Winter blues? Those without time or inclination to travel to one of Europe’s southern reaches in search of that elusive winter sun have the option to visit a slew of watery wonderlands, from action-packed pools to romantic, couples-only spas. The majority of visitors to such facilities have just one fairly universal complaint — they tend to be packed on weekends and holidays.

Italy

Aquardens Terme Verona, Italy’s largest thermal park, is found in the town of Santa Lucia Pescantina, an easy-to-reach destination for tourists visiting either Verona and Lake Garda. Its spacious pools filled with naturally heated water are attractive to families, whereas admission to the sauna village is reserved for those ages 14 and up. DJ music on Fridays and Saturdays and live bands performing on Sundays give the facilities an upbeat, party vibe on weekends. Sauna-goers will appreciate the “Aufguss” rituals in which an attendant raises the sauna’s temperature by whipping ultra-hot air scented with essential oils throughout the space with vigorous flicks of a towel. A unique sauna theater, capable of seating up to 300 people simultaneously, periodically hosts various performances including a 12-minute show based on the opera “Carmen.” A four-hour visit to the spa area starts at 45 euros on weekdays; entry to the sauna area costs an additional 12 euros. Online: aquardens.it/en

Germany

Therme Erding, a huge day spa easily reached by commuter train from Munich, is one if not the world’s largest facility of its kind. The complex made up of indoor and outdoor pools, wave pools, and more than 30 saunas has another claim to fame, its Galaxy water slide area. Among Galaxy’s 28 different slides are found Magic Eye, the world’s longest tube slide; the Big Bang, a halfpipe slide cut into the roof of the complex; and the X-Treme Fazer, on which guests can reach speeds of up to 45 miles an hour. Sauna goers reluctant to shed all traces of clothing are bound to find their happy place in the textile Vital Oasis, in which the wearing of swimsuits is allowed. Adult tickets allowing for two hour’s use of saunas, thermal baths and slides start at 33 euros. Online: therme-erding.de/en

Rulantica is a sprawling, all-season water park making up part of the Europa-Park enterprise in Rust. Opened in 2019 and operated as its own separate facility, the park sets itself apart with its unique theme: that of a mystical Nordic island. Scandinavian myths and culture are brought to life through elaborate, attention-to-detail décor and characters with their own backstories. Adrenaline junkies will appreciate a turn on the freefall slides Dugdrob and Vildfål, and once they’ve raced an opponent on the Vikingløp, they can lay claim to having taken on Europe’s largest speed slide. Those with total relaxation on their mind will wish to head straight to the (textile-free) Hyggedal sauna area, where three different Scandinavian-style saunas await. Through March 27, visitors can enjoy the Nordic Festival of Lights, in which clever lighting effects transform Rulantica both indoors and out. Those who opt to stay in one of Europa-Park’s six themed hotels can take advantage of early access to the water park. A single-day adult ticket costs 39 euros and up. Online: europapark.de/en/rulantica

Poland

Billed by many sources as the biggest water park in Europe, Suntago Water World is located about an hour’s drive southwest of Warsaw in the village of Wręcza. Opened in 2020, the park offers more than 30 slides, a massive wave pool, adventure river and many other features. Its themed zones include Jamango, a fun-for-all-ages space; Relax, an area with thermal pools and lounge chairs; and Saunaria, a wellness zone featuring 15 themed saunas. Some 700 live palms lend the area the vibe of a tropical getaway. On-site bungalows allow guests to settle in for a weekend or longer. Those visiting Poland’s capital city can make a day trip to Suntago simply by hopping on a special bus heading straight to the water park. The cost of an adult ticket valid for a two-hour visit to all three zones of the park begins at 114 Polish Zloty (about $31.50) when booked at least two weeks in advance. Online: parkofpoland.com/en

United Kingdom

Waterworld, an all-season water park in Stoke-on-Trent, is a family-friendly facility offering wave and bubble pools, a channel with a fast-flowing current and plenty of slides including Thunderbolt, in which riders are dropped feet-first through a trap door into a water flume gushing down at a speed of 25 mph. The park periodically hosts Additional Needs events, at which time the pool is open exclusively to adults and children with special needs along with their family members. Adult admission to Waterworld costs from 24 UK pounds (about $32) at non-peak times when tickets are booked online; visitors under the height of 1.1 meters pay 20 pounds and up. Online: waterworld.co.uk