Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide in 2023 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New York City with Kids

Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide

Catch some thrills at Hurricane Harbor, the water park for kids at Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari.

14 Great Water Parks for Kids near NYC in 2022

Beat the heat with these 14 family-friendly water parks less than two hours away.

Six Flags Great Adventure makes for an action-packed day of amusement park fun.

Best Amusement Parks near NYC Reachable by Public Transportation

Car-free New Yorkers can reach these theme parks by bus or train.

Friends young and old enjoy the attractions and Legoland New York, the first major theme park in the Northeast in 40 years.

Legoland New York Brings Mega Theme Park Fun to the Hudson Valley

This sprawling theme park offers tons of fun for young thrill seekers.

Visit the rides along the Coney Island boardwalk. Photo by Julienne Schaer for NYCgo

Best Things to Do in Coney Island With Kids: Luna Park, Aquarium, Beach, Mermaids

There's always something to do on Coney Island in the summer.

Timber Ridge Lodge in Geneva, Wisconsin features both an indoor water park and outdoor pools.

Best Family Resorts with Water Parks: All-Inclusive Family Resorts and More

Make a splash at one of these great wet-and-wild family resorts.

Now operating under new ownership, Playland has preserved its rich history and charm while serving up new attractions and amenities.

Playland Amusement Park Brings New Rides and Amenities to the Classic Family Destination

We revisited the restored Westchester gem.

Enjoy the tot-friendly water features at SplashDown Beach. Photo courtesy the park

Best Amusement Parks for Preschoolers in and Near NYC

Try one of these amusement parks perfect for the pint-sized set in or near NYC.

The largest indoor wave pool in the world is perfect for even the tiniest swimmers.

DreamWorks Water Park: Make Waves Year-Round at American Dream Mall

This New Jersey water park offers Orlando-level thrills to tristate residents.

Sesame Place: An Amusement Park for Every Preschooler's Must-Do List

Hit the rides or meet your favorite Sesame Street characters at this Pennsylvania theme park.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Point Pleasant Beach are only about an hour away from NYC and Philly.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Point Pleasant Beach: Top Tips for a Family Trip

This stretch of the Shore boasts a beautiful beach and an action-packed boardwalk.

Camelbeach is a perfect place to keep cool with a toddler on a hot sunny day.

Best Water Parks for Toddlers Near NYC

Smaller waves and slides make these parks just right for tots.

Rides, chocolate, and the countryside make a great mix in Hershey. Photo courtesy of Hersheypark

Family Getaway to Hershey, PA: Hersheypark, Chocolate World, Zoo

Believe it or not, there's more to do than eat chocolate.

A trip to the boardwalk isn't complete without a Kohr's frozen custard. Photo by Kevin Jarrett via Flickr

Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks for Family Fun

NJ's iconic boardwalks offer everything from rides and arcades to water parks and aquariums.

Have lunch or a snack in the Birthday Cake Pavilion.

Storybook Land in New Jersey: A Magical Park for Preschoolers and Tots

This charming amusement park has been an NJ fave for more than 60 years.

Meet, mingle with, and help feed the gorgeous Caribbean flamingos at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy Discovery Cove.

100 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids (Other than Theme Parks)

Unique adventures and hardly any lines. Great times await in Orlando!

Hit one of the thrilling water slides at the Kalahari's indoor water park in the Poconos.

Indoor Water Parks Near NYC for a Warm Getaway

Enjoy a pool day any time of year at one of these nearby water parks.

SplashDown Beach: Family-Friendly Water Park in Hudson Valley

SplashDown Beach offers family-friendly water rides, immaculate facilities, and attentive staff in...

Chill out in the lazy river at the Pump House indoor water park in Vermont.

10 Best Indoor Water Parks for Kids in the US

Consider these indoor splash zones for your next family vacation.

Dutch Wonderland: A Fairy Tale Amusement Park in Amish Country

Even toddlers can find plenty of rides at this fun family theme park.

Story Land, NH: Closer Than Disney, Tamer Than Six Flags for Kids Under 12

About three hours from Boston, this sweet, storybook-themed park in New Hampshire's White Mountain...

Asbury Park's beach and boardwalk beckon families and day-trippers.

Visiting Asbury Park Beach and Boardwalk with Kids: Top 30 Things To Do

This classic beach spot has surf, sand, and family-friendly amusements.

9 Must-See Dinosaur Theme Parks and Attractions for Kids

These family-friendly outdoor dino attractions include close-up interactions, fossil digs, and even...

Legoland New York is Coming to the Hudson Valley

There will soon be a new reason to travel to the Lower Hudson Valley.

Even teens get swept up in the Disney magic!

Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things to Do at the Theme Parks & Beyond

Theme parks in Orlando with teens means scarier rides, later nights, and less whining...hopefully.

Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

This Theme Park Is Now the World's First Certified Autism Center

Preschoolers of all abilities can find personalized fun at this PA theme park

Can You Visit Legoland on a Disney World Orlando Vacation?

Planning a theme park vacation in Orlando, and wondering how much you can fit in?

