When you think of New York, you likely think of a big city with bright lights and a fast-paced way of life. This is a fantastic part of the state, yes, but it’s far from the only thing the state has to offer. One of the other things we like best in New York? New York amusement parks! That’s right, there are a ton of awesome amusement parks in New York. So many, in fact, that choosing which ones to visit can be overwhelming.
That’s where this article comes into play. Below, we’ve provided information on the best amusement parks in New York State so you can stop stressing and start planning the New York amusement park adventure of a lifetime!
New York Amusement Parks
Before we get too far, let’s take just a minute to line up our favorite New York amusement parks. These are the best of the best, and by picking from this list, you can rest assured you’ve made a great choice:
- Six Flags Darien Lake
- Seabreeze Amusement Park
- Sylvan Beach Amusement Park
- Six Flags Great Escape
- Splish Splash Water Park
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari
- Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
- Adventureland
- Luna Park Coney Island
- Playland Park
Unfortunately, simply knowing the name of the park (or parks) you want to visit really isn’t enough. For this reason, we recommend you keep reading to find out other important details before you head out on your trip.
Six Flags Darien Lake
First in our lineup of New York amusement parks is Six Flags Darien Lake in Buffalo. Everyone knows that Six Flags parks are fantastic, and this one is no exception. With everything from amazing thrill rides to adorable kiddie rides, