld San Diego, it isn't warm enough most of the year to make installing a large water-play area cost effective. But, San Antonio is certainly hot enough---and kids LOVE cooling down "the fun way" by squirting and splashing themselves (and each other!) in the large water play area at Shamu's Happy Harbor!There are squirt guns and cannons, fountains, knobs to turn, levers to push and pull...and all sorts of surprises to discover within the colorful tubing system here. Naturally, the entire ground surface around the water play area is covered with a colorful, slip-resistant material to help prevent falls. Visitors familiar with SeaWorld San Diego will wonder where the game arcade is. (At that park, the video and arcade game area is adjacent to Shamu's Happy Harbor.) Don't worry, game lovers---there IS an arcade at SeaWorld San Diego! It's just located over near "The Great White" Shark Roller Coaster. AND...it's air conditioned!
|
