Sometimes the best thing about living in New York City is getting away from it. Luckily we are located near a number of spots that are perfect destinations for day trips. Last week my BF and a group of friends took the day off from work and enjoyed the mild weather in Riverhead, Long Island at the water park Splish Splash.
It was a 2 hour ride from the city, but filled up on coffee and breakfast sandwiches and with an assortment of CD's in hand, we were all up for the challenge. We arrived at about 1pm and were pleasantly greeted by a mostly empty parking lot. The $35.00 admission charge is a bit steep and it is $8.00 to rent a locker plus a $4.00 refundable key deposit. However, once we were all in our swim gear and slathered in sunscreen, it didn't seem to matter any more.
With child-like eagerness, we each grabbed an inner tube and headed to the nearest waterslide. There are about a dozen waterslides that are appropriate for adults as well as the "lazy river" and the wave pool. My favorite ride was the "Alien Invasion" which is a group (4 person) ride that speeds you through a short but very dark tube and then spits you out into a giant sideways cone. Momentum along with strategically placed water jets, push the inner tube from one side of the cone to the next like a pendulum. It was a blast! I also really enjoyed one of the older rides call the "Great Barrier Reef." It was not fancy or high tech, but man was it fast. It is one of those rides that takes your breath away and just at the point when you think you might be going too fast, you are shot out into the wading pool.
Splish Splash offered us an ideal summer day of playing hooky. In fact we were some of the last people ushered out of the park at closing time.
It was a 2 hour ride from the city, but filled up on coffee and breakfast sandwiches and with an assortment of CD's in hand, we were all up for the challenge. We arrived at about 1pm and were pleasantly greeted by a mostly empty parking lot. The $35.00 admission charge is a bit steep and it is $8.00 to rent a locker plus a $4.00 refundable key deposit. However, once we were all in our swim gear and slathered in sunscreen, it didn't seem to matter any more.
With child-like eagerness, we each grabbed an inner tube and headed to the nearest waterslide. There are about a dozen waterslides that are appropriate for adults as well as the "lazy river" and the wave pool. My favorite ride was the "Alien Invasion" which is a group (4 person) ride that speeds you through a short but very dark tube and then spits you out into a giant sideways cone. Momentum along with strategically placed water jets, push the inner tube from one side of the cone to the next like a pendulum. It was a blast! I also really enjoyed one of the older rides call the "Great Barrier Reef." It was not fancy or high tech, but man was it fast. It is one of those rides that takes your breath away and just at the point when you think you might be going too fast, you are shot out into the wading pool.
Splish Splash offered us an ideal summer day of playing hooky. In fact we were some of the last people ushered out of the park at closing time.
Insider Tips:
- Wear tevas or water socks. You are not allowed to wear flip flops, sandals, sneakers or other shoes on any of the rides. However tevas and water socks are allowed on most of them and honestly walking around the gravel paved water park in bare feet is unpleasant.
- Bring a lunch or money for food. Outside drinks and food are not allowed in the park. However they do provide a picnic area just outside the entrance and there are a number of food stands inside the park. Lunch will run you approximately $15.00 per person.
- You are allowed to bring plastic water bottles into the park. However no glass of any kind is allowed in.
- Bring lots of sun screen.
- Stop by P.C. Richards for a $6.00 discount coupon.
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