Splish Splash

@SplishSplashWP #SplishSplashWP

My husband and I recently got to relive our youth by taking our children to the 96 acre water park Splish Splash – an award winning water park practically in our backyard!

Water Tubes & Twisty Slides

Located on Long Island, only a short distance from where we live, we spent the day shooting around in water tubes, descending down twisty slides, and laughing our soaking wet butts off! (Don’t tell my kids I said butt.)

I remember so vividly when Splish Splash opened in 1991. I was 13 and at the height of my water park obsession. My Dad & I packed up the car and were on our way. My husband had a similar vivid memory, Splish Splash was his first destination after getting his license. Our kids didn’t care about either. Ha!

But we love days like this- where raising our family close to where we grew up both brings up nice memories and let’s us create new ones.

The Long Island Expressway Can Take You Anywhere!

Enough with the nostalgia, let’s get on to the day! Splish Splash is right off the L.I.E about 45 minutes east of where we live. We parked and headed inside. With maps all over and the larger attractions numbered, it was easy to find our way around.

We started on The Abyss riding two at a time. It was great that my three year old could go on a big ride to start the day. I was even happier to find this was the case on most rides!

We continued on to Mammoth River. My kids giggled the entire time down while I smiled that we could all ride together in one raft as a family.

Next, we visited Hollywood Stunt Rider. Another family ride with winding dark tunnels. Equally great about this ride was the view – we were above the trees (a really big deal to my kids) – and could see the whole park.

My daredevil daughter next begged to go on Shotgun Falls, a free-falling drop slide with a five-foot drop into a very deep pool. Luckily her father is a good sport and took her.

Kiddie Area

Realizing height was a bit of a challenge on some rides, my husband offered to take our 38ish” son over to the beautiful and activity filled Kiddie Area while my daughter and I headed to the awesome roller coaster like Bootleggers Run. I should mention, at 5’2”, I’m a pretty lame tall team captain.

Lunch

We met back up at Johnny Rockets for a quick lunch. As a big “bring our own lunch” family this was a big upset for us, but the park doesn’t allow outside food so we gave it a go. We got a chocolate shake. It all worked out.

We continued together looking for family rides and headed towards The Battle of Mutiny Bay (which also happened to be the perfect low key post-lunch digestfest ride). With water cannons coming at you from on-lookers, you had no choice but to attack back! My kids were hysterical! I can see why the Travel Channel voted it one of their 10 favorite water park rides.

Next, we relaxed a bit in the Kahuna Bay Wavepool, one of two wave pools we tried and then on to Dinosaur Falls and Dragon’s Den. The rides were great – not too scary but exciting and thrilling, the perfect combination.

Everyone’s Favorite – The Lazy River

Speaking of perfect – one of our last rides was everyone’s favorite – the Lazy River. I was lucky enough to have a snuggly little boy on my lap who just wanted to cuddle. I could have stayed that way for days.

Our time at Splish Splash was wonderful. The park was clean, there were tons of options for children of all ages and sizes, and there was plenty of shade.

The Mint Chip Mama‘s Splish Splash Tips:

1. My daughter often suffers from swimmers ear so we got her the EAR BAND-IT Swimming Headband. She loves it and so far so good.
2. I bought the Travelon Floating Waterproof Smart Phone/Digital Camera Pouch because I realized I had to take pictures! All were taken through the plastic, not so bad, right?
3. I love individually wrapped Babyganics Alcohol-Free, Hand Sanitizing Wipes and always have one with me. We quickly washed our hands before lunch without walking to a bathroom. Score!
4. Wear water shoes NOT flip flops, I happen to love these from Keen.
5. You can never go wrong with a nice long sleeve rash guard.
6. I found a super cool (not) sunglass cord in a drawer and figured – why not?
7. We rented a large locker (there are three choices, large fit an over-stuffed beach bag easily) but cubbies were at each ride entrance.

If you live in the area, and have a child over 36”, you should definitely check out Splish Splash. It would be a great destination the week before school starts. The Travel Channel agrees, they voted Splish Splash one of the best water parks in America!

*Get your discount tickets here!*

Or use promo code: MintChipMamaSBlog17 in the top right box on the website!

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!