Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide in 2020 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New York City with Kids

The world's first DreamWorks Animation-themed water park opens this month at American Dream!

North America's Largest Indoor Water Park Opens Near NYC This March

The water park at NJ's American Dream mega mall will feature 40 water slides and a major wave pool.

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.

Catch a thrill on the Turbulence ride at Adventureland. Photo courtesy of the park

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.

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.

Visitors to the new Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be able to fly beyond the grounds of Hogwarts Castle at Universals Harry Potter World. Courtesy Universal Orlando Resort

Star Wars, Potter, and More New Theme Park Rides at Disney and Beyond

New roller coasters, kiddie rides, and splash zones await this spring and summer.

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.

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.

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...

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.

50 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Other Than Theme Parks

Unique adventures and no lines: get ready to forgo the theme park ticket and experience the real...

The Kartrite indoor water park, located in the Catskills, is home to 80,000 square feet of rides, slides, and pools. Photo courtesy of the Kartrite

9 Indoor Water Parks Perfect for a Warm Getaway Near NYC

Most indoor parks keep temperatures at a hot-and-humid 85 degrees, creating a perfect beach day in...

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.

Diggerland: A New Jersey Theme Park for Construction-Loving Kids

Builders big and small will "dig" this construction-themed NJ amusement park.

9 Must-See Dinosaur Theme Parks and Attractions for Kids

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

Star Wars Day at Sea Aboard the Disney Fantasy: Could a Cruise Be Any Better?

When they’re in the Caribbean with Mickey and Princess Leia, these are the droids you’re looking...

Beauty and the Beast Aboard the Disney Dream: Cruising the Caribbean with Belle

This new stage spectacular invites us to put Disney Cruise Lines to the test.

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

The grand-daddy of all the thrill rides at The Kartrite, the Nor’easter will take you and 3 others on the ride of a lifetime. Rendering courtesy of the Kartrite

What's New for 2019 at Luna Park, Six Flags, Sesame Place, Hershey, and Theme Parks Near NYC

There's lots of new fun for 2019 at Coney, Hershey, Sesame, and Six Flags.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

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

Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

Manhattan's only outdoor amusement park opens Memorial Day weekend.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

Enjoy mini-golf in the shadow of the rockets at the New York Hall of Science. Photo by David Handschuh/courtesy of NY Hall of Science.

Best Places for Family Playtime in NYC

From board games to batting cages and even cooking classes, we've found the best ways for NYC...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

The Kartrite indoor water park, located in the Catskills, is home to 80,000 square feet of rides, slides, and pools. Photo courtesy of the Kartrite

9 Indoor Water Parks Perfect for a Warm Getaway Near NYC

Most indoor parks keep temperatures at a hot-and-humid 85 degrees, creating a perfect beach day in...READ MORE

New England

Rudy’s Rapid Transit Roller Coaster delivers crazy fun. Photo courtesy of Santa’s Village

8 Great Theme Parks For Families in New England

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

50 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Other Than Theme Parks

Unique adventures and no lines: get ready to forgo the theme park ticket and experience the real...READ MORE

Photo courtesy of Legoland

Why Legoland Is My Favorite SoCal Theme Park

This family park in Carlsbad offers at least as much as the mouse and the wizard.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

Adventure Parks, Zip Lines, and Ropes Courses Near NYC

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

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. READ MORE

NJ Amusement Parks, Water Parks, and Playgrounds Allowed to Reopen

Reopenings are scheduled for just ahead of the July 4th holiday.READ MORE

Florida Reopening: Theme Parks, Beaches, and Water Parks Open Now

From theme parks to resorts, the Sunshine State is welcoming tourists again.READ MORE

From Disney to SeaWorld, Orlando Theme Parks Are Reopening Soon

Be the hero of summer vacation by planning a trip to these reopened Orlando theme parks.READ MORE

The Six Flags Great Adventure Safari Drive-Thru Returns in All Its 1970s Glory

Get ready to take the family car on a safari, through lions and tigers and baboons! READ MORE