Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide in 2021 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New York City with Kids

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.

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.

New Amusement Park Rides Coming to the Tristate Area for Summer 2021

We've got a sneak peek of the thrilling new rides coming to area theme parks.

Towering 13 stories tall, Jersey Devil Coaster riders soar single file at speeds of up to 58 mph.

Record-Breaking Roller Coaster Coming to Six Flags New Jersey

The summer season brings a thrilling new ride to Six Flags.

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.

Photo courtesy of Diggerland

South Jersey's Construction Theme Park, Diggerland USA, Reopens with a Brand New Water Park

Enjoy over 40 themed rides and attractions for the whole family.

Day Trip to Point Pleasant Beach and Jenkinson's Boardwalk

Point Pleasant boasts a beautiful beach, an action-packed boardwalk, and plenty of rides for little...

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.

New Jersey's most thrilling water park, Hurricane Harbor, reopens to the public July 23.

Best Water Theme Parks Near NYC for Families in 2020

Beat the heat wave with these 10 family-friendly water parks less than two hours away.

Small sprinklers for small kids make for a fun day of water exploration at Sahara Sam's.

Best Water Parks for Toddlers Near NYC

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

Playland Park: Old-Fashioned Amusement Park Fun in Rye

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

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.

Camels in Florida? Who knew. Photo courtesy of Giraffe Ranch

75 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Other than Theme Parks

Unique adventures and hardly any lines. Great times await.

Great Wolf Lodge is filled with water slides your kids will adore, and the resort now offers day passes.

Indoor Water Parks Open Now for a Warm Getaway Near NYC

Enjoy a perfect beach day in any season with a trip to 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...

Best of Asbury Park Beach and Boardwalk for Kids and Families

You'll definitely want to put this classic beach spot on your summer to-do list.

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.

Teens can go all day without that theme park meltdown!

Orlando with Teens: Top 15 Things to Do at the Theme Parks and Beyond

I used to think of Orlando as a destination for little kids, but I discovered Orlando is even...

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

New Amusement Park Rides Coming to the Tristate Area for Summer 2021

We've got a sneak peek of the thrilling new rides coming to area theme parks. 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

Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is the first Coney Island amusement park to announce its reopening date. Photo courtesy of the park

Rides Return to Coney Island With Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and Luna Park Opening

Here's when you can climb aboard the Wonder Wheel and more boardwalk rides. READ MORE

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

Adventure Parks, Zip Lines, and Ropes Courses Near NYC

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

Test your skills at Bryant Park's pair of pingpong tables. Photo by Angelito Jusay

15 Best Places for Family Playtime in NYC

From board games to batting cages here are the best ways for NYC families to play together. 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

Great Wolf Lodge is filled with water slides your kids will adore, and the resort now offers day passes.

Indoor Water Parks Open Now for a Warm Getaway Near NYC

Enjoy a perfect beach day in any season with a trip to one of these nearby water parks. READ MORE

New England

(Pre-pandemic photo) Rudy’s Rapid Transit Roller Coaster delivers crazy fun. Photo courtesy of Santa’s Village

8 New England Theme Parks That Are Great for Families

With some tame options for tykes and big-time thrills for bigger kids, these New England amusement...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

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

Camels in Florida? Who knew. Photo courtesy of Giraffe Ranch

75 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Other than Theme Parks

Unique adventures and hardly any lines. Great times await. 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

Teens can go all day without that theme park meltdown!

Orlando with Teens: Top 15 Things to Do at the Theme Parks and Beyond

I used to think of Orlando as a destination for little kids, but I discovered Orlando is even...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 opening...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

Best Amusement Parks Near NYC Reachable by Public Transportation

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

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

Adventure Parks, Zip Lines, and Ropes Courses Near NYC

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

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

Rides Return to Coney Island With Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and Luna Park Opening

Here's when you can climb aboard the Wonder Wheel and more boardwalk rides. READ MORE

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

Theme & Water Parks