The Best Water Parks for Kids

PRESCHOOL HEAVEN

Touted as America’s biggest little beach, the “Bob the Builder Splash Works” section features more than 50 interactive features designed for preschoolers.

Bigger, braver kids will like the Humunga Half-Pipe, a two-person tube ride featuring a Zero Gravity Half-Pipe. General admission, over 42″: $35; children, 42″ and under: $30. Save $5 when you purchase your tickets online. Season passes available. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in August.

SplashDown Beach

16 Old Rte. 9 W, Fishkill, N.Y.

845-897-9600

splashdownbeach.com

FAMILY FRIENDLY

There are rides, slides, waves, rivers and pools for all ages at this Long Island water park. Young kids will like the Elephant Slide and the Octopus Pool, while older daredevils will appreciate the Alien Invasion tube slide or the Cliff Diver extreme body slide. General admission, 48″ and over: $41.99; junior admission, under 48″ tall: $31.99; children 2 and under: free. Save $2 if buying three days in advance online. Season passes available. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in August.

Splish Splash

2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton, N.Y.

631-727-3600

splishsplashlongisland.com

SO CLOSE

If you live in Westchester you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the waterpark- style adventures at Willson’s Waves. There’s 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. See more Pass information at westchestergov.com.

Willson’s Waves

East Lincoln Ave., Mount Vernon, N.Y.

813-6990

http://parks.westchestergov.com/willsons-woods-park/willsons-waves

WATER PARK AND MORE

If you’d like to add amusement park fun to a water experience try Lake Compounce. This two-in-one venue offers roller coasters, thrill rides, kiddie rides and the new Illuminate the Night magical lazer show offered this year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 24. The water park has giant water buckets, thrilling slides and the gentle wave pool, Anchor Bay. General single day admission (52” and taller), $40.99; Junior admission, $30.99 (under 52” tall). Open noon to 7 p.m. everyday in August.