I came across my research from 2013 recently when a friend asked, have you been to any waterpark nearby? I thought to myself, why not post this as a guide to the 5 waterparks around NYC!
Prices are reflective of Summer 2018
1. Dorney Park – Allentown, PA
- TA Rating: 4 stars
- Hours: 10am-10pm (Summer weekends)
- # Rides & slides: 10 (waterpark) + 15 (regular park)
- Driving distance from NYC: 1 hr 37 mins
- Price: $48+tax online or $59+tax at the gate (weekend rate)
- Pros: One admission for 2 parks, overall good reviews
- Cons: No scary vertical water slide where you can’t see your toes!
2. Camelbeach – Tannersville, PA
- TA Rating: 4 stars (certificate of excellence 2017 award)
- Hours: 10am-7pm (Summer weekends)
- # Rides & slides: 12 thrill rides
- Driving distance from NYC: 1 hr 42 mins
- Price: $44 or $33.75 discounted tix when buying 4 tix (any time rate)
- Pros: Overall good reviews, cheapest discounted admission, water temp is warm
- Cons: Admission to waterpark only, furthest in distance
3. Mountain Creek Water park – Vernon, NJ
- TA Rating: 3.5 stars
- Hours: 10am-7pm (Summer weekends)
- # slides: 14 thrill rides
- Driving distance from NYC: 1 hr 16 mins
- Price: $29.99 to $45.99 (cost based on how advance the purchase is)
- Pros: Closest in distance, they have some really cool thrilling rides through the mountain and cliffs! It also has the vertical water slide where you can’t see your toes!
- Cons: Admission to waterpark only, water temp is cooler given it is nature spring water, rides are meant for swimmers (not beginners), many good rides are closed without notice, so-so rating
4. Splish Splash Water Park – Calverton, NY (Long Island)
- TA Rating: 3 stars
- Hours: 10am-7pm (Summer weekends)
- # Rides & slides: 16 thrill & family
- Driving distance from NYC: 1 hr 20 mins
- Price: Online pricing $53.05 or 7 day advance purchase ($42.83)
- Pros: Can’t really think of any….maybe for adding the free falling slide in 2018
- Cons: Admission to waterpark only, lowest tripadvisor rating, LIE traffic can be bad
5. Hurricane Harbor – Jackson, NJ
- TA Rating: 3 stars
- Hours: 10:30am-6:30pm
- # Rides & slides: 7 thrill & family
- Driving distance from NYC: 1 hr 40 mins
- Price: Online pricing $52.98 (summer weekends) or $56.98 (anytime)
- Pros: Maybe if your goal is to also visit Great Adventure next door
- Cons: Admission to waterpark only, lowest tripadvisor rating, expensive, smoking is allowed
Which one is your favorite pick?
