Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Don’t forget your sunscreen, snacks, and lots of smiles—and click through to each park's website for the latest hours, safety rules, and tips before heading out.

Why Lazy Rivers are Perfect for Families

Lazy rivers offer the best of both worlds: a chance to unwind for the grown-ups and a super fun time for the kids to splash, float, and laugh their way through slow-flowing currents. Life is fast-paced enough, so ditch high-speed water slides and crowded wave pools this summer in favor of these lazy rivers. Lazy rivers offer a relaxing day out with kids, especially for younger kiddos or parents who prefer a calmer summer swim experience.

Whether you're looking for a family resort with a water park or a water park with rides, these lazy rivers are located within a 2-hour drive from NYC, giving your family the option to enjoy a full day of fun.

Top Lazy Rivers in New Jersey

1. DreamWorks Water Park – East Rutherford

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 30 minutes
Lazy River Highlights: The Bubbly Lazy River is one of the largest indoor lazy rivers in the world. It's themed with DreamWorks characters, like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.
Why Kids Love It: Floating past familiar animated scenes and water features starring favorite movie characters makes this extra magical.
Other Attractions: It's located within the largest indoor water park in North America, which is located within the action-packed American Dream Mall, so there's no shortage of fun things to do here! Explore a water playground, wave pool, body slides, and toddler splash zones.
Amenities: The heated indoor climate is a balmy escape year-round. There's stroller parking, VIP cabanas, and a food court.

2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor New Jersey – Jackson

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 1 1/2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: The Taak-It-Eez-Ee Creek lazy river winds through waterfalls and tropical scenery. This 2,150-foot winding river is perfect for the whole family. Hurricane Harbor is one of the best outdoor water parks near NYC for family fun, so get your swimsuits packed and have a blast!
Why Kids Love It: It’s slow enough for younger kids to enjoy, but has splashes and surprises to keep older ones entertained.
Other Attractions: Blue Lagoon wave pool, Splash Island for toddlers and young kids, and high-speed slides. Located near Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Wild Safari, you can enjoy other thrills here, too.
Amenities: Locker rentals, dining options, stroller, and cabana rentals.

Shallow waters make the lazy river at Mountain Creek perfect for little ones.

3. Mountain Creek Waterpark – Vernon

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 1 1/2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: This scenic lazy river is totally built for kids. The Lost Island River is for those who are 48-inches and shorter.
Why Kids Love It: Plenty of space to float, splash, and it moves at a great slow pace for little ones.
Other Attractions: Wave pool, sprayground, fishing village, water slides for adults and kids
Amenities: Locker rentals, food court, picnic areas. It’s part of the Mountain Creek Resort—great for year-round fun.

RELATED: Best Family Resorts with Water Parks

Ride the currents at Runaway Rapids in Keansburg.

4. Runaway Rapids – Keansburg

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 1 1/2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: A classic winding lazy river with a gentle current.
Why Kids Love It: Relaxing enough for the little ones, but with tons to see as it circles around the larger slides and play areas.
Other Attractions: Kiddie lagoon with nine different interactive play areas, a tipping bucket, and larger water slides.
Amenities: Nearby boardwalk, snack bars, changing areas.

Fun Lazy Rivers in New York for Families

5. Splish Splash Water Park – Calverton

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: The lazy river is calm and scenic, winding through trees and bridges with water sprayers and mini waterfalls.
Why Kids Love It: The splash zones and surprise sprays along the way add fun while still keeping things low-key and relaxed.
Other Attractions: Kiddie pools, pirate-themed play area, tube slides, thrill rides, and a brand-new-in-2025 water playground
Amenities: Picnic areas, food vendors, locker rentals, shaded cabanas

6. Jellystone Park Lazy River – Gardiner

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: This lazy river floats through a wooded campground setting and is ideal for a laid-back nature vibe for the whole family in the Hudson Valley.
Why Kids Love It: Camp-style fun meets splash time with water cannons and plenty of float space.
Other Attractions: Water slides, splash pad, playgrounds, Yogi Bear-themed activities
Amenities: Camping and cabin rentals, snack bar, restrooms, laser tag and family activities galore

Ride the currents through the tropical rain forest on The Kartrite's lazy river.

7. The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark – Monticello

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: This indoor lazy river winds around a lush tropical setting, which makes you feel like you're in the rain forest (without the day-long flight).
Why Kids Love It: Colorful tubes, gentle motion, and views of the indoor water jungle make it a hit with all ages.
Other Attractions: Surf simulator, kids’ activity pools, and themed water slides and rides.
Amenities: On-site food court, family and private cabanas, changing rooms, and hotel lodging. Day passes are available. Pro-tip: It's a cashless resort, so don't worry about stopping by the ATM on your way.

8. SplashDown Beach – Fishkill

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 1 1/2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: Croc Creek Wavy Lazy River is slow-paced, but look out for the erupting geysers and fountains along the way that will cool you off—great for families looking for a mix of chill and thrill.
Why Kids Love It: Small waves and dumping buckets add a sense of adventure.
Other Attractions: Called America's Biggest Little Water Park, find the toddler-friendly Shipwreck Lagoon, water playgrounds, family multi-person raft rides, and plenty of thrilling slides for big kids, too.
Amenities: Plenty of seating space, changing rooms, and family dining areas.

RELATED: A Guide to Visiting Legoland New York with Kids

Ride single or double tubes on The Blue Nile Adventure River, Camelbeach's lazy river.

Top Lazy Rivers in Pennsylvania

9. Camelback Resort – Tannersville

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: In the heart of the Pocono Mountains, you'll find a beautiful, winding lazy river nestled in the mountains. Plus, there's an indoor water park at this resort to enjoy as well!
Why Kids Love It: It’s warm and fun, and they'll love exploring the twists and tunnels along the river.
Other Attractions: Wave pool, kid-friendly slides, multi-level water play zone, summer family events.
Amenities: Indoor lodging, spa, arcade, family restaurants, resort amenities. Day passes are available.

Take a break from the water slide action and wind down the lazy river at Kalahari Resort.

10. Kalahari Resort – Poconos, PA

Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 2 hours
Lazy River Highlights: The lazy river at Kalahari flows past waterfalls, under rope bridges, and around the park’s themed zones.
Why Kids Love It: Navigating under bridges and past mini rapids with their own tubes is just thrilling enough.
Other Attractions: Splashdown Safari and Tiko's Watering Hole for younger kids; wave pool and slides for all ages
Amenities: Indoor and outdoor water parks are available, indoor lodging, dining, spa, family game room, shops.

Make it a Memorable Summer at a Lazy River near NYC

Plan your perfect lazy river day trip—or weekend getaway—now and float your way to summer bliss—no plane ticket required! From kids' water attractions to water parks for kids near NYC, lazy rivers offer just the right balance of fun and calm. Lather on your sunscreen and enjoy the short trip to the long, relaxing, lazy river.

Photos courtesy of the water parks