If you’re planning a day trip or vacation to the Jersey Shore, make sure to include a visit to one of the many fantastic water parks. The New Jersey shoreline boasts a range of parks offering fun for all ages, from adrenaline-pumping slides to relaxing lazy rivers. Here are some top water park picks to check out.
Thundering Surf, recognized as the longest continuously operating water park in the world since its opening in 1977, has evolved from four concrete slides to an impressive lineup of six tube slides and a mat-racing slide. Located in Beach Haven, this family-friendly park features the Lazy, Crazy River, which alternates between a serene float and an exciting ride with two-foot waves every 60 seconds. Thrill-seekers can race at Rainbow Rapids, which boasts four mat-racing lanes, or practice bodyboarding at the Flow Rider Double. Younger visitors will love the Cowabunga Kids area, complete with slides, tipping buckets, and water pumps, while toddlers can enjoy a designated area with foam slides and floor jets. With amenities like locker and cabana rentals, as well as three concession stands, Thundering Surf makes it easy for families to spend the day in comfort. Cabanas, accommodating up to eight people, offer lounge chairs, tables, complimentary water bottles, and waitress service for a more relaxing experience. Celebrating over 45 years of family fun, Thundering Surf is a must-visit water park that promises to exceed expectations. Open during the warmer months, it’s a fantastic destination for creating lasting memories. Visit at Bay & Taylor Avenues, Long Beach Island, NJ 08008. For more information, call 609-492-0869.
Raging Waters, one of the two water parks at Morey’s Piers on the Wildwood boardwalk, offers a thrilling array of attractions for the whole family. Guests can race down the 40-foot speed slides, navigate the Rocket Raft Run with friends, or take a thrilling six-foot drop at Shotgun Falls. For a more leisurely experience, the Sky Pond Journey allows you to glide through four elevated pools on a tube. The park also features a giant lazy river adorned with geysers, waterfalls, and a grotto, as well as a massive activity pool, a fountain pool, a rope swing, and a fun pirate ship playground. Many past visitors have praised the park for its excellent options for younger children and the quality of its food. For those seeking relaxation, private cabana rentals offer a shaded retreat with food and beverage service (though food costs are additional). Raging Waters is only open during the summer months, and admission grants access to both of Morey’s Piers Water Parks: Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis. With its dynamic, multi-leveled design and tropical paradise feel, this South Jersey water haven has been a beloved family destination for decades, ensuring that no two visits are ever the same. Enjoy views of the rides while floating along the winding lazy river! Visit at 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260.
Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club, the second water park at Morey’s Piers, offers a unique array of attractions that complement those found at Raging Waters. Here, you can experience the thrill of the Cliff Dive, which drops five stories in just three seconds, or race friends on the exciting six-lane Wipeout! slide. Families will appreciate the wading pool and Bonsai Beach, an engaging playground filled with water jets, climbing ropes, and slides designed for younger guests. For adults seeking a more tranquil experience, the Hot Springs Spa and Water Lilies Swim Up Bar provide a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a drink. Cabanas are available for those wanting private seating with shade and food service. Many past visitors have noted that Ocean Oasis, serves as a fantastic alternative to the beach for all ages. Located at the end of Surfside Pier at Morey’s Piers, this water park promises a day filled with fun and excitement! Visit at 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260.
Located on the Wildwood boardwalk, Splash Zone Waterpark is one of the premier water parks at the Jersey Shore, offering a variety of attractions for all ages. Thrill-seekers can enjoy high-velocity slides, tube slides, and the exciting FlowRider surfing experience, while those looking for a more relaxed pace can drift along the lazy river or navigate the whitewater rapids. Families with young children will love Hurricane Island, a massive multilevel play structure featuring climbing nets, slides, and interactive water features, including a giant 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Smaller kids can splash around in the dedicated splash pad and short slides. For a bit of downtime, consider renting a cabana, which accommodates up to eight people and includes amenities like Wi-Fi, a fan, a charging station, and reserved parking. Although the park isn’t extensive, it offers more than ten attractions with stunning beachfront views, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled day. Refreshments are available at the park’s bar and two restaurants, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone. Remember, Splash Zone is open only during the warmer months, so plan your visit accordingly! For more information, call 609-729-5600.
