So we're more than halfway through summer.
If you're still trying to hunt down an exploding fire hydrant (think: Hey Arnold!), it's time you find a car instead and head to one of these 7 water parks for some serious hydra-fun.
Seriously, spend a few hours, a whole day, or an entire weekend, and make the most out of what's left of this summer.
Bottom line is, you won't regret it.
1. Hurricane Harbor - Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey)
Probably the greatest place of all time with the most twist and turn slides.
Most of the slides require a tube, so you can either shoot quickly down a slide or veg out on the lazy river. Just make sure you either get there early, since waiting in line for over an hour in the heat kind of sucks.
[anad]
Or spend the few extra dollars for the Flash Pass, you won't be sorry. And when you're done? Hop over to the amusement park featuring some of the world's tallest and fastest rides.
P.S., bring a can of Coke for buy-one-get-one-free admission.
2. Action Park Mountain Creek (Vernon Township, New Jersey)
njmonthly How are you staying cool in the heat wave? These guys at Action Park in Vernon Township have the right idea!💧Photo by @action_park #actionpark #njwaterpark #cliffjumping #staycool #heatwave
A little bit closer, and a little bit more reasonably priced, Action Park fulfills it's name. With a Tarzan Swing and rafting on rapids, you can easily spend a full day here.
Just get ready to walk because the entire park is literally a mountain (which is how you can ski here in the winter!), and going from ride to ride is a slight workout.
3. Splish Splash (Calverton, New York)
If you grew up in the Tri-State area, chances are you've heard a commercial for this on the radio at some point in your life.
A 90-acre water park that was ranked as #3 by the Travel Channel? We're in.
Between the wave pool and the lazy river and the dark, enclosed slides, there's something for everyone, from your, "I don't really want to get wet" friend to the one who has yet to emerge from the water.
4. Runaway Rapids (Keansburg, New Jersey)
bozer #keansburg #runawayrapids #summer #newjersey #water #fun #igers #igdaily #instagood #instamood #iphonesia #instadaily #iphoneonly #instagramhub #instagrammers #webstagram #picoftheday #photooftheday #bestoftheday
It's definitely not the sexiest place nearby, but it's still a helluva time.
Not many places can offer a faux-boardwalk to give you that old-school Coney Island vibe while having rollercoasters and 15+ waterslides.
And since it's not as recognizable as say, Six Flags, you can do a few full laps in a whole day.
5. Wildwater Kingdom - Dorney Park (Allentown, Pennsylvania)
This one's a little bit of a schlep, but comes highly recommended.
Similar to #1, this gigantic amusement/water park hybrid is definitely worth staying the weekend for.
The price of admission covers both parks, which is amazing! Just make sure to try the dark, drop water slides for a chilling experience.
6. Camelbeach - Camelback Resort (Tannersville, Pennsylvania)
hannahgaisanosee What a view from the ski lift.👌🏻🎿❄️☀️💦🌎🐳❤️👙 #camelbeach #camelbeachwaterpark #poconos #summer #skiresort #beach
Another "half ski resort in the winter" type park, this place features lodging and a seriously amazing outlet mall.
[anad2]
Whether you choose to stay out of the sun at the indoor water park or venture outdoors, there are enough group tubing slides to grip onto and a wave pool that could fit a small country.
Oh and did we mention Dippin' Dots...everywhere?
7. Tomahawk Lake (Sparta, New Jersey)
There aren't many places you can both fish and ride water slides all day. And why not go for a hole in 1 a the mini golf course?
With an outdoor beer garden and a water slide to race against up to 3 of your friends, this hour-long drive is totally worth it.
You can even have a picnic in your Orlebar Brown's in between flume rides and tunnel slides. Did we mention admission is less than $20?
Yeah, so you should leave. Like now.
Check out 7 Breathtaking Under-the-Radar Summertime Views of NYC.