ESCAPES
SPLASH APPEAL If you think anything beats a water park for sheer refreshment in the dog days of August, you’re all wet.
When it’s hot and humid and the kids are tired of sand, try a water park. Let your tribe feel the refreshing spray and splash away at one of these family-friendly attractions, and you’ll understand quickly why even though summer can’t last, there’ll be no erasing the fond memories it creates. Happily, six great water parks are within an easy drive:
DREAMWORKS WATERPARK AT AMERICAN DREAM, EAST RUTHERFORD
There is, of course, a fantastic waterpark option right in our backyard. Bergen County is home to the largest indoor waterpark in North America within the American Dream mall, and all the rides are themed around familiar characters from your favorite DreamWorks movies. Here, you can let the little ones run wild in the Kung-Fu Panda Temple of Awesomeness, a multi-level play structure with tipping buckets, geysers, child-sized slides and more. And don’t let the cartoon theming fool you (though, let’s be honest, none of us are too good for Shrek)—this park has just as many thrills for adults. The Thrillagascar and Jungle Jammer slides, for instance, are the world’s tallest indoor, trapdoor capsule slides and will send you down a 14-story drop. Or grab a friend and go down the two-person Speeding Frenzy flume ride. Just want to hang? This spot boasts the world’s largest indoor wave pool and a fantastic lazy river. Where to eat: The mall puts fantastic dining options right at your fingertips. There are, of course, all the classic food court staples if you’re looking for something fast on the way out (and check out Poki Poke if you’re looking to skip on the fried food), but American Dream’s sit-down options are can’t-miss. Try a Korean tradition with Little Sheep Hot Pot, where you cook your choice of meat, seafood and vegetables at your table in boiling broth to create a unique soup. Craving small bites instead? Mozzarella Bar offers artisan cheese and charcuterie, plus a trendy cocktail menu. More info: americandream.com
SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR, JACKSON
New Jersey’s best-known theme park has more than just roller coasters. Its adjoining water park, Hurricane Harbor, offers just as much fun and just as many thrills, all while ensuring that you stay cool in the hot summer sun. Plus, it’s only about an hour and 15 minutes from Bergen. There’s something here for every taste—families with small children will love Splash Island, a giant splash pad and jungle gym created with the youngest guests in mind. Those with older children or visiting with a large group of friends will enjoy rides like Big Bambu and Reef Runner, where four people can ride one raft down a giant slide. And there are lots of single-person slides with heart-stopping drops, such as the Bada Bing, Bada Bang and Bada Boom. Plus, you can rent a full cabana at the park for a full day of hanging. Where to eat: Options for food within this park abound, ranging from wings and burgers to sausage sandwiches and cheesesteaks to dessert. If you’re looking to end the day with a more classic meal, leave the park and try nearby Solo Bella Brick Oven Bistro. This spot puts what its proprietors call “a contemporary flare” (and yes, that’s how they spell it) to Italian-American eats, and its signature dish is a 12-inch, woodfire pizza with near-endless options for toppings. More info: sixflags.com
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MOUNTAIN CREEK WATER PARK, VERNON
About an hour’s drive from Bergen, this spot is a ski destination in the winter. In the summertime, the water park comes alive. Its rides and thrills are iconic locally: the rough and twisting California River Rapids, the all-black and dark Cannonball Falls slide, which ends in a drop straight into deep water, and, of course, the park’s most famous attraction, H2Oh!-No, where you plummet 99 feet in an almostvertical drop. This is a destination ideal for older children and adults looking for some fun with friends. It’s not without any options for the little ones, though, with a large wave pool and the Lil’ Dippers and Fishing Village attractions. It’s also built into the ski mountain, as its name implies, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Where to eat: Try The Crystal Café, a short drive away from the park, for a cozy atmosphere and all your diner favorites. You can order breakfast all day (the Oreo pancakes are highly recommended) or opt for a Reuben, a chicken parm sandwich or the restaurant’s special “Cornfather sandwich” with corned beef and Swiss cheese. On your way home, swing by Dairy Swirl for some out-of-this-world ice cream, often featured on local “Best-of” lists. More info: mountaincreek.com
AUGUST 2025
7/16/25 12:31 PM