They were calling for rain all day today, so I thought I'd take the girls to Splash Lagoon. We've been there before -- when they have had "Mommy & Me" coupons in the paper ($20 for my admission, one kid free) -- and had a wonderful time. The girls LOVE it there -- even though they are only old enough to enjoy three or four of the attractions -- the kiddie pool, the lazy intertube ride and the hot pools.

I have some gift cards to use -- about $60 worth. Sadly, that's not even close to enough to get us in the door. Admission is $26.95 per person! It drops to $21.95 after 3 p.m. on Thursdays And, let's not forget that lockers are $10 (I believe) to rent. That's a $100 afternoon! I think not.

Now, Splash Lagoon is a blast -- it truly is a treasure, but is it worth $100 for a few hours of entertainment? Not with two kids who can't/won't use a 1/3 of the attractions. Why is there not a lower price for children under 6? They sure as heck aren't careening down the big slide -- neither, by the way, is the Mom who is there paying $30 just to follow the kids around the shallow pools.

In comparison, Geaugua Lake -- which is an ENTIRE amusement park (with a nice kid's ride area) and an ENTIRE waterpark -- with all the stuff Splash Lagoon has (only outdoors, of course) -- is $19.99 for adults and $9.99 for kids. That's right...I can take the entire family to Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom for $40 LESS than I can take them to Splash Lagoon. (Oh, sure...add in the gasoline and it's probably a horse a piece, but... there is much more to do at Geauga Lake).

Bottom line. It's a good thing the sun is shining and it's turned out to be a beautiful day because now we can play outside, go to the park and swim in our own pool for free.

Sounds like a bargain to me.