Usually defined as the area of New York at least 20 miles north of New York City and including small towns like Durham and regions like the Catskills, the upstate New York region includes many tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy amusement parks like the Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom as well as the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.
Opened in 1954 as Story Town USA, The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom is located in the upstate New York community of Queensbury. Featuring six roller coasters, including the Steamin' Demon and the Comet, this amusement park also features the 165-foot high Skycoaster which gives passengers the feeling of sky-diving. In 1995, the Splashwater Kingdom water park was opened to the public and features the Blue Typhoon tube slide. Thrill-seekers can try out the Tornado water ride, which contains a 60-story tall water tunnel to slide down at high speed on a small rubber mat.
The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom
1172 State Route 9
Queensbury, NY 12804
518-792-3500
sixflags.com
The Adirondack Scenic Railroad offers a treat to upstate tourists interested in beautiful scenery. Running on more than 70 miles of railroad tracks, this Utica, New York, attraction allows guests to take their children on special train events such as the Polar Express. Offered annually between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this two-hour long train event lets children interact with actors dressed up as Santa's elves. During this special occasion, departing train stations are festooned with Christmas decorations, and Santa Claus will make an appearance on the Polar Express train.
The Adirondack Scenic Railroad
321 Main St.
Utica, NY 13472
315-724-0700
adirondackrr.com
Situated in the Catskill mountains of upstate New York, the Zoom Flume water park features a riptide cove wave pool that creates up to six-foot waves for guests to ride. The Canyon Plunge Splashdown sends riders plunging from the top of the 300-foot-high enclosed water slide into a waiting swimming pool area. The Lagoon Activity Pool offers smaller children the opportunity to enjoy small waves while swimming in this shallow pool section of the park. The Lazy River ride allows passengers to kick back inside a large floating tube while gently riding the featured man-made waterway until its conclusion.
Zoom Flume
Shady Glen Road
East Durham, NY 12423
800-888-3586
zoomflume.com
