Finland's cold and wet conditions in June hit warm weather-dependent water parks like Puuhamaa in Tervakoski and Visulahti in Mikkeli especially hard.
Despite average overall temperatures in June, only two hot days and above-average rainfall in Southern and Western Finland have slowed the water park season.
Visitor numbers are clearly behind last June, according to Petteri Järvenpää, Vice Managing Director of Aspro Parks Group Finland, the firm that manages the parks.
"The difference compared to good days is crushing, almost tenfold. Unfortunately, June will be a record low," he said.
The group also runs covered and heated parks like Tropiclandia and Serena, which have fared better but have had to face higher heating costs. This summer, Serena’s heating use is up about 20 percent compared to last year, according to Järvenpää.
The Serena and Puuhamaa water parks usually see just under 100,000 visitors a year, a target still within reach if July brings warm weather. Without it, the season could be lost, Järvenpää noted.
Amusement parks fare better
In contrast, the rainy and cool weather hasn't significantly dented visitor numbers at amusement parks such as Linnanmäki in Helsinki, Särkänniemi in Tampere or PowerPark in Härmä.
"The start of the season has been promising despite poor weather. We're quite satisfied with visitor numbers," said Linnanmäki CEO Satu Järvelä.
Linnanmäki’s advantage is its location in the city and while most rides require tickets, entry to the park itself is free. Visitors often just drop by during the day.
"Fortunately, the rain hasn’t been constant, and people have been able to come here for an evening of fun when the weather clears up," said Järvelä.
Powerpark in Kauhava, Southern Ostrobothnia, also expects a normal season turnout of around 450,000 visitors.
"We lagged a bit in May, but June made up for it. That's surprising given the weather in early summer," said Powerpark's Chief Business Officer Antti Saarikoski.
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