Water parks are a signature part of summer, and a perfect way to spend time with family and friends. There are plenty of options nearby, so we’ve rounded up a list of our waterparks in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania—all perfect for a day trip (or an overnight stay) from Staten Island. Grab your bathing suits and some sunscreen, and prepare to beat the heat while staying cool!
The Land of Make Believe
354 Great Meadows Road – Route 611, Hope, NJ
908-459-9000
lomb.com
Bring the family to visit the water-park section at the Land of Make Believe. Take a walk on the wild side with a thrilling ride down Pirate’s Peak. Or stay cool as you explore Pirate’s Cove Wading Pool that’s great for all ages.
Why we like it: Admission is pay one price that includes unlimited rides, shows and attractions.
Runaway Rapids Waterpark at Keansburg Amusement Park
275 Beachway Ave., Keansburg, NJ
732-495-1400
keansburgamusementpark.com
Enjoy dozens of rides for all ages. Test your acrobatic skills at the Nestea Plunge, a Tarzan-style rope swing. The younger set will adore Toddler’s Reef, where they’ll find a dancing fountain, climbable jeep, and more, all geared just for their size.
Why we like it: Those who aren’t fans of water parks don’t have to pay full price. Get a dry spectator ticket for $15.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 732-928-2000
sixflags.com
Thrill seekers will delight in the tall, fast, crazy, and, of course, wet rides here. Little ones aren’t left out of the mix. They can explore Discovery Bay, a huge shallow water playground, or take it easy and cruise down the lazy river.
Why we like it: If you want to make a full day of it, Six Flags Great Adventure is nearby.
Splish Splash
2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton, NY
631-727-3600
splishsplash.com
Splish Splash, with 96 acres of slides and attractions, offers fun for everyone. Enjoy more than 20 water slides, two wave pools, a large kiddie area and lazy river. Plus, experience high speed slides like Bombs Away and Riptide Racer.
Why we like it: There are lots of on-site restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal or grab a quick snack.
The Great Wolf Lodge
1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA
800-768-9653
greatwolf.com
Feed your need for adventure at this indoor water park. Find out what it’s like to ride a roller coaster made of water on Hydro Plunge. It propels your raft, via a motorized track, up a steep climb, only to send you plunging down a thrilling 52-foot vertical drop. Or try The Double-Barrel Drop. It’s the ultimate water slide with flashing LED lights, electrifying twists and turns, barrel drops, and 450-degree spins.
Why we like it: Come for a day that includes access to the water park and more.
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Kalahari Resorts
250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA
570-580-6000
kalahariresorts.com
There is so much to do at this fun waterpark. Hang on tight on the Anaconda, a family raft ride. You’ll navigate through sharp turns and high-speed plunges as you careen down the ride. Put your surfing skills to the test on the Flowrider, a 5-foot wave simulator. After enjoying lots of thrill rides, lounge and relax on the lazy river.
Why we like it: There are several available specials, packages and add-ons.
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort’s Big Splash Indoor Water Park
600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY
845-691-2927
rockinghorseranch.com
Enjoy 85-degree temperatures year-round at Big Splash Indoor Water Park. It’s part of the all-inclusive ranch-themed family resort, Rocking Horse Ranch. Try your luck on the water walk challenge, where you try to pull yourself over a net on the tubes without falling off. Other resort activities include an arcade, horseback riding, and mountain tubing.
Why we like it: Pricing includes all meals, accommodations, activities, and nightly entertainment.
Mountain Creek Waterpark
200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ
973-827-2000
mcwaterpark.com
Enjoy the great outdoors, water style, at this mountainous water park. Get an adrenaline rush as you plummet through the double-looping thrill slide, Zero-G. Or see if you can handle the iconic Colorado River Rapids. Kids World features Fishing Village, a children’s water playground sure to entertain little ones.
Why we like it: Access to Mountain Coaster is complimentary with waterpark admission.
Thundering Surf Waterpark
300 Taylor Ave., Beach Haven, NJ 609-492-0869
thunderingsurfwaterpark.com
Everyone in the family will have fun getting wet at Long Beach Island’s popular water park. Little ones can romp around, and adults can relax at Cowabunga Beach. Sail down one of several whirling water slides or float along the lazy river, which features interactive water play activities. Just beware of the river’s surprise mega-water blasters.
Why we like it: Toddlers will love the area just for them with 6 small foam slides, dancing floor jets, and small spray features.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA
GPS Address: 4000 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA
610-395-3724
dorneypark.com
This park features rollercoasters and water rides including Steel Force and HYDRA. There is also the Antique Carousel that kids love.
Why we like it: There are dining deals available for lots of places to eat, refresh, and rehydrate throughout the park.
Splashdown Beach
16 Old Route 9W, Fishkill, NY
845-897-9600
splashdownbeach.com
Self-proclaimed “America’s biggest little water park” featuring slides, rides, a wave pool, and play areas. The Rock Beach is an expanded beach area that includes Nathan’s Famous.
Why we like it: Discount rates are available after 2pm all week long.
Whitewater Challengers
Lehigh River, Poconos, PA
800-443-8554
whitewaterchallengers.com
This company offers family-style whitewater rafting for families with kids ages 4 and older. Check the website for information about booking.
Why we like it: The venue offers easy whitewater rafting, perfect for beginners and younger children.
Hersheypark
100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA
717-534-3900
hersheypark.com
This Pennsylvania park is filled with so many rides for thrill seekers of all ages. There are coasters, classic family rides, kiddie rides and so much more. Hershey’s Chocolate World is located next to the park. (hersheys.com/chocolateworld).
Why we like it: So much is chocolate-themed. What’s not to love?!
Morey’s Piers
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
609-729-3700
moreyspiers.com
Morey’s Piers includes three piers and two beachfront water parks: the Adventure Pier, which features coasters, thrill rides, and a raceway; the Surfside Pier, with kiddie and family rides and more; the Mariner’s Landing Pier, where you can ride traditional rides such as the Ferris wheel and teacups, and enjoy Boardwalk treats; the Raging Waters water park, with kiddie play areas, water slides, and activity pools; and the Oasis Waterpark + Beach Club, which features more water rides for kids and adults.
Why we like it: Its mini water park—the Bonsai Beach—has water jets and climbing ropes, adding some adventure to the beach experience.
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