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One of two wave pools, Kahuna Bay caters to seasoned wave jumpers.

Planning Your Family's Visit to Splish Splash

Splish Splash is a seasonal water park that gets very popular—and crowded during hot summer days! We visited Splish Splash in early July, and our longest wait for a ride was about 30 minutes. If that's too much for your crew, guests can purchase an H2GO Pass, which allows you to schedule ride times using kiosks throughout the park—similar to a Disney Fast Pass.

The best way to beat the lines fee-free, though, is by visiting the top attractions when the park opens or in the late afternoon.

Ticket prices vary by the day, with your most budget-friendly option being on weekdays. You can expect to pay different prices for adults and children. You'll save money by purchasing online in advance, or you can check with your local library to score admission discounts.

Once inside, the entire park is cashless. Guests must use a credit card or digital wallet for purchases.

While you can attempt to lug your items around the park, know that lockers are plentiful, convenient, and available in different sizes. Smaller cubbies are available near all rides and pools to hold shoes and towels. Plastic, waterproof strollers are also available for rent.

We wore our bathing suits and water shoes into the park, then carried a few other items in a tote bag like sunscreen, towels, and a change of clothes. I'd also suggest a waterproof pouch for your phone, keys, and wallet. If you don't have one, you can grab one at the park's on-site trading posts, which also sell a variety of essentials, including water shoes, hats, sunscreen, and more.

No outside food or drinks are allowed in the park—and they do check—but guests are welcome to return to their cars at any time throughout the day. Just be sure to get a hand stamp as you exit.

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Stingray Bay is the brand-new water playground at Splish Splash.

The New Water Playground: A Hit with Young Kids

This 96-acre park boasts several attractions suitable for multi-aged families, but its newest one is Stingray Bay. This water playground is a splash pad designed specifically for kids ages 2-5. Tucked away in its own fenced-in area, there are more than 15 ways to stay cool, including three pint-sized water slides, six interactive sprays, and a giant dumping bucket. Two small steps lead into a shallow pool with the playground at the center.

Colorful Adirondack chairs line the water playground, allowing parents to chill out while the kids cool off. The playground is staffed by a lifeguard for enhanced safety.

Bootlegger's Run is a coaster-style tube ride that packs quite the thrill.

Water Slides and Attractions for All Ages at Splish Splash

Most rides have height and weight restrictions to ensure the safest visit possible, so be sure to check these before your visit. Take note: Splish Splash is a certified autism center, too, and you can visit the park's website for stimulation ratings on touch, sound, taste, and smell at each attraction.

In terms of thrills, each activity is rated at an intensity level from 1-5, and parents quickly learn what their kids can handle. Most of my thrill-seeking park-goers were ready for the larger attractions. First up was Bootlegger's Run, a coaster tube slide that inches your four-person raft uphill before plunging you down thrilling twists and turns.

By far, the most intense slides are Dr. Von Dark's Tunnel of Terror, Alien Invasion, and Dragon's Den, where you speed through pitch-dark funnel tubes and scale gravity-defying vertical walls; let’s just say there was a lot of screaming during those runs. Pro tip: The first three rides I mentioned usually have the longest lines, so plan accordingly!

RELATED: Ultimate Guide to Long Island Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds

Plummet and twist through darkness in the Barrier Reef water rapid ride.

In addition, Max Trax, Riptide Racer, Shotgun Falls, and Barrier Reef offer super-fast, steep thrills, while the Giant Twister provides dizzying loops. If you can withstand the thought of the floor dropping out from underneath you, Bombs Away is your kind of slide. Perched 50 feet in the air, riders drop directly down one of two 300-foot slides.

Tamer rides, such as those at Mammoth River and Dinosaur Falls, provide a more moderate experience, but still up the thrill factor.

While Alien Invasion was our fan fave of the day for thrills, the most unique attraction for us was Hyperlight. Previously known as The Abyss, Hyperlight is now a fully enclosed, multi-sensory tubing experience that includes light and sound. Riders can choose between single or double tubing as the waves of the water flow in sync with the sound waves of the music.

Splish Splash also boasts two huge zero-entry wave pools: the calmer Surf City, and Kahuna Bay for more seasoned wave jumpers. Kids under 48-inches tall must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket—available free of charge throughout the park, or you may bring your own. The wave pools turn on/off in a timed rotation, so there are breaks from the currents.

A float down the 1,300-foot-long Lazy River is a welcome respite from a busy day at Splish Splash.

Besides the aforementioned Stingray Bay, little ones can indulge in several other attractions. Whether they choose to careen down three pint-sized kiddie slides, swing on the giant tentacles in the Octopus Pool, or use water cannons, climbing ropes, and slides at the interactive pirate ship, Pirate's Cove, there's no shortage of attractions.

The 1,300-foot-long Lazy River—one of our favorite lazy rivers in the tri-state—is an all-ages pleaser that lets you catch your breath midday or wind down at the end of your visit.

Food and Dining Options at Splish Splash

There are several dining options, whether you're searching for snacks at Ben's Soft Pretzels to Dippin' Dots, Icee Mix-It-Up, and Funnel Cakes, or want more filling eats at Chicken Coop, Clucks & Hops Wing Bar, or Locos Tacos.

A freestanding Johnny Rockets serves timeless diner classics. End your visit on a sweet note with a stop at Wafels & Dinges for a Belgian waffle sundae at the Funky Pirate park exit.

Cabanas and More Amenities at Splish Splash

While the kids are enjoying the slides and rides, there is ample seating for parents. From benches and shady spots to lounge chairs and Adirondack seating, tired feet can find a respite.

Two new luxury cabanas have opened right in front of the Kahuna Bay wave pool, where guests can find a mix of shade and sun. These make for an excellent option for large groups or birthday parties and join a collection of cabanas throughout the park.

The water park has also added Neon Nights on select evenings this summer. An electric new event under the stars, guests can visit on Friday and Saturday nights through mid-August for an after-dark evening splash session punctuated by DJ-spun tunes and dazzling LED lights in addition to the usual water park fun.

FAQs for Visiting Splish Splash Water Park

Is there shade available at the park? Yes, when Splish Splash was built, developers worked around the existing trees, and it's been a shade-shrouded oasis ever since.

Are changing rooms and restrooms available? Changing rooms are located near the park's main plaza and include shower facilities.

Is there parking available, and how much does it cost? Preferred and regular parking options are available for a flat rate per day. Parking passes start at $30 per day.

Where is Splish Splash water park? Located 75 miles from Midtown Manhattan (exit 72 off the Long Island Expressway), take the west ramp and turn left at the first traffic light onto Splish Splash Drive.

What is Splish Splash water park's operating season? Splish Splash is a seasonal park, generally open weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend through the end of June, then daily in July and August. It closes around Labor Day weekend.

Photos by the author

Originally published in 2015.