Located on a pier in Seaside Heights, Breakwater Beach is a lively water park featuring over a dozen attractions perfect for guests of all ages. Thrill-seekers can race friends on the Patriot’s Plunge, navigate high-speed twists on Revere’s Wild Ride, or enjoy a relaxing tube ride with a buddy on the Minuteman Express. The park also boasts a lazy river, a wave pool, and hot tubs next to a bar, along with a thrilling 50-foot vertical slide that has a trap door. For younger children, Lighthouse Cove offers kiddie slides and a multilevel playground highlighted by the 800-gallon Nantucket Bucket that dumps water at random. Visitors consistently praise the park for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. For those seeking a more private experience, cabana rentals include lounge chairs, lockers, and wait service. Admission to Breakwater Beach is separate from the Casino Pier amusement park, which operates on a credit system for rides rather than a single day pass. Situated in the heart of the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, the water park provides stunning ocean views and a variety of fun features, including the interactive Revolutionary Wild River, packed with water cannons and fountains. With plenty of lockers, changing rooms, showers, and concession stands, Breakwater Beach is ready for a summer of fun. Don’t miss the new Boston Sea Party with two flumes for 2024! Visit at 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751.
Runaway Rapids, part of Keansburg Amusement Park, is an exciting family water park featuring over two dozen attractions perfect for swimmers of all ages. Guests can enjoy a variety of water slides, a lazy river, a tipping bucket, and fun interactive play areas for kids. Little ones will delight in short slides, a splash pool, and engaging features like the Water Mushroom and the Nestea Plunge, where they can swing from a rope before diving in. For relaxation, the heated spa pool at Lost Lagoon and the warming pool in Comfort Cove offer perfect retreats. Visitors appreciate the park as a refreshing break from the amusement rides, although it’s important to note that admission to Runaway Rapids is separate from the amusement park and is only available from late May through early September. With multiple in-park snack bars, lockers, changing rooms, and picnic pavilions, the park is well-equipped for a family outing. For those who prefer to stay dry, a Dry Spectator Ticket option is also available. Enjoy a fun-filled day at 275 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg, NJ 07734!
OC Waterpark, located on the Ocean City boardwalk, is a beloved beachfront destination featuring a variety of attractions for both kids and adults. Young adventurers can explore the pirate-themed Lil’ Buc’s Bay playground, which includes a pirate ship and water features, while older guests can tackle the twists and turns of the Serpentine Body Slide or take a thrilling leap from the Splashdown slide. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the lazy river offers a relaxing float, and the Sky Pond Journey leads to a unique pond hovering above it. Adventurous visitors can also try OC Air Jumpers, launching 25 feet into the air, or scale the 35-foot OC Adventure Peak climbing wall, which presents five exciting challenges. While the park is designed with families in mind, making it perfect for kids, past visitors have noted that there are fewer attractions for adults seeking solo fun. Open from late June through Labor Day, OC Waterpark combines thrilling slides, a water playground, mini-golf, and plenty of toddler-friendly options, making it a fantastic summer getaway. Visit at 728 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08826.
Though it’s not directly on the Jersey Shore, The Land of Make Believe, an amusement park in Hope, boasts a fantastic pirate-themed water park that many visitors consider the highlight of their trip. Pirate’s Cove offers attractions for all ages, including the thrilling Pirate’s Plunge where you can walk the plank, and the exhilarating dual slides of Pirate’s Escape and Pirate’s Revenge for racing friends. Families will enjoy the life-size Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship, complete with waterslides, and the 1,000-gallon dumping bucket at Blackbeard’s Pirate Fort. Little ones can splash around in America’s largest wading pool, while everyone can float down the fun-filled Blackbeard’s Action River Ride. For those seeking a thrill, the Sidewinder features an impressive four-story drop, making it the only slide of its kind in the tri-state area. Admission to the water park is included with the amusement park ticket, but keep in mind that the Land of Make Believe is open weekends from Memorial Day to the third week of June, and daily until Labor Day. For a perfect summer outing, make sure to visit Pirate’s Cove! Located at 354 Great Meadows Road (Route 611), Hope, NJ 07844.
A new addition to the Jersey Shore lineup, Island Waterpark at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City is the largest indoor/outdoor beachfront water park in the U.S. Featuring a unique 100,000 square-foot retractable glass-pane roof, it offers year-round fun for families. With 11 waterslides, a lazy river, a 10,300 square-foot splash pad, and a surf simulator pool, there’s plenty to enjoy. Adults can unwind in the Paradise Island area, which includes a dedicated pool and swim-up lounge. The park also boasts four restaurants, three bars, and a large arcade. While day passes are available, many guests choose to stay at the connected Showboat Hotel for convenience. Keep in mind that the park is relatively small, and entry fees can be on the higher side. Visit at 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.
While you’re planning your water park adventure, make sure to check the latest Fly Report on Flies on The Beach to ensure a bug-free day at the beach or water park. The site provides real-time updates on fly activity across the Jersey Shore, helping you choose the best location for a fun and hassle-free day.
With so many options along the Jersey Shore, there’s a water park for everyone’s taste. From adrenaline-filled water slides to tranquil lazy rivers, these parks offer the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the summer sun. So, pack your sunscreen, plan your trip, and don’t forget to check out the Fly Report for the ultimate water park experience.
Website by the Prager Microsystems, Inc. Digital Marketing Agency | ADA Compliance | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use