Located in the heart of the Wisconsin Dells, Mt. Olympus is the world's largest Theme Park and Water Park Resort.

Our family popped up to Mt. Olympus for a day trip earlier this fall. As it turned out, the outdoor water park was closed for the season, but many of the outdoor theme park rides and attractions were still open for business. Between the two busy times—mobs of summer vacationers playing mini golf and riding Original Wisconsin Ducks and families flocking to the indoor water slides when every body of water in nature is frozen three feet thick—October is my new favorite time to visit The Dells.

While Mt. Olympus has three options for lodging (Mt. Olympus Hotel Rome, Mt. Olympus Village, or Mt. Olympus Camp Resort), our visit was just for the day and we came bearing bags of back packs and bathing suits. Because the air was "fall crisp," we hit the outdoor theme park while our hair was still dry. Options included go-karts and wooden roller coaster rides (the catapult shown in the photo below was flinging people into the air for an additional fee).

The outdoor theme park features five rollercoasters, eight go-kart tracks, and other age-appropriate rides and a petting zoo. During the summer months, park patrons can cool down on one of the 44 outdoor slides and water rides (we have never been, but friends of our speak highly of the outdoor water park experience). The outdoor theme park/outdoor water park is a popular venue for large groups and school outings. I often see coupons at local fast food restaurants and grocery store displays (your local Parks and Recreation department may also have secured special group rates). Open year-round the indoor theme park has a small go-kart track, arcade games, bumper cars, lazer tag, and rides that are more for the younger crowd (examples are spinning tea cups, a spring ride, and trolley car that spins up into the air). Our favorite attraction in the indoor theme park is the alien ball pit, where kids can climb around a multi-story fort and blast soft balls at each other using pneumatic guns. Socks are required in this location, so plan ahead unless you want to make a purchase at the sock vending machine.

The main reason for our visit, the indoor water park features tube and body slides (including a tube slide that's an impressive 10-stories tall), several whirlpools (including an "adults only" whirlpool), a lazy river, a deeper swimming pool, and a ship-wreck themed shallow water play area for toddlers and crawlers. Lockers and locker rooms are available for individuals visiting for the day (the locker rooms are on the small side, but serve a purpose).

One nice option for groups is the upper level seating area for re-grouping and enjoying snack and lunch breaks (a concession stand is located just off the indoor water park and serves the typical nachos and cheese, hot dogs, and frozen ice drinks you might expect at a theme park). A nice mid-size water park ideal for elementary-age kids (thrill-seeking teens might want a bit more), one thing about Mt. Olympus is that the admission price is easy on the pocket book.

Day passes are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day (check out deals for the 2015 season here), otherwise access to the indoor water park and indoor theme park is for lodging guests only (tickets are always free when you stay at one of the resort properties). If this sounds confusing, I'm probably not explaining itcorrectly*. The best bet is to just call: 800-800-4997 and ask all your own questions.

Another fun option for winter months is free admission to tubing, skiing, or snowboarding at nearby Christmas Mountain Village (read more here).

* Our family received complimentary admission for the purpose of writing this story. I hope you find it objective; please leave a comment below if you have any feedback on a family vacation to Mt. Olympus.