Thinking about hitting a water park this weekend? Whether going to an indoor one where temps are always in the 80s or an outdoor one by the beach in the summer, there are plenty of water parks in NJ where the whole family can have a ball while getting wet. And waterparks work for all ages, especially if you have a gap in your kids’ ages—with toddler play areas, rolling wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides big and small, there’s something for everyone (even adult fun too!) Read on for the best water parks around NJ to take your family. And don’t forget to check out our guide for things to do in New Jersey, too. (featured photo credit: DreamWorks Waterpark at American Dream)
SPONSORED
DreamWorks Water Park in American Dream
Get ready to play the day away—America’s biggest indoor water park is just minutes from Manhattan at American Dream. DreamWorks Water Park has over 40 rides and record-breaking slides, including the world’s largest indoor wave pool and the steepest indoor drop slide. With private waterside cabanas and suites, dining and drink options, and always a perfect 85°—it’s the destination everyone will love, any day of the week! DreamWorks Water Park, minutes from Manhattan, so go ahead and book your reservation today.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07071
Here Are The Best Water Parks In NJ And Surrounding Areas
Outdoor water parks for summer fun
(Note: Unless otherwise indicated, most outdoor parks open Memorial Day weekend.)
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark
Located in the heart of Seaside Heights Boardwalk, this water park puts you smack in the action with gorgeous ocean views. Check out the large and small slides, wave pool, and Interactive Play Area with multiple levels of watery fun, including the 500-gallon Nantucket Bucket that can dump water on you any time. The Revolutionary Wild River is not your ordinary “lazy” river—it’s filled with water cannons, fountains, and bubbles ready to burst when you least expect it. This water park also offers plenty of lockers to keep your belongings safe, private cabanas, changing rooms, a shower area, and concession stands when it’s time for a treat. Try the newer Boston Sea Party with two separate flumes, the “Lexington” and the “Concord,” and when you dry off, head over to the dry rides at Casino Pier.
800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Clementon Park & Splash World
This water park fulfills any family’s need for adventure and classic wet and wild thrills. Kids can explore Shipwreck Bay and Laguna Kahuna, get the blood pumping on Torpedo Rush and Sky River Rapids, or cool down on the Lazy River and Big Wave Bay. When you are ready to grab a towel, head to Clementon Park to experience kid-friendly rides, including the Vintage Carousel, Railway, and Giant Ferris Wheel.
144 Berlin Road, Clementon, NJ 08021
Crystal Springs Family Waterpark
This public park feels like an attraction you’d find at an amusement park, with a recreational pool, lap pool, spray park, kiddie pool, activity pool, family pool, lazy river, and water slides. You can make a day of it, since a family-friendly concession stand sells food and pool accessories such as sunscreen, goggles, and more. While you won’t find a lot of chairs, there are grills and picnic tables, and you can always bring your own beach chairs to lounge.
380 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Diggerland – The Water Main
Kids will love playing on the construction-themed splash pads, shooting hoops at the in-pool basketball area, going on water slides, doing a swim vortex, and so much more. Experience Rip Rap Run, where you can splash through different obstacles, the splash playground Jackhammer Bay, or take an exciting ride down The Pipeline. And don’t miss their wave pool with waves up to 4 feet high and 52-foot slide towers with three unique slides. Keep an eye out for summer mermaid visits for meet and greets and photo opportunities.
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags
For the latest water park technology and fun, take a ride to Jackson and visit Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great Adventure. Caribbean Cove is an adventure oasis with multiple water features and slides. Climb seven stories and jump into the Tornado, a water ride unlike any other (with a “maximum” Six Flags thrill rating). Hurricane Harbor also has family rides, like The Big Bambu and Reef Runner, where you all pile onto a raft and then brace for the six-foot plunge. Other rides include The Winds with Boreas, Eurus, Zephyrus, and Nortus—all four high-speed tube slides for maximum thrills. When you’re ready to mellow out, hang out at The Blue Lagoon wave pool. Look out for the newer Splash Island with a new tree-house play structure, 14 new slides for kids, added rental cabanas, more shade, and freshened-up dining options.
