In the mood for some active fun this summer but no desire to sweat it out in the heat? Then look no further than an outdoor water park! Even if you have to wait in line, you’ll be cool as you do so. You’ll find outdoor water parks with fabulous features all over the state, offering something for everyone from ages 1 to 100. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites here–pack your swimsuit and enjoy a day outdoors while staying cool.
Clementon Park & Splash World
Location: 144 Berlin Road, Clementon
Details: What will you do first? At the Big Wave Bay wave pool, enjoy 23,000 square feet of rolling and refreshing fun where you can play, dive or body surf. Or relax on the Lazy River, letting the water’s gentle current wash away your troubles. Shipwreck Bay offers a pirate ship that’s perfect for younger visitors–the maximum height is 48 inches.
Price: $42.99 general admission, $29.99 junior admission
More info: www.clementonpark.com or call 856-783-0263
Mountain Creek Waterpark
Mountain Creek WaterparkLocation: 200 Route 94, Vernon
Details: Enjoy the great outdoors, water style, at this mountainous waterpark. 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.
Price: $45.99 general admission, $29.99 junior admission
More info: www.actionpark.com or 973-827-2000
[bibblio style=”bib–default bib–hover bib–white-label bib–row-2 bib–title-only bib–size-16 bib–font-arial” query_string_params=”e30=” recommendation_type=”optimised”]
OC Waterpark
OC WaterparkLocation: Plymouth Place & Boardwalk, Ocean City
Details: The younger set can play pirate at Lil Buc’s Bay–this awesome playground area boasts a shipwreck, fort, lighthouse and raining palm trees. If you’re looking for thrills, check out Serpentine Body Slide, which rises eight stories into the Ocean City skyline. Daring swimmers can slide down Splash Down Falls, a steep body slide that lands you in a pool of water.
Price: $31.99 general admission, $26.99 for children under 48 inches
More info: www.ocwaterpark.com or call 609-399-0483
Pirate’s Cove (at the Land of Make Believe)
Pirate’s Cove (at the Land of Make Believe)Location: 354 Great Meadows Road – Route 611, Hope
Details: One admission price includes all rides, shows and attractions, plus the water park. So you’ll get an action-packed day of family fun, both on land and in the water. Take a walk on the wild side with a thrilling ride down Pirate’s Peak, zooming through a tunnel, waterfalls and more. Or stay cool as you explore Buccaneer Pirate Ship and the wading pool, both great choices for smaller children.
Price: $27 for adults, $29 for children ages 2-18
More info: www.lomb.com or call 908-459-9000
Runaway Rapids Family Waterpark
Runaway Rapids Family WaterparkLocation: 275 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg
Details: Put your acrobatic skills to the test at the Nestea Plunge, a Tarzan-style rope swing. Defy gravity on the uphill waterslide where you’ll plunge downhill, only to be propelled back uphill and down again. The younger set will adore Toddler’s Reef, where they’ll find a dancing fountain, climbable jeep and more, all geared just for their size.
Price: $27.95 for 3-hour ticket, $12.95 for toddlers
More info: www.keansburgamusementpark.com or call 732-495-1400
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags Hurricane HarborLocation: Route 537, Jackson
Details: Thrill seekers will delight in the tall, fast, crazy and of course, wet rides here. At King Cobra, race through a snake’s body and then go face-to-face with a huge cobra head. Or raft down a 132-foot tunnel into the mouth of a huge funnel for a unique water rush. Little ones aren’t left out of the mix–they can explore Discovery Bay, a huge shallow water playground, or just take it easy and cruise down the lazy river.
Price: $44.99 general admission, $34.99 for children under 48 inches
More info: www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharbornj or call 732-928-2000
Splash Zone Waterpark
Splash Zone WaterparkLocation: 2500 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Details: Cool off at this fun water park that promises guests a safe, clean and unforgettable experience. Splash Zone boasts 20 attractions including body, tube, raft, flume, interactive, children’s and speed waterslides. You’ll also find a large dumping bucket, water play structure, children’s playground pool and lazy river. There’s something for everyone!
Price:$38.99 general admission, $29.99 for children under 48 inches
More info: www.splashzonewaterpark.com or call 609-729-5600
Splashplex Waterpark
Splashplex WaterparkLocation: 182 Route 10 West, East Hanover and 3320-24 Route 38, Mount Laurel
Details: Both waterparks offer all the fun of an amusement park, with some water added to keep you cool. The Mt. Laurel location expanded in 2016 to include a 580-foot lazy river, a cascading waterfall pool, five-story tower and four new water slides. The East Hanover location boasts two speed slides, two body slides, a 580-foot lazy river and a cascading waterfall pool. Both locations offer cabanas that feature seating, roof shade, water bottles, WiFi and more.
Price: $24 for Splashplex only, $39 for all Funplex attractions plus Splashplex
More info: www.funplexeasthanover.com (East Hanover) or www.funplexmountlaurel.com (Mt. Laurel)
Thundering Surf Waterpark
Thundering Surf WaterparkLocation: Bay & Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven, Long Beach Island
Details: Everyone in the family will have fun getting wet at LBI’s popular waterpark. Toddlers can romp around and adults can relax at Cowabunga Beach. Sail down one of the eight whirling waterslides or float along the lazy river, which features interactive water play activities. Just beware of the river’s surprise mega-water blasters!
Price: $28.99 for 2-hour session, $23.99 for children under 42 inches
More info: www.thunderingsurfwaterpark.com or call 609-492-0869
Tomahawk Lake Water Park
Tomahawk Lake Water ParkLocation: 155 Tomahawk Trail, Sparta
Details: Here you’ll find an array of incredible water rides to choose from, such as body slides, speed slides, a flume ride and more. The lake also offers a variety of boating options, with everything from paddle boats to bumper boats. Stay all day and enjoy all of Tomahawk Lake’s attractions, including an 18-hole miniature golf course and a rustic outdoor beer garden.
Price: $14 admission, $12 for children 8 & under (plus $15 for water slides)
More info: www.tomahawklake.com or call 973-398-7777
Hero (Top) Feature Image: valiza14 / Adobe Stock
Additional Body Images (in order) Courtesy:
Clementon Park & Splash World
Mountain Creek
Facebook/OC Waterpark
The Land of Make Believe
Keansburg Amusement Park
Six Flags
Splash Zone Waterpark
The Funplex Mount Laurel
Thundering Surf Waterpark
Tomahawk Lake Water Park
