At only 30,000 square feet, the Wa Tiki Water Park is puny by mega-park standards. But the Wa Tiki, adjoined by both La Quinta Inn and Fairfield Inn and Suites in Rapid City, South Dakota, gets high marks for customer service and value, as well as its convenient location just a few miles from the popular tourists areas of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Featuring six waterslides (some larger parks only have two or three), a lazy river, hot tub, dumping

At only 30,000 square feet, the Wa Tiki Water Park is puny by mega-park standards. But the Wa Tiki, adjoined by both La Quinta Inn and Fairfield Inn and Suites in Rapid City, South Dakota, gets high marks for customer service and value, as well as its convenient location just a few miles from the popular tourists areas of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Featuring six waterslides (some larger parks only have two or three), a lazy river, hot tub, dumping bucket, and adjacent arcade, Wa Tiki offers traditional water-park favorites in a compact, child-friendly space. At only $20 for regular admission, $15 for weekend/holiday admission after 4 p.m., and $7 for hotel guests, admission is much more reasonable than some of the country's bigger water parks. Kids under three play free.

Resort guests have a choice between the La Quinta Inn and Suites, the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, or three Wa Tiki Reef Balcony Suites. The Fairfield offers standard rooms, a Presidential suite, or a luxury suite, both offering separate living areas and more upscale amenities. La Quinta offers standard rooms and a deluxe king with a pullout sofa. La Quinta's rooms are especially budget-friendly with free breakfast, but Marriott's décor and furnishings are more upscale. Both hotels offer free wireless Internet.

On-site dining is limited to Koko's Concession/Tiki Bar, which offers up standard concession fare like hot dogs, burgers, wraps, and salads. Nearby restaurants include an Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse.

As the largest indoor water park in the Dakotas, the place tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays, but lifeguards are plentiful and staff does limit the number of passes issued. Visit during the week for better rates and a calmer scene.