New York's Largest Water Park With A Hydromagnetic Coaster Is A Must-Visit This Summer

Summer in New York City can be a magical time, and the longer days are perfect for enjoying various cultural events and sampling some of the exciting nightlife that "The City That Never Sleeps" is famous for. Museums offer a welcome escape from the heat for a few hours, but as the temperatures start to climb throughout the summer, the city can become stifling. Due to the urban heat island effect, summer isn't necessarily the best time of year to visit NYC. By midsummer, most New Yorkers have just one thing on their mind — escaping the humid city in favor of somewhere they can splash, relax, and cool off. Perhaps that's why Splish Splash, a water park on Long Island, has been a popular spot for decades. It's the largest waterpark in the state and offers fun for the whole family. 

Long Island, which is only about an hour away from NYC, is where the city's residents go to escape the summer heat. It's home to swanky destinations like The Hamptons and Fire Island as well as villages like Sag Harbor with small-town seaside charm. The area is known for its lovely white sand beaches, and there are plenty of opportunities for summer fun. A visit to Splish Splash is the perfect way to beat the summer heat and experience the kind of nostalgic summer adventures you may remember from childhood. There are rides to suit every type of traveler, including the state of New York's first-ever hydromagnetic coaster for those who are interested in serious thrills.

Whether you're a New York local looking for ways to entertain the kids, a tourist visiting from out of state hoping to round out your weekend in the city with a visit to Long Island, or someone who just likes to have a good time, Splish Splash is a must-visit this summer.

Splish Splash has been a summer favorite in New York for over 35 years. The beloved water park originally opened back in 1991. At the time, it was constructed on 32 acres of farmland. There were a handful of water slides and a few other places to splash around. Since then, the park has grown significantly. It now covers around 96 acres, and you'll be able to enjoy more than 30 different attractions and rides — there's something for everyone. If you're the kind of person who loves nothing more than listening to the sound of the waves, you'll love Surf City or the Kahuna Bay Wave Pool. The Lazy River is a classic choice for visitors who just want to lie back in a comfy tube and enjoy the refreshing cool water.

For families with kids, Splish Splash delivers. There are multiple kid-friendly rides and attractions throughout the water park so that even your littlest water lovers can enjoy splashing around. Pirates Cove, with a giant interactive pirate ship, is a popular spot. The Kiddie Slides in Kiddie Cover are perfect for younger children with adventurous spirits.

For adults and older kids, there are plenty of rides that will have you screaming and laughing all day long. One of the most exciting is Bootlegger's Run. It opened in 2013 and uses hydromagnetic technology to offer an unforgettable and thrilling ride. First, you'll climb 235 feet on a four-person raft before plunging down steep hills and around turns. If you're someone who loves roller coasters, this ride alone may be worth the trip to Splish Splash. You'll even reach speeds of 30 miles per hour.

Splish Splash is located in Calverton, New York, which is just over an hour from New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport. If you're vacationing in the Hamptons, you'll be just over a half-hour away from the water park. Wherever you're coming from, it makes for an easy summer escape in New York.

If you want to spend a full day at the water park, or visit multiple days in a row, you may want to consider booking a hotel package. The Splish Splash Water Park Hotel and Ticket Package is a good option. The price for a weekend package for a family of four with two adults and two children started at around $1,100 at the time of writing. The regular price for a day pass to Splish Splash is around $75, but there are often plenty of discounts available if you book online. If you plan to visit multiple times, you could save money by purchasing a season pass, which starts at around $100.

Splish Splash is open on weekends only from Memorial Day, then opens daily from June 19 through Labor Day. Hours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on weekends throughout the summer. It's one of the best waterparks to visit in the U.S., so make sure to carve out some time to experience the fun if you're visiting New York this summer.