Once school is out for the summer, my thoughts turn almost immediately, and somewhat frantically, to “what am I going to do with these kids?” Water parks are a surefire hit, and even I can appreciate the refreshment on a hot, sunny day. There are several within a short drive which make the outing a convenient day trip.
SplashDown Beach in Fishkill offers enough fun to fill a full day, yet its manageable size means you won’t be walking miles between attractions. With its shallow pool, Shipwreck Lagoon is the main hub of pre-school activity. For bigger, braver kids, Cowabunga Falls and Pirate’s Plunge are breath-catching water slides. At four stories tall, the Humunga Half Pipe is New York’s only zero-gravity half pipe ride, sending riders up to a pinnacle and letting gravity draw them quickly down again. Local residents take advantage of attractive season pass rates. “Every summer we invest in season passes at a water park, either at Splashdown or Lake Compounce,” says Anjani Lewick, a Poughquag mother of two. “We go so frequently that it just makes sense. Plus, it allows my son and daughter to be physically active, outdoors, and away from the TV.” Open every day through September 6. Admission: $29.50 per guest over 42”; $24.50 for seniors and guests under 42”. Entrance fees after 3pm are $5 less. 16 Old Rte. 9 West, Fishkill. 845-897-9600. splashdownbeach.com
Since 1981, Zoom Flume Water Park has offered family fun in the Catskills. There’s plenty of mild entertainment here for younger guests, such as the Lagoon Activity Pool and the Lazy River. Thrill-seekers will appreciate twisting and turning down the Vortex water slide in complete darkness, or rafting down the 600-foot Wild River Ride chute. New this year, the Riptide Cove wave pool is scheduled to open July 1. Open every day, June 19- September 6. Admission: $24.95 per person; $19.95 for children seven and under; free for infants. A $2 coupon is available on the website. A discounted “spectator pass” is available for anyone not getting into the water. 20 Shady Glen Rd., East Durham. 800-888-3586. zoomflume.com
Just north of the Hudson Valley in Lake George, Splashwater Kingdom is part of the Six Flags Great Escape theme park complex. The main attractions are a giant wave pool, numerous slides and water play areas. For the younger set (under 54"), Noah’s Sprayground is a 27-foot high ark with several animal slides. The thrill factor ranges from “mild,” like the 500,000 gallon Lumberjack Splash Wave Pool, to “max,” like the Tornado, which drops you seven stories down a 132-foot long water funnel. Open every day through September 6. Ticket prices, which include admission to Great Escape, are greatly discounted if purchased online. A special was available for $29.99 per person at the time of this writing. Gate prices: $40.99 until July 16, then $44.99; $29.99 for children under 48"; free for children two and younger. Rte. 9, Lake George. 518-792-3500. sixflags.com/greatEscape
Just an hour over the Connecticut border, Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, celebrating its 165th anniversary this year. Splash Harbor, in operation since the mid-90’s, provides the water park fun. Clipper Cove offers a quick cool down, as the giant 300-gallon bucket spills over the crowd below every few minutes. Other favorites include Mammoth Falls family raft adventure, Lights Out dark water slide, the wave pool and the Pirate Ship play area. Open May 15-September 12 (weekends only until June 21, then daily). Admission, which includes both the amusement and water parks, is $34.99 for anyone 52" and over; $25.99 for anyone under 52". 822 Lake Ave., Bristol, CT. 860-583-3300. lakecompounce.com
Checklist: What to bring to the water park
-
Extra set of dry clothes
-
Goggles/nose plugs/ ear plugs
-
Money: small bills for snacks; quarters for lockers
-
Small first aid kit
-
Snacks and drinks in insulated cooler (if permitted)
-
Sunglasses and/or hats
-
Sunscreen and lip balm
-
Swim diapers
-
Towels
-
Water shoes/flip flops
-
Waterproof identification for lost kids, like
-
“SafetyTats”
-
Waterproof pouch for money, ID, cell phone, etc.
Traci L. Suppa is a family travel writer living in Dutchess County. WordScapesny.com
Click here for the best dude ranches to visit.