1 Six Flags Boulevard at Route 537, Jackson, NJ 08527
Land of Make Believe & Pirate’s Cove
A visit to Pirate’s Cove is the perfect way to cool off during a trip to the Land of Make Believe family amusement park. Children will love the life-size Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship, where they can find the waterslides on board or explore Blackbeard’s Pirate Fort before getting dumped with a giant 1,000-gallon bucket. Littles will enjoy splashing around at the Pirates’ Cove Wading Pool, America’s largest wading pool. And together, families can have a river tubing experience down Blackbeard’s Action River Ride. But don’t think Pirate’s Cove is all tame—the Sidewinder features an unbelievably steep four-story drop and is the only slide of its kind in the tri-state area.
354 Great Meadows Road (Route 611), Hope, NJ 07844
LEGOLAND® New York Resort Water Playground
Crash, splash, and slide into this oasis with waterslides, a cascading splash with 318 gallons of water, and a build-your-own LEGO boat to float and race. When you dry off, you can visit seven areas of bricktastic fun with everything from Merlin’s Flying Machines to the Brick Party Carousel. And if you want to keep the fun going, you can stay overnight in the LEGOLAND® New York Resort Hotel with LEGO®-themed rooms. The water playground is available by reservation only.
1 Legoland Boulevard., Goshen, NY 10924
Mountain Creek Water Park
One of New Jersey’s most coveted destinations for active families, Mountain Creek uses its location to its advantage, making it an excellent vertical park full of exciting features. The Zero-G enclosed waterslide stands 100 feet tall and sends guests plummeting through a trap door and completing two full loops before splashing down at the bottom. Go white water rafting on the Colorado River Rapids—an adventurous ride through the natural Mountain Creek environment. This water park is all about action and adventure, but there is also tons to do for kids, including the Sprayground, Fishing Village, and the Lost Island River for those not ready for the bigger thrills. When you’re ready for a break, there are poolside snack bars, cabanas (fitting up to 8 guests), lockers to keep valuables safe, and a nearby hotel.
200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
OC Waterpark
OC Waterpark is one of New Jersey’s beloved beachside water parks on the boardwalk. In addition to the popular spiraling, plunging, and speeding water slides, there’s a water playground where little ones can explore the pirate ship, climb the lighthouse, and play under raining palm trees. Older kids will love Adventure Peak, a 35-foot climbing wall with five challenges at the top. This water park also offers multiple slides for all ages, a mini-golf course, a lazy river, and many places for toddlers.
728 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08826
Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club at Morey’s Piers
At the end of Surfside Pier at Morey’s Piers is a waterpark filled with buckets of fun. Drop five stories in three seconds on the Cliff Dive. Race five friends in WipeOut!, a six-lane slope slide with 12,000 gallons of water circulating through it daily. If you are kid-free, hit the Water Lilies Swim Up Bar, or take the littles to The Activity Pool, The Puddle, or the action-packed Bonsai Beach. Cabana and locker rentals are also available.
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Raging Waters Water Park at Morey’s Piers
This South Jersey water haven has been a favorite family fun destination for decades, as no two visits to this water park ever seem to be the same. You’ll find speed slides, river adventures, an interactive pirate ship, forts, body slides, fountain pools, rope swings, and family activity pools. Because the layout of Raging Waters is a dynamic, multi-leveled design, kids feel like they’re playing in a tropical paradise. The giant lazy river twists and turns throughout the entire pier, allowing for fun views of every ride and activity from the comfort of your inner tube.
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Runaway Rapids at Keansburg Amusement Park
Runaway Rapids is an exciting family waterpark on the Boardwalk of Keansburg’s Amusement Park. Kids can explore interactive play areas while encountering numerous fun water features. Get showered by the Water Mushroom, swing high from a rope before plunging into a pool with Nestea Plunge, or test your coordination on the Moon Walk. Runaway Rapids has plenty of other watery attractions, from their Lazy River to their Tipping Bucket & Bridge to many more laid-back swim areas like the Toddler’s Reef. They have multiple in-park snack bars, lockers, changing rooms, and picnic pavilions, and they offer a group-rate food package if you’re bringing the whole family along. Don’t want to get wet? They offer a Dry Spectator Ticket option as well.
