Courtesy of Mountain Creek Resort
[MORE: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in New Jersey]
Water parks and summer go hand in hand. Fortunately, New Jersey is home to plenty of wet-and-wild parks—but none splashier than the new DreamWorks Water Park, located inside the American Dream megamall in East Rutherford. Numerous other water parks operate within larger theme parks at the Shore and around the state. Here’s a selection of water parks that flow their own way.
Mountain Creek Waterpark
Vernon
At the site of the infamous Action Park, this water park (a ski resort in the winter) features five waterslides, a wave pool, cliff jumping and more—and all with a reputation for safety. Lockers and cabanas are available to rent. Refreshments can be purchased from the park’s two concession stands.
200 Route 94, 973-827-2000
Tomahawk Lake Water Park
Sparta
Reopening in 2021, this rural park is designed to please adults and kids of all ages. Zip down seven waterslides or cruise the lake on watercraft ranging from rowboats to a 20-person paddle wheeler. Swim or wade off the white sand beach, or have a family picnic on the parklike grounds. New for 2021 is Papoose Land, a lakeside play structure for kids 4 feet and under.
155 Tomahawk Trail, 973-398-7777
DreamWorks Water Park/American Dream
East Rutherford
No matter the weather outside, the temperature at DreamWorks Water Park is always a balmy 81 degrees. All year round, enjoy epic attractions like the largest indoor wave pool in North America and waterslides up to 14 stories tall.
1 American Dream Way, 833-263-7326
CoCo Key Water Resort
Mount Laurel
After spending the past year shut down, this popular indoor water park is once again ready to welcome guests. Approximately 150,000 gallons of water are used to power attractions like an aquatic jungle gym, lazy river and nearly 1,000 feet of waterslide action. Also featured: an adults-only indoor/outdoor spa and a wading pool for the little ones. To keep the fun going, book a stay at the adjoining Hotel ML.
915 Route 73, 856-802-3988
Sahara Sam’s
West Berlin
This indoor/outdoor water park offers the best of both worlds—whatever the weather. Inside, there are slides, a lazy river, New Jersey’s only indoor FlowRider surf simulator and more. Outside, enjoy a wave pool, a traditional pool and a playground with water features for the kids. Get your game on in the arcade and have a bite to eat in the full-service café and bar.
535 North Route 73, 856-767-7580
Thundering Surf
Beach Haven, LBI
Said to be the longest continuously operating water park in the world, Thundering Surf opened in 1977 with four concrete slides. That number has grown to six tube slides and one mat-racing slide. The park’s Lazy, Crazy River alternates between a 30-minute Lazy Mode and 20-minute Crazy Mode. Amenities include locker and cabana rentals, as well as three concession stands.
300 Taylor Avenue, 609-492-0869
OC Waterpark
Ocean City
This beachfront water park on the Ocean City boardwalk includes the pirate-themed Lil’ Buc’s Bay playground, three slides and a lazy river. Dry off by taking a swing at OC Adventure Golf. For something a bit more extreme, leap 25 feet into the air on OC Air Jumpers, or climb OC Adventure Peak, the park’s 35-foot climbing wall.
728 Boardwalk, 609-399-0483
Splash Zone Water Park
Wildwood
Located on the Wildwood boardwalk, this outdoor water park combines beachfront views with more than 10 attractions. Hurricane Island, the park’s multilevel play structure, is a standout, with its interactive water features, three slides, and giant, 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Drink and dine at the park’s bar and two restaurants. Cabanas are available to rent.
3500 Boardwalk, 609-729-5600