The Top 11 Water Parks for Families in the New York Area
We’ve rounded the best indoor and outdoor water parks in NY, NJ, CT, and PA.
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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 with a pass that includes access to the water park and more.
7. Kalahari Resorts
250 Kalahai Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA
570-580-6000
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Hours: Indoor water park: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm. Outdoor water park: Closed for the season.
Admission: Prices vary depending on the date. Get ticket prices here.
Approximate drive from NYC: 2 hours
At 220,000 square feet, this is the largest indoor waterpark in America. It’s part of Kalahari Resorts, a mega resort with an African theme (named after the Kalahari Desert). On the Anaconda, hang on tight as you navigate sharp turns and high-speed plunges on this family raft ride. Or go for Barrelling Baboon, where you’ll slide through soaring dips and twists.
Why we like it: Take lessons on how to swim like a mermaid or chomp like a shark.
8. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort's Big Splash Indoor Water Park
600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY
845-691-2927
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Hours: Water park hours vary; check when you arrive.
Admission: Prices vary per night; make reservations online here.
Approximate drive from NYC: 1 hour, 45 minutes
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.
9. Mountain Creek Waterpark
200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ
973-827-2000
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Hours: Opens June 19; daily, 11am-5pm
Admission: $39.99; $10 parking. Passes must be purchased online.
Approximate drive from NYC: 1 hour, 30 minutes
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 Junior Rapids and Fishing Village, a children’s water playground sure to entertain little ones.
Why we like it: Try a popular attraction, The Canyon Cliff Jump. Leap off a ledge in front of spectators.
10. Crocodile Cove at Lake Compounce
822 Lake Ave., Bristol, CT
860-583-3300
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Hours: May 29-June 13: Saturday, 11am-7pm; Sunday and Memorial Day, 11am-6pm; June 18-Aug. 22: Sunday-Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday, 11am-7pm; Aug. 28-Sept. 6: Saturday-Sunday and Labor Day, 11am-6pm
Admission: Weekends: $49.99 ($54.99 at the gate); $39.99 ($44.99 at the gate) those shorter than 52 inches. Weekdays: $47.99 ($52.99 at the gate); $37.99 ($42.99 at the gate) those shorter than 52 inches. See here for more ticket information.
Approximate drive from NYC: 2 hours
This is Connecticut’s largest waterpark, where you’ll find water rides that the whole family can enjoy. Enjoy multiple wave pools, water slides, special areas for the younger set, and a lake. Take an adventurous raft ride through Mammoth Falls. At Tunnel Twisters, plummet your way through twists and turns. See who splashes down first.
Why we like it: Enjoy the amusement park when you’re done. Let kids enjoy their first kiddie coaster, ride the antique carousel, or spin themselves silly on the Drum Circus.
11. Thundering Surf Waterpark
300 Taylor Ave., Beach Haven, NJ
609-492-0869
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Hours: June 12-18: daily, 10am-5pm; June 19 through the end of the season: daily, 9:30am-6:30pm
Admission: Day passes: $39.99. 2- and 3-hour admission options are available.
Approximate drive from NYC: 2 hours
Everyone in the family will have fun getting wet at Long Beach Island’s popular waterpark. Little ones can romp around, and adults can relax at Cowabunga Beach. Sail down 1 of 8 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.