When planning an excursion south of the border, most of our imaginations are filled with umbrella drinks, cool breezes and long days spent tanning on the shores of the Pacific. While many travelers can spend their days lounging on the beach and their nights relaxing in luxurious villas in Mexico, others have to consider the little ones when planning out their daytime itinerary. Fortunately, guests bound for Acapulco can keep the kids entertained and still work on their tan by spending a day exploring the watery fun at the CICI Parque Aquatico.

Located along the bay of Acapulco, CICI Parque Aquatico (water park) is an expansive playground where families can swim, ride and play all day long. The park boasts a number of waterslides, flume rides and entertainment options that are sure to please more active travelers, as well as a lazy river and wave pool that are great for parents hoping to just kick back during their stay.

One of the park's biggest attractions is its swim with dolphins program, which allows children and adults to get up close and personal with these intelligent sea mammals. Guests begin their experience with a brief instructional program that teaches them a bit about dolphin physiology behavior before they actually climb into a tank with the playful creatures. Instructors will be on hand to monitor the experience, though the dolphins are said to be very friendly and enjoy playing with their inquisitive visitors.

If the little ones are still too little to swim with the dolphins, they can still enjoy these miraculous marine mammals at any of the park's daily shows. These performances feature a number of exciting animals including jovial sea lions and exotic birds.

Thrillseekers can also take a ride on any of the park's exciting waterslides, including the swirling tubes of the Kamilancha and the unique thrill-ride known as the Tornado. Extra-adventurous travelers can even climb out of the water and into the sky to take a ride on the towering Sky Coaster, a large swing ride that will give visitors an unbeatable view of the area.

After a day spent exploring CICI Parque Aquatico, guests will relish the opportunity to relax in one of the many luxury rentals found throughout the area. These stylish accommodations boast some of the finest amenities available, including gourmet kitchens, spacious family area and - perhaps most exciting for the kids - large swimming pools.