275 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg, NJ 07734
Sesame Place
If you’re heading to the amusement park, pack a swimsuit to spend time at this water park with younger kids in mind. Ease on down Big Bird’s Rambling River, let loose in Bert and Ernie’s Splashy Shores, or get splashed with a 1,000-gallon bucket of water at The Count’s Splash Castle. Your littles will love Elmo’s Silly Splashy Slides and Abby’s Fairy Falls. It’s the perfect respite on a hot day when you’ve had your fill of the amusement rides.
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
Splash Zone Waterpark
This Wildwood water park will keep you cool on a hot summer day. When the bell sounds, watch out for the 1,000-gallon water bucket as it tips, making a splash in Giggle Bay. Or take the Beast of the East, a five-person raft ride, or the totally enclosed Midnight Run tube slide. The little ones can cool off in the Zoe Zone, designed for infants and toddlers. There are also cabana rentals, such as the Flow Bar, or you can grab a bite at The Zone Grill.
3500 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
The Splashplex-East Hanover
An extension of the Funplex, the action turns wet outside during the summer at their water park. Thrill-seekers can plunge down speedy waterslides, enclosed tube slides, open tube slides, and body slides. While the kids take water fun to the next level, parents can hang out at the cabanas for a resort-like experience. When your crew is ready to take it down a notch, the whole family can relax together while floating down the lazy river or swimming in the infinity pool.
182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936
The Splashplex- Mount Laurel
Like the one in East Hanover, this water park has varying levels of slides, an activity pool, a cafe, bowling, amusement rides, and a picnic pavilion next to its indoor amusement park. Recently, five new slides have been added, doubling the size of this water park in NJ.
3320 NJ-38, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054
Thundering Surf
Celebrating over 45 years of creating family memories, Thundering Surf has multiple slides, a lazy, crazy river, a surfing simulator, and areas for younger kids, including an interactive splash park. Families can float down the river with water activities, experience tube water slides, or sunbathe on the family sundeck. You can also rent one of the cabanas to create a space for your family to set up camp, with lounge chairs, deck chairs, tables, a complimentary locker, and complimentary water bottles. This is definitely one of those water parks in NJ that you won’t want to miss.
Bay & Taylor Avenues, Long Beach Island, NJ 08008
Tomahawk Lake Water Park
Tomahawk Lake Water Park is within a 20-acre lake and is celebrating its 73rd year. Take the Crazy Horse Run, Apache Plunge, or the serpentine body slide known as the Sitting Bull. Or plunge down the Geronimo coaster ride, or on a single or double tube on the Black Snake. After an afternoon of waterpark fun, check out the 18-hole golf course, volleyball area, and old-fashioned picnic area with more than 800 tables.
155 Tomahawk Trail, Sparta Township, NJ 07871
Indoor waterparks for any time of year
American Dream DreamWorks Water Park
Located inside American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ, this is the largest indoor water park in North America, and being inside means it’s on, whether rainy or chilly, temps. Head to the slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools—and when your kids have had their fill (or their skin starts to wrinkle), you can hit the restaurants, mini-golf courses, aquarium, and an indoor skiing slope (because this being American Dream, you can ski in even 100-degree heat). Staying a while? The DreamWorks Water Park also offers poolside cabanas for guests to kick their shoes off and get comfortable, as well as Sky Box Suites, which offer luxury amenities like designer décor, flat-screen television, a private changing room, and beverage service.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Aquatopia at Camelback Mountain
With 13 water slides, you can’t go wrong with a family vacation at the Camelback Resort. The Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is open year-round and allows you to enjoy 84-degree water in the middle of winter. Don’t miss the indoor cabanas, VIP Seating, and interactive toddler area. Check out their Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark when the weather turns hot, with thrill-seeking rides and a wave pool boasting the Pocono Mountains in the background.
