Get ready to make a splash at these wonderful water parks.
At a Glance:
- Outdoor options: Splish Splash, Mountain Creek. Perfect for sunny days when kids can run, slide, and splash in the open air.
- Indoor options: DreamWorks Water Park, The Kartrite. Great for rainy or cooler days with safe and fun water play inside.
- Safety basics: Stay near lifeguards, use life jackets, take shade breaks, and pick slides that match kids’ ages to keep everyone safe and happy.
As temperatures rise across the city, you and your family may be looking for ways to stay cool. Beaches may be too crowded and gritty, and sprinklers may not have enough water. Thankfully, there are tons of water parks in and around New York City to keep you cool. So grab your sunscreen and your best swimsuit and get ready to make a splash!
With so many water parks to choose from, it can be tricky to know which one is best for your family. Below are the top parks, outdoor and indoor options, spots perfect for little kids, and simple safety tips to make picking the right place for a fun and splashy day easy.
A Guide to Top Water Parks in and Around New York
Splish Splash: Largest Water Park in NY with Thrilling Slides
Calverton, NY
(631) 727-3600
Splish Splash is one of the top choices if you’re looking for a water park near NJ that offers thrilling slides and relaxing fun. One of the largest waterparks in the Northeast, Splish Splash is an ideal waterpark for those looking to cool off. With over 96 acres of attractions, including 300-foot water slides and 40-foot drop tunnels, there’s something for everyone. If you’re soaked up for the day, lounge in the lazy river or enjoy one of their newly introduced Neon Nights with a live DJ or touch-a-truck events.
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags: Aqua Park in NJ with Wave Pools and Raft Rides
Jackson Township, NJ
(732) 928-2000
Cool off from the coasters at Six Flags with a trip to their neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor. The park includes massive wave pools, family raft rides, and towering, speeding slides. Younger ones can cool off at one of the many splash pools or, if they’re feeling daring, take a humongous drop down one of the many gigantic water slides.
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The Boardwalk at Hershey Park: Water Park in PA with Sandcastle Cove
Hershey, PA
(717) 534-3900
While not in NYC, this is a great option for those exploring waterparks near NYC who want family fun and sweet treats. Sweet summer fun meets water-soaked adventure at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. Nestled inside the famous chocolate-themed amusement park, this water area features thrilling rides like the Breakers Edge Water Coaster and Tidal Force, plus kid-friendly attractions like Sandcastle Cove and East Coast Waterworks. With refreshing splash pads, wave pools, and a relaxing lazy river, The Boardwalk is the perfect place to cool down between roller coasters and chocolate treats.
Once you’re done splashing around, take a wild ride on one of the many HersheyPark coasters, including their newest Twizzlers Twisted Gravity swings, or visit Hershey’s Chocolate World for various candy-themed fun, such as creating your very own candy bar, stuffing your very own Reese’s cup, or a tour of the chocolate factory with a sweet surprise at the end. Retire to your room at Hershey Lodge, where you’re greeted by the sweet scent of cocoa in the lobby, and nestle into the comfortable rooms with access to more pools and waterslides.
LEGOLAND: Waterpark in NY with LEGO-themed Slides
Goshen, NY
(845) 410-0290
LEGOLAND is a fun destination for those who want a mix of creativity with water splashes, making it a unique aqua park in New York City. Dive into your creativity and make a splash at Legoland. After playing on the dry side, head down the hill to the interactive waterpark. Ideal for younger splashers, the park includes a water playground with colorful and fun apparatuses to play on, various water rides, including the Build-a-Raft River, and race down water slides designed like giant LEGO structures.
DreamWorks Water Park: Indoor Water Park in NJ with Kid- Friendly Splash Zones
East Rutherford, NJ
(833) 263-7326
Located just across the river from Manhattan, American Dream Mall offers more than just shopping. The indoor water park features 15 water slides, making it one of the biggest indoor water parks in the Northeast. Over-the-top fun inspired by beloved DreamWorks characters, including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and the Madagascar crew, includes a gigantic indoor wave pool and kid-friendly splash zones. The park’s tropical climate, bold design, and star-studded theming make it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
Pirate’s Cove at the Land of Make Believe: Water Park in NJ with Pirate Adventures
Hope, NJ
(908) 459-9000
Your kids may not stop talking like pirates after they visit Pirate’s Cove, the waterpark section at the Land of Make Believe. Take a walk on the wild side with a thrilling ride down Pirate’s Peak, zooming through a tunnel and waterfalls. Stay cool as you explore the Buccaneer Pirate Ship and the wading pool, both ideal for smaller children. One admission price includes all rides, shows, and attractions, including the amusement park rides at Land of Make Believe, so you’ll get an action-packed day of family fun, both on land and in the water.
The Kartrite: Aqua Park in New York With Thrilling Water Slides
Hope, NJ
(908) 459-9000
The Kartrite Resort is regarded as a must-visit for anyone who is looking for a new water park in New York with indoor water fun. Located in the Catskills, Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark prides itself on being the country’s most modern and state-of-the-art indoor water park. It’s the biggest indoor water park in the state and features a slew of thrilling water slides and other aquatic adventures for the whole family. Get an unmatched water experience in the mountains of New York.
Mountain Creek Waterpark: Water Park in NJ with Kids’ Play Areas
Vernon, NJ
(973) 827-2000
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. If you’re feeling bold, you can try their popular attraction, the Canyon Cliff Jump, while being cheered on by spectators.
Indoor Waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge: Water Park with Hydro Plunge
Scotrun, PA
(800) 768-9653
Great Wolf Lodge’s Indoor Waterpark has a variety of attractions for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing float down the lazy river or a thrilling time on the waterpark’s slides, like the Double Barrel Drop or the Hydro Plunge, you’re sure to find an activity that’s perfect for your family.
If you’re looking for a quick break from the kids, be sure to check out the adults-only hot tub area, North Hot Springs. After spending time at the water park, play indoor mini golf at Howl at the Moon Glow Golf, or create a Great Wolf Kids character at Build-a-Bear Workshop.
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How to Keep Kids Safe at Water Parks in NYC?
A trip to a water park is a fun way for families to cool off during the summer, but it’s important to keep safety in mind while the kids are splashing and playing. With so much excitement, it can be easy to overlook basic precautions that help prevent injuries and accidents.
The good news is that staying safe at a water park doesn’t require a lot of extra effort. A little planning, close supervision, and a few reminders throughout the day can go a long way. These practical tips can help kids enjoy the slides, pools, and splash areas safely while giving parents greater peace of mind.
- Stay close to lifeguards: Lifeguards are trained to watch the water, and it helps when you sit or stand near their stations because they can see your child clearly and respond quickly if needed. Kids also feel safer when they know an adult and a lifeguard are both watching them.
- Use life jackets for little ones: Many water parks offer free life jackets, and younger kids feel more confident when they wear them. Even if a child can swim, wave pools and fast slides can feel strong, so a life jacket gives them extra comfort.
- Choose slides that match their age: Water parks have plenty of rides for different age groups, and it helps to choose slides that match your child’s height and comfort level. When kids stay in the right areas, they enjoy the fun without feeling scared.
- Remind kids to walk, not run: Wet floors get slippery, and excited kids may rush from one spot to another. A simple reminder to walk slowly helps prevent slips and keeps the day smooth.
- Keep kids hydrated: Children forget to drink water when they are having fun, so giving them small sips during breaks helps them stay energetic and comfortable.
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