As a family-focused entertainment writer, people often ask my opinion as to which Wisconsin water park is the best. This is a tricky question for me, because it depends on a lot of variables.

There are four choices for a close-by waterpark adventure: the Wisconsin Dells, KeyLime Cove in Gurney, Ill., Country Springs in Waukesha and Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. All of these destinations have their perks, but it depends on how far someone wants to travel, how much they want to spend, the age of their children and the amount of thrill they are seeking.

No doubt about it, The Dells has such diverse waterpark variety that a visitor can locate whatever they desire. I absolutely love spending time in The Dells at the waterparks as well as other attractions from the Duck Boats to the upside-down White House.

I have also had great weekends at KeyLime Cove, which is so easy to access – a mere 45 minutes of freeway driving – and is contained to one large building for the ultimate in convenience.

However, there is something only available at Blue Harbor, namely, Lake Michigan. This is the resort’s greatest asset – it is literally on the lake’s shore – and in the summertime the chance to enjoy both the beach and the waterpark is unmatchable.

What I realized during this winter visit is how much I enjoy looking at the moody lake from inside the resort. The waves were particularly choppy and frothy and I realized that I don’t take the time to enjoy nature in February as I do in July.

I also really like the layout of Blue Harbor’s rooms. We have stayed in both an aquarian-themed suite and a room with a lofted master bedroom. I have never had a problem with cleanliness at any of the waterparks I’ve attended, including Blue Harbor which continues to keep the rooms and the waterpark completely tip top.

We did have a first-time waterpark experience during our recent visit when a "false alarm" fire alarm went off around 8 a.m. The ironic part is, this will probably be the part of the experience that the kids will always remember. Ah, well: memories are memories. (And to Blue Harbor's credit, we were quickly informed that there was not a fire; we didn't even have to leave the building before the alarm was called off.)

This visit, we enjoyed checking out the new double surf simulator, called the Riptide, which is the only one in eastern Wisconsin. Located inside the water park – which is called Breaker Bay – the faux surfing / boogie board experience is both challenging and fun, adding another option for older kids and adults. (Younger children and kids who are low in weight might find it more daunting than exciting.)

This new attraction is also a good fit for the waterpark because Sheboygan is known as the outdoor, fresh water surfing capital of the world. (It’s true!)

"The Riptide indoor surf simulator is a strategic addition to Blue Harbor Resort," said David Sanderson, vice president and general manager. "It’s part of a $2 million enhancement to the property and helps us further enhance our offerings for leisure and group guests."

Breaker Bay is always a balmy and fun 84 degrees which feels hot and steamy when you first arrive, but the perfect temperature after getting wet. We also appreciated that kids over 6 can access the whirlpool (the age varies from waterpark to waterpark) and that there were plenty of tubes for the number of guests.

Our only suggestion for Breaker Bay is to build a Caribbean-style lounge that would allow parents to enjoy a cocktail and still keep an eye on their kids. I would also like to see more food options inside the water park, especially considering carry-ins are not allowed.

Blue Harbor also introduced indoor mini glow golf, which offers a range of holes for both skilled and unskilled golfers. The glow-in-the-dark aspect adds a fun twist to the golfing experience.