193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372
Big Kahuna’s
With its tropical theme and indoor and outdoor parks, Big Kahuna is a “must” for families year-round. This impressive space feels like an underwater fantasyland, with the winding Tiki Tides lazy river wrapping around activities, including the Little Lizard Landing adventure playland, Komodo Crossing obstacle course, Aqua Arena water basketball court, and The Flow Rider, an indoor surfing simulator. Big Kahuna’s has plenty of outdoor fun too—the Tidal Waves wave pool, Hibiscus Bay, and Little Kahuna Lagoon are just some fun-in-the-sun activities—and you’ll find amenities for a full-day stay like VIP Cabanas, an island-themed cafe, and an arcade.
535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Great Wolf Lodge
Gear up to get wet at this popular resort with a Western feel and lots to entertain the whole family for a weekend. Cool off at the interactive four-story water fort treehouse with slides and toys. Float away in the Crooked Creek, try the tandem tube ride at Alberta Falls, or take a 40-foot drop at Coyote Cannon and then relax in the family hot tubs (or the adults-only one for the two of you). Kids will also love the “dry” activities, where they can wave a wand on a Magiquest Adventure, go mining for gemstones, go bowling, play indoor glow golf, or visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Suites are roomy enough for families, and dining is family-focused, with many allergy-friendly menu options. Don’t miss out on their Maryland location, too.
1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA 18355
H2O Indoor Water Park at Split Rock Resort
Rain, snow, sleet, or freezing temps won’t stop your family from enjoying indoor water park fun at Split Rock Resort. With over 50,000 square feet of water attractions, your family can hop around to four-story slides, a wave pool, Leaping Lizards, and everyone’s favorite, the dumping bucket. Don’t miss a ride on Pennsylvania’s Komodo Dragon to surf and test your balancing skills. There is also a hotel, golf course, and dining facility on-site.
428 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony, PA 18624
Island Waterpark
The largest indoor/outdoor beachfront water park in the United States is open at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City. Island Waterpark has everything from waterslides to lazy rivers, restaurants, pools, and even outlet shops. How many water parks in NJ can you say will feature a 100,000 square-foot retractable glass-pane roof to make it a year-round family-friendly spot? With 11 slides, a 10,300 square-foot splash pad, and even a surf simulator pool, there’s no shortage of fun. There’s even an adult-only zone that serves up island-themed cocktails at a swim-up bar.
801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
You will find indoor and outdoor water fun at this location of Kalahari. The resort’s centerpiece is the indoor waterpark filled with over 220,000 square feet of thrills—twist down the Barreling Baboon slide, race your kids down the slide with the Cheetah Racers, or test your balance on the Flowrider and practice your bodyboarding and surfing skills. If you want more, hang out in the Lazy River, let the kiddos frolic in Coral Cove, or sign up to become a mermaid for the day. Suites go up to five bedrooms, and Kalahari makes sure there’s plenty for parents to do as well, including a spa and signature restaurants offering gourmet fare and artisan cocktails.
250 Kalahari Boulevard., Pocono Manor, PA 18349
Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Welcome to the biggest indoor water park in NY with state-of-the-art features and a luxury lodge experience. It’s always a balmy 84 degrees inside, thanks to the transparent roof that lets the sun peek inside and holds the heat. So, while you’re floating along the lazy river fringed with palm trees and lush vegetation, you’ll have views of the majestic Catskill Mountains steps away (and miles of hiking trails you can easily access from the resort). Take a spin down the Krakken water slide, try the thrilling Nor’Easter, or race your family on the Jiggerty-Jaggerty. The kids will flock to the Later Gator Crossing, the Cannon-Ballers, or the little ones will love the Puddle Ducks. Besides the water park action, you can find luxe suites, family fun adventures, and many great dining choices on site.
555 Resorts World Drive, Monticello, NY 12701
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
