The Big Apple and its flashy city lights may not be on the top of your mind for water park fun in the sun. However, outside the immediate area of New York City, the state has a select set of water parks that also provide overnight lodging options so guests can play and stay.
Located between Saratoga Springs and Lake George, in the Adirondack Mountains, this one-stop vacation destination boasts White Water Bay, a 38,000-square-foot indoor water park facility with nine white water attractions and warm 80 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures all year round. On-site traditional family lodging includes 200 guest suites, with 20 of the suites accommodating anywhere from eight to 12 guests, as the rooms are equipped with multiple beds, bunk beds and a sofa-sleeper. In each of the suites, there’s a microwave, mini refrigerator, cable TV and high-speed Internet for guests’ convenience. After a full day of water fun, four dining options are available including Johnny Rockets for classic favorites like hamburgers and malts, Johnny Rockets Sports Lounge for game day action, Tall Tales that comes with a view of White Water Bay and Birch Bark Grill in the water park.
The northern Catskill Mountains are home to Zoom Flume, located approximately two hours from New York City. The seasonal water park attracts all ages with its twisting water slides, such as the Mighty Anaconda, along with the 600-foot Wild River Ride chute and the scary-fun splashes found in Black Vortex’s darkness. The younger set can play in the Lagoon Activity Pool or the Pelican Pond, while the non-risk takers can relax with a float down the Lazy River. The park’s Cliffside restaurant and bar offers good views and day time refreshments and sustenance. While Zoom Flume does not have on-site lodging available, the facility features a host of nearby lodging options, offering stay-and-play deals at such adjacent accommodations as The Country Place Resort, where packages include rooms, meals and unlimited admission to the water park.
Also serving up some significant stay-and-play packages is the Enchanted Forest/Water Safari, situated in the Adirondack State Park. The seasonal facility is a water theme park with attractions that run the gamut from an amusement park with classic rides and 32 wet and wild water adventures to twice-daily circus shows, games, food and even a Sky Ride chairlift with all-encompassing views of the Adirondacks. When combined with tickets to the water park, discounted lodging options include the Old Forge Camping Resort, with camping cabins or RV and tent sites, as well as the Water’s Edge Inn with more standard rooms and suites available.
