These indoor water parks near NYC are perfect for weather-proof fun
A cold, rainy or crazy hot day doesn’t mean you have to scrap plans with the kids. They can still have plenty of energy-burning fun at a slew of indoor activities for kids around the city. From bowling and laser tag to indoor amusement parks, there’s no shortage of weather-proof fun. But for a year-round taste of summer, there’s nothing better than an indoor water park. Kids can splash around, zoom down water slides and have an all-around good time regardless of the weather. These indoor water parks near NYC are an easy day trip—or excellent weekend adventure—and fun for the whole family. Whether it’s the dead of winter or a scorching summer, head to one of these indoor water parks for some serious splashy fun, no sunscreen required.
Travel time: 30 minutes by car, bus or ferry and shuttle
From the world's biggest wave pool to its high-speed body spiral slide, Mad Flush, the DreamWorks Water Park will thrill and refresh you. Set at a balmy 81 degrees, the water park is an oasis in itself with cabanas you can rent a lazy river you can relax in and more. Bring a change of clothes if you plan on going to Big Snow or the Dreamworks Water Park. There are lockers available at both experiences.
Travel time: 2 hours and 20 minutes by car
Camelback Resort is the ultimate winter wonderland twofer: you can hit the slopes and tubing park for snowy fun outdoors, or splash around in the massive indoor waterpark for some tropical fun. The water park is complete with tube slides, the adventurous Venus Slydetrap, the gnarly Bombora Flowrider—it's worth the hype, and a nice change of pace from chillier activities. Soak up the 84-degree temperature as kids choose which one of the 13 slides suits their needs. There's also a lazy river for those who want to take things slow. If you have tots in tow, not to worry—kiddie slides are at the ready. Good news for moms and dads: In the off-chance the youngsters allow for a bit of alone time, grab a cocktail at the swim-up bar.
Travel time: 2 hours by car
The Great Wolf Lodge is jam-packed with family fun, including an arcade, bowling alley, storytimes and so much more. But the real reason to go to the hotel in the winter is for the water park—admission is included in the price of your room. Enjoy 79,000 square-feet of swimming, splashing and sliding. The Hydro Plunge will give you rollercoaster-like thrills, while Coyote Canyon includes a water slide with a four-story-tall drop. The Raccoon Lagoon activity is for those who would rather embrace a leisurely pace. Grownups will enjoy a pitstop at the adults-only North Hot Springs and South Hot Springs.
Travel time: 2 hours and 15 minutes by car
Big Kahuna's does it all, an amusement park with a ginormous indoor water park—and plenty of outdoor water activities during the balmier months. Float along the lazy river and catch waves on the FlowRider surfing simulator at the indoor splash center. There's an arcade room as well, for waterlogged littles to keep the party going.
Travel time: 2 hours by car
This indoor Amazon claims to be the largest indoor water park in the United States, with 220,000 square feet of "wet, wild fun." boasts uniquely thrilling aquatic adventures. Bodyboard or surf 5-foot waves all day every day on FlowRider, experience the dramatic dips, tumultuous turns and gushing geysers of the Anaconda water roller coaster, zip down the Zimbabwe Zipper at 40mph or simply relax in the lazy river and whirlpool spas. There’s plenty of entertainment for younger kids, including Splashdown Safari—with a slurry of slides, water guns and tons of interactive fun—or Tiko's Watering Hole, which comes complete with a play area, activities, a lazy river and pint-sized slides just for tots! Admission to the water park is included with a stay at the hotel.
Travel time: 2 hours by car
Giddy up, vacationers! After a little bit of snow tubing, you'll want anxious to head indoors for an epic water park adventure. Take a spin on the 250-foot-long gold rush flume, or navigate the Dynamite Alley Water Walk Challenge. Younger kids can splash around in the Fort Geyser Aqua Station. All water park activities are included in the price of your room, which leaves one question: Do you have your towels and goggles ready?
Travel time: 3 hours by car
With Six Flags, you're guaranteed an adventure, whether you're inside or outside. Thanks to its White Water Bay water park, visitors can enjoy Tall Timbres Treehouse with over 160 wet 'n wild play features, white water rafting and a spectacular light show right in the middle of the 82-degree venue. Plan an overnight visit to get free passes to the water park.
Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes by car
H2Oooohh! has three four-story-tall slides as a part of the 50,000 square-foot water park at Split Rock Resort. There's a little bit of everything, and the attraction's features are perfect for families with kids 12 and under.
Travel time: 2 hours by car
A short drive to New Jersey will transport you to a memorable family getaway. If you’re feeling brave, you can barrel your way through the enclosed winding darkness of Barracuda Blast, or venture to the chill-inducing Shark Slam, a 4-story-high slide that will whip you through 300 feet of wet n’ wild fun. For a little friendly competition, try the Lily Pad Adventure, a challenging activity pool for kids and adults alike. And for the wee bunch, the Dip-In offers entertainment of miniature proportions: hours of fun for the tiniest guests, with a foot deep wading pool overlooking the park, complete with baby slides and even a little bungee!
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