Water parks have become a family tradition over the years. Our two children are different ages with different interests. Therefore, finding the right one can be a challenge. It takes a little research, but we’ve managed to find places that they both can enjoy. This year we decided to take them to Splish Splash in Calverton, NY.
According to their website, Splish Splash is Long Island’s best family water park, featuring 96 acres of family-friendly fun, including 20 water slides, rides, and attractions, including two wave pools, a large Kiddie Area, a lazy river, and tropical bird show.
Anastasia has had her eyes on this waterpark all summer and was excited to ride Dr. Vondark’s Tunnel of Terror. Splish Splash combines her love for swimming with her love for roller coasters. O’Shea, on the other hand, enjoys swimming but is not much of a thrill seeker when it comes to water rides. He prefers spray parks, jumping off the diving board and swimming laps.
How to Plan a Family Water Park Adventure
Shop Around for Deals
When you have a family of four, ticket costs add up pretty quickly. Groupon was offering a deal at the time we visited Splish Splash. There was also discounted tickets being offered on the park’s website.
Research
Waterparks can get overwhelming. There’s so many things to do and it’s usually pretty crowded. So, it’s important to go there knowing exactly what you want to get out of your trip. The map they give you after receiving your tickets is somewhat helpful.
But, it’s hard to concentrate when you’re weaving through crowds with kids who are excited about tackling all the park has to offer. Anastasia already knew all the rides she wanted to go on before we even stepped foot inside the waterpark because she studied the map online. Combing through the website beforehand allowed us to easily plan our day.
Check the Local Weather Forecast
The weather can change from day to day, sometimes minute to minute. Ideally, we prefer a warm weekday with overcast skies because the park tends to be a little less crowded.
I actually began monitoring the forecast in Calverton two weeks out. Based on weather models, it was supposed to rain on the day we had initially planned. So, we decided to schedule our trip a day earlier.
Make a List
Going family trips involves a lot of planning. I stay organized by making a list of things to do and must have items. I actually do this weeks in advance to reduce the chance of forgetting anything. You may also read some travel tips from the All World Official Website to help you better plan for you family vacations.
Water Park Checklist
Food
Let’s face it; it’s not always easy to find vegan options at amusement parks. When you combine the cost of tickets with the cost of food, you end up spending a pretty penny. Since we are a plant based family, it’s more convenient to bring lunch and snacks from home.
Splish Splash does have a few family friendly places to eat, including Tony’s Italian Feast that serves pizza and other cheesy bites. Johnny Rockets serves up the timeless restaurant classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and fries. The food court has a variety of other options. There’s also kiosks and stands located throughout the park for a quick bite to eat. If you decide to bring your own food, you won’t be allowed to bring a water cooler into the park. So, pack light.
Sunscreen
When it comes to spending time in the sun, we take extra precaution starting with generously applying sunscreen. My dermatologist suggests using a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to block ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
Also, don’t skimp on the product when applying sunscreen. Generously apply it all over about 15 minutes before going outside, and then reapply every two hours.
Swimsuit, beach towels and water shoes
You can’t go to a waterpark without the proper attire. If you’ve ever been to Splish Splash, then you know there’s no avoiding getting soaking wet and there’s a lot of walking involved. In addition to packing a swimsuit and towel, we also wear water shoes to alleviate any stress on our feet from walking on hard pavement in between rides.
Change of Clothes
Honestly, Anastasia and I usually just bring a cover up and call it a day. However, it’s not that simple for her Dad and little brother. They may need an extra set of clothes. Plus, if you plan to stop off for dinner after leaving the park, chances are you may not be dressed appropriately for some restaurants, as we’ve experienced in the past. Whatever your plans are after your daylong adventure, it’s important to plan accordingly.
Smartphone Waterproof Case
Some smartphones are waterproof. However, you can also keep it safely tucked away inside a waterproof case. Make sure you get one that allows you to use the touch screen feature to capture photos and videos. Most cases are also big enough for other personal items. But, if you want to limit the number of things to carry around, Splish Splash does have lockers available for a small fee as well.
I hope you find these tips and my checklist helpful. However, I do have one final advice. Have fun! Also, keep in mind that the lines for food and rides does get pretty long. If you want to cut your wait time significantly, I suggest getting the Splish Splash H2Go pass to get the most of your time there.
What are some of your water park essentials?