During the summer, most New Yorkers are looking for ways to cool off. Visiting water parks is one of the ways to stay cool and have fun with the family.
Some of the parks are standalone, while others are attached to theme and amusement parks.
However, lazy rivers and water slides are not only exclusive during the hot days. Although most water parks are outdoors, New York City now has some climate controlled, year-round indoor water parks that you can visit.
So which are the best water parks in New York? Here’s a list of the water parks you should visit.
Best Water Parks in New York
1. Splish Splash Water Park
Splish Splash water park is considered as one of the best water parks for kids. Located in Long Island, this water park has about 90 acres of slides, pools and rides.
Your kids will enjoy the kiddie pools, the elephant slide, interactive pirate ship, water cannons, and more activities in the shipwreck-themed water playground.
For thrill seekers, the park hosts New York’s only water roller coaster, racer slides, and a family raft ride. Other available amenities include rented cabanas by a wave pool or a tube to float down a lazy river.
Source: splishsplash.com
2. Zoom Flume Water Park
The other top water park in New York is the Zoom Flume Water Park located in East Durham.
This outdoor waterpark has all the typical attractions for the whole family including a lazy river. The park also has a lagoon area designed specifically for younger children.
This seasonal park opens from mid-June to early September. It has some of the best water slides in NYC including speedy racer slides, and a winding bowl slide, and a giant raft ride.
Source: brooklyndoublewide.com
3. Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is part of a larger amuse ment park; Six Flags Darien Lake. Located an hour west of Niagara Falls, this water park has lots of kiddie areas and family-friendly attractions.
The younger kids will enjoy the huge dump bucket and waterslides in this park.
If you have older kids, the park caters to them by having a wave pool, the lazy river, extreme waterslides, and racing slides.
They also have the Blue Lagoon wave pool and Discovery Bay water playground for families. Additionally, they have other features like a nursing station, cabanas and stroller rentals.
Source: www.wkbw.com
4. Seabreeze Amusement Park
Seabreeze Amusement Park (Finger Lakes) is a med ium sized water park in Rochester, New York. It features a thrilling ride, various games, food options, and water slides including the Viper Plunge and the Corkscrew.
If you want to relax, there is a lazy river and a wave pool.
The park opens from late May to early September. They also employ lifeguards so your kids can safely enjoy the water activities.
Source: fingerlakes.org
5. Kartrite Indoor Water Park
If you are looking for indoor New York water parks, Katrite is the go-to place. Ranked as the biggest indoor water park in New York City, it has many exciting attractions, including the Black Hole, and the Kamikaze.
In addition, it has eight water slides, small slides, a mini lazy river, and a heated whirlpool.
Kartrite indoor waterpark is an ideal spot if you are looking for a fun day out no matter the weather. Since it's an indoor space, the water park is open all year round.
Source: thekartrite.com
6. Six Flags Great Escape Lodge
The indoor Six Flags Great Escape Lodge is open throughout the year.
Although it is comparatively small for an indoor park, it has several attractions such as the family raft ride, the wave simulator for body surfing and Avalanche. The park features a 400,000-gallon wave pool and a children’s play area.
When you visit this water park, you can also visit the nearby Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari with your family.
Source: timesunion.com
7. Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
If you want to enjoy water rides and water fun, Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is a good place to start. The water park features six thrilling water slides, a children’s play area and a lazy river.
Furthermore, they provide locker rooms with showers, a hot tub and food areas.
They have shaded areas if you need a break from the sun. You can get tickets for the theme park rides at a discount if you buy them together with the water park tickets.
Source: iloveny.com
8. Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Located in Old Forge, Enchanted Forest Water Safari is the biggest water park in New York state. It has over 50 attractions and dozens of waterslides.
If you are looking for a family vacation spot, this jungle-themed water park is the perfect place.
Apart from traditional water park attractions, this park is located next to a campground; therefore, you can stay overnight.
In addition to aquatic activities, you’ll also find mini golf, a zipline ride, bumper boats, and a Ferris wheel at the park.
Source: tripadvisor.com
9. Sesame Place
Although it's not entirely a water park, the kid-oriented Sesame Place is ideal for both water fun and non-water themed attractions.
When it gets too hot, you can cool off at the Count’s Splash Castle and Big Bird’s Rambling River which allows you to float in an inner tube together through Sesame Island.
Sesame Place is a two hour drive from the city, making it quite accessible.
Source: newyorkfamily.com
10. Cascades Indoor Water Park
This is another exciting indoor waterpark in New York. It has a heated outdoor pool and a series of indoor and outdoor hot tubs; therefore, it's open all year round.
This content was created by bestofnewyork.com. If you see this on another site, it has been stolen.
Apart from water adventures, Cascades is part of the Greek Peak Mountain Resort, where you can snow tubing, skiing, mountain tubing, ziplining, and more.
Source: tripadvisor.com
11. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Park
This park offers the ultimate family-friendly summer shore experience. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Park has multiple piers packed with rides.
It has two splash zones; Raging Waters Adventure Water Park and Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club which features a swim-up bar. You can view the beach and water from both parks.
Source: onlyinyourstate.com
Summary
New York City has several outdoor water parks as well as indoor spots. You can easily find a family friendly park with multiple attractions. Most of the parks have exciting amenities such as amusement park rides.
While you can only access an outdoor water park mostly during summer, the indoor options are open year round. Visit any of these water parks for family fun activities.
Take a look at our list of things-to-do in NYC and find the perfect activity for you! Whether you're looking for a cultural experience or want to explore the city's nightlife, there is something for everyone.
- The Worst Times To Visit New York City - March 10, 2024
- Best Souvenirs To Buy in NYC - February 28, 2024
- Best Restaurants In New York For First Time Visitors - February 21, 2024