Thursday, September 15, 2011
Page 95
Activity Of The Week
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A weekly column by Catherine Dugan. This week: Waterparks
ou may believe, as I did, that no child with access to the ocean needs a waterpark. In my frugal mind, waterparks were for kids in Kansas or some other oceanless locale. Armed with a coupon, my kids persuaded me otherwise. One visit to the Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club, and I was immediately converted. I can’t wait to go back next summer. Morey’s Piers has two waterparks in Wildwood – Ocean Oasis, which looks like a tropical paradise, and Raging Waters, which offers the adventure of an imaginary shipwreck. The parks are very clean and staffed with conscientious workers. Cabanas are available to rent, but reserve early, because they sell out. There are quiet areas for reading or napping. Hammocks are available on a first come, first served basis. There are giant checkers and chess sets, live music and a s’mores campfire. A naturalist hosted a seaside petting zoo the day we were there, with children learning about horseshoe crabs and starfish. You can get a spa treatment, or float on the Endless River.
Water slides are, of course, the main attraction. There are slides for the brave and not so brave – the Rocket Raft has lots of height, but gentle twists, Riptide Rapids is faster and scarier. Shotgun Falls – for expert swimmers only – is even more thrilling. Put aside your memories of old-fashioned slides that scrape the skin and steal your bathing
suit – these are smooth and comfortable. Little ones will love Bonsai Beach, featuring a “zero depth” water play area. Parents giggled as much as the kids as they enjoyed the climbing nets and water cannons. Ocean Oasis is worth full price, but discounts are available. A family of four can get the morning special – from the park opening until 12:30pm – for $80. Bring your own towels, sunscreen and waterproof camera: all available inside the parks, but at a premium. Fill a cooler with sandwiches and non-alcoholic beverages (no glass) to avoid the crowd at the Oasis Café. Bring ID if you plan to order a cocktail, and rent a locker to stash valuables – lost keys or a soggy phone can ruin your day. And, if you can’t wait until next year to get to Morey’s Piers, try Morey’s Fears: Terror on the Boardwalk. This new event features “dark versions” of your favorite rides, including the Ghost Ship. Morey’s Fears is designed for customers over age eight, has an admission charge of $25, and is scheduled for weekend nights in October. Next week: Nuns on the Run
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