NYC Favorites

Legoland New York Resort reopens Friday, April 8 for a full season of fun and brings new attractions. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Legoland New York: 5 Things We Can't Wait To Do When the Theme Park Reopens for 2022

If you missed the bricktastic fun last season, here's why you should book now. READ MORE

Visit the rides along the Coney Island boardwalk. Photo by Julienne Schaer for NYCgo

Best Things to Do in Coney Island With Kids: Luna Park, Aquarium, Beach, Mermaids

There's always something to do on Coney Island in the summer. READ MORE

The Prospect Park Carousel is spinning again to the delight of young fans. Photo courtesy of Prospect Park

Best Carousels in NYC: 13 Merry-Go-Rounds City Kids Love

Take a spin on one of these carousels located in the five boroughs. READ MORE

Test your comfort zone on the zip line at the Bronx Zoo's Treetop Adventure.

Adventure Parks, Ropes Courses, and Zip Lines near NYC

Release your inner daredevil at these treetop-skimming parks. READ MORE

Nearby Theme & Water Parks

SplashDown Beach: Family-Friendly Water Park in Hudson Valley

SplashDown Beach offers family-friendly water rides, immaculate facilities, and attentive staff in...READ MORE

The NITRO, a "hypercoaster," takes you on an 80-mile-per-hour thrill ride. Photo courtesy of the park

Six Flags NJ: An Amusement Park with Big and Little Thrills

This iconic theme park in Jackson, NJ, isn't just for daredevils!READ MORE

Sesame Place: An Amusement Park for Every Preschooler's Must-Do List

Hit the rides or meet your favorite Sesame Street characters at this Pennsylvania theme park.READ MORE

Have lunch or a snack in the Birthday Cake Pavilion.

Storybook Land in New Jersey: A Magical Park for Preschoolers and Tots

This charming amusement park has been an NJ fave for more than 60 years. READ MORE

Playland Park: Old-Fashioned Amusement Park Fun in Rye

With more than 50 rides, the venerable amusement park in Westchester County is an underrated...READ MORE

Hit one of the thrilling water slides at the Kalahari's indoor water park in the Poconos.

Indoor Water Parks Near NYC for a Warm Getaway

Enjoy a pool day any time of year at one of these nearby water parks. READ MORE

New England

Elevate the fun at these 8 New England theme parks that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce

8 New England Theme Parks That Are Great for Families

These parks offer fun–and thrills–for all ages! READ MORE

Story Land, NH: Closer Than Disney, Tamer Than Six Flags for Kids Under 12

About three hours from Boston, this sweet, storybook-themed park in New Hampshire's White Mountain...READ MORE

Thomas Land Theme Park Rolls into Massachusetts

This Thomas the Tank Engine theme park will wow your preschooler with its Thomas rides and other...READ MORE

Photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement Park

Best Water Parks for Toddlers In and Near Connecticut

These parks have all the conveniences toddlers need: a separate play area, flexible food options...READ MORE

Lake Compounce Amusement and Water Park in Bristol, CT

It's the oldest, continuously-operating amusement park in North America as well as Connecticut’s...READ MORE

Team up for a family ride through waterfalls and rapids on the Adventure River. Photo courtesy of Water Country

14 Outdoor Water Parks in New England

Cool off on slides, tubes, and more at these nearby water parks.READ MORE

California & Florida

Yes, Disney World Orlando is open! Photo by Carrie Taylor

Disney World Reopening: Here's What It's Like To Visit Right Now

There are a few key things to know about booking a 2021 Disney trip.READ MORE

Meet, mingle with, and help feed the gorgeous Caribbean flamingos at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy Discovery Cove.

100 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids (Other than Theme Parks)

Unique adventures and hardly any lines. Great times await in Orlando! READ MORE

10 Reasons to Visit Disneyland California Instead

Going to Disney World feels like a can't-miss obligation for New York City parents: like if we...READ MORE

Even teens get swept up in the Disney magic!

Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things to Do at the Theme Parks & Beyond

Theme parks in Orlando with teens means scarier rides, later nights, and less whining...hopefully.READ MORE

Is the New Legoland Hotel in Florida the World's Most Kid-Friendly Hotel?

For kids obsessed with Legos, there’s no place more incredible than Legoland. And with the...READ MORE

Hogwarts in Hollywood: Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios

Harry Potter has arrived at Universal Studios! And in spite of long lines and rumors of retching...READ MORE

Archives

Hershey, Pennsylvania with Kids: 22 Things To Do on a Sweet Family Getaway

The sweetest place on earth offers plenty of family-friendly fun and chocolate, too! READ MORE

Adventure Parks, Ropes Courses, and Zip Lines near NYC

Release your inner daredevil at these treetop-skimming parks. READ MORE

Visiting Field Station Dinosaurs with Kids: Tips for a Family-Friendly Expedition

Meet T. rex, dig for fossils, and more at this outdoor dinosaur-themed park. READ MORE

Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks for Family Fun

NJ's iconic boardwalks offer everything from rides and arcades to water parks and aquariums. READ MORE

Amusement Parks Near NYC: Top Thrill Rides and Roller Coasters

Ready for white-knuckle fun? Here are the most thrilling amusement park rides nearby. READ MORE

35+ Summer Day Trips from NYC to Take as a Family

Get out of town to take advantage of the fun beyond the five boroughs. READ MORE

Theme & Water Parks