When the temperatures soar there’s nothing like a refreshing dunk. A visit to a water park means the kids are entertained all day and it’s even pleasurable for adults.
Preschool Heaven
Touted as America’s biggest little waterpark, this park doesn’t forget about the smallest kids. The “Shipwreak Lagoon” kids-only area features a pirate ship with interactive geysers, dumping buckets and wet ‘n wild slides designed for preschoolers. Bigger, braver kids like the Humunga Half-Pipe, a two-person tube ride featuring a Zero Gravity Half-Pipe. Day pass: over 42 inches: $30; children, 42 inches and under: $25. Season passes available. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
SplashDown Beach
16 Old Rte. 9 W, Fishkill, N.Y.
845-897-9600
Family Friendly
There are rides, slides, waves, rivers and pools for all ages at this Long Island water park. Young kids like the Yellow Submarine wading pool and Monsoon Lagoon while older daredevils appreciate the Max Trax speed slides or Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror. Weekend Day Pass, 48 inches and under $37.99; over 48 inches tall: $47.99; parking $15. Weekday prices are lower. Season passes available. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Splish Splash
2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton, N.Y.
631-727-3600
So Close
Wilslson’s Waves features a wave pool with three-foot waves for body surfing and two 18-foot high water slides. For little kids’ there’s an interactive water playground with sprays and fountains. A Westchester County Park Pass is required. Three year passes are $75 an individual or $150 for a family including two adults and any children ages 12-18. The unlimited visits Family Season Swim Pass is $300 for two adults and all children ages 5 to 18. Willson’s Waves
East Lincoln Ave., Mount Vernon, N.Y.
813-6990
parks.westc
Water Park and More
Add amusement park fun to a water experience at Lake Compounce. The amusement park offers roller coasters, thrill rides, kiddie rides and shows. The water park has a giant 300-gallon water bucket, thrilling slides and the gentle wave pool, Anchor Bay. Regular day rate (52” and taller), $43.99; Juniors, $30.99 (under 52” tall). Parking $9. Purchase tickets in advance online for a discount. Season passes are available. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday open until 9 p.m., Saturday until 10 p.m.
Lake Compounce Family Theme Park
186 Enterprise Dr., Bristol, Conn.
860-589-7974
– Jean Sheff
