10 amusement and water parks to visit this summer in New Jersey
The Jersey Shore is plenty of fun with its sandy beaches, ice cream shops and rolling waves.
But we can always do with a little more excitement ... and water slides!
Local amusement and water parks offer something for everyone, from easy-going rides like bumper cars and lazy rivers to "big kid" rides like the world's tallest roller coaster and racing water slides.
Whether you're looking for family fun or chasing an adrenaline rush this summer, check out these parks.
Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach, Seaside Heights
If you grew up in New Jersey, chances are you have been to Casino Pier — it's one of the most popular boardwalks and amusement parks at the Shore.
Its iconic Jet Star rollercoaster was swept into the Atlantic Ocean during superstorm Sandy, but plenty of rides remain, like the Centrifuge, an indoor scrambler with party music, strobe lights and smoke.
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There are full-size roller coasters like Hydrus, with a 72-foot drop that reaches speeds of 45 miles per hour, as well as rides for kids, including bumper cars and a carousel.
Casino Pier also is home to arcade games and Breakwater Beach waterpark, with a wave pool, lazy river, slides (some more terrifying, like the 50-foot Salem's Scream), a hot tub, children's areas and more.
Go: 800 Ocean Terrace; 732-793-6488, casinopiernj.com.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Thundering Surf Waterpark, Beach Haven
Whether you're enjoying the view from the top of the Ferris wheel or shooting Skee-Ball in the arcade, this Long Beach Island spot is filled with childhood nostalgia.
Located in Beach Haven's Bay Village, which has shops, restaurants and bars, Fantasy Island has an arcade and rides for those big and small.
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Across the street, Thundering Surf Waterpark has six large slides, a lazy river, racing slides, a toddler splash area, a Flow Rider surfing simulator, and a kids splash area with a tipping bucket that dumps water on innocent bystanders (also fun for adults!).
Next to the waterpark is Settler's Mill Adventure Golf, a mini-golf course.
Go: Fantasy Island is at 750 North Bay Ave.; 609-492-4000, fantasyislandlbi.com. Thundering Surf and Settler's Mill Adventure Golf are at 300 Taylor Ave.; 609-492-0869, thunderingsurfwaterpark.com.
Jenkinson's Amusement Park, Point Pleasant Beach
Being on the Jenkinson's Boardwalk is fun for parents, with iconic watering holes like Martell's Tiki Bar. But it's also a wonderland for children, thanks to beautiful beaches, an aquarium, Jenkinson's Sweet Shop and an amusement park.
Jenkinson's offers an array of rides including airplanes, bumper cars, boats, a carousel and the spinning Dizzy Dragons. Most of the attractions are aimed toward younger kids, but some of rides — the Ferris wheel, Pendolo (a spinning swinging ride), Pirate's Plunge and Starship 3000 — are fun for teens and adults, too.
Go: 500 Boardwalk; 732-295-4334, jenkinsons.com.
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Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Waterpark, Keansburg
Just steps away from the beach, boasting beautiful bay views, is Keansburg Amusement Park. The surrounding town, which has earned a name for itself with new restaurants, a boardwalk, ample fishing piers, bars and more, makes this destination fun for the whole family.
The park, which was established in 1904, has carnival-style rides like the Frog Hopper, Pharaoh's Fury (a swinging boat ride much like Fantasy Island's Sea Dragon), Moby Dick and the spinning Gravitron (don't go on a full stomach!). There are plenty of exciting rides for little kids, too, including tea cups, the Sea Serpent roller coaster, a carousel and the Log Flume.
The park's go karts are a must, and don't miss nearby Runaway Rapids with water slides, a lazy river and splash zones.
Go: 275 Beachway Ave.; 732-495-1400, keansburgamusementpark.com.
Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor and Wild Safari, Jackson
This park attracts visitors from all over the world, considering it's home to Kingda Ka, the globe's tallest roller coaster and the fastest in North America.
Along with other coasters like Medusa and Batman, the park houses Hurricane Harbor waterpark, with water slides like the Big Wave Racer, as well as calmer attractions like Blue Lagoon and the kid-friendly Calypso Springs.
Also on the property is the drive-through Wild Safari Adventure, with animals from nearly every continent including bison, rhea and llama from America; elephants, white rhinos and Grant's zebras from Africa; and Asian wildcats like Bengal and Siberian tigers.
Go: 1 Six Flags Blvd.; 732-928-2000, sixflags.com/greatadventure
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Amusement parks worth the drive
Gillian's Wonderland Pier: 600 Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-399-7082, gillians.com
Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood; 609-729-3700, moreyspiers.com
Playland's Castaway Cove: 1020 Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-399-4751, oceancityfun.com
Steel Pier: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 609-345-4893, steelpier.com
Storybook Land: 6415 East Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township; 609-646-0103, storybookland.com
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ amusement, water parks to visit this summer
