There is nothing quite as fun and exciting as a trip to the waterpark. When the best waterparks in Pittsburgh open their gates, they beckon Pittsburghers in search of fun in the sun! Who doesn't love having fun in the water with your family and friends? Without further ado, here are the six most fun waterparks in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area that you simply must check out. No matter what ages are included in your group, you will be sure to have a fantastic time at any of these fun spots.

1. Sandcastle Water Park - Pittsburgh

Stroll down the boardwalk and play in the water without ever leaving Pittsburgh. Sandcastle Water Park promises to take Pittsburghers out of the Burgh and to the beach with its authentic boardwalk, mouthwatering food, and plenty of water slides and rides. Sandcastle entices kids with its two kids areas while the water slides (there are 15!), the Lazy River, the Mon-Tsunami Wave Pool, and the always-relaxing Mushroom Pool call out to parkgoers. Season passes are available.

2. Idlewild & SoakZone - Ligonier

Mix a traditional amusement park with a pretty spectacular waterpark and what do you get? Idlewild & SoakZone in Ligonier, which kicks off its summer season in late May. Join the family in the wave pool or get your adrenaline pumping on the Pipeline Plunge, the Serpentine Slides, or the Hydro Racers. SoakZone also features a kid's area, which includes a wading pool and Captain Kidd's Adventure Galley. Season and day passes to Idlewild & SoakZone are available at the park or online.

3. Pirates Cove Water Park at Conley Resort - Butler

Editor's Note: Pirates Cove Water Park is permanently closed, although Conley Resort is still operational. Rainy summer days in the Burgh don't necessarily mean a washout of fun in the pool. Pirates Cove Waterpark at Conley Resort in Butler promises to brighten those dreary summer days. Adults and kids can swim in the indoor pool, slip down the water slides, or relax in the whirlpool or sauna. Annual and three-month passes to the indoor water park are available, offering access to the pool, sauna, and whirlpool. Check with the resort for specific hours, which are dependent on the time of the year.

4. Splash Lagoon - Erie

Avoid that smothering heat of a Pittsburgh summer by heading two hours north to Splash Lagoon Water Park in Erie. A water lover's dream, the indoor water playground promises non-stop fun with its many rides and slides. Scare yourself silly on such extreme water rides as the Cyclone and Hurricane Hole before relaxing in one of the whirlpools, in the wave pool, or by floating down the Lazy River. Splash Lagoon also features a kids' zone.

5. Settlers Cabin Wave Pool - Pittsburgh

Body surf along the waves at Settlers Cabin Wave Pool in Pittsburgh this summer season, which generally kicks off Memorial Day weekend. The wave and swimming pool provides the ideal opportunity, especially with its minimal entrance fee, to cool off on those simmering summer days. If Settlers Cabin is out of the way, try South Park Wave Pool in South Park or The Boyce Park Wave Pool in Monroeville.

6. Spray Parks - Pittsburgh

Remember running through the sprinkler when you were a kid? Recreate that experience yourself or with your own kids by visiting one of the many spray parks around Pittsburgh. Spray parks welcome visitors of all ages. Cool down this summer at Pittsburgh's spray parks, including Beechview Spray Park, Mellon Spray Park in Shadyside, East Hills Park, and Cowley Playground in Troy Hill.

Which one is your favorite Pittsburgh water park? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments section. We would love to hear about how they were. What about your other favorites? Would you add any other waterparks in the Pittsburgh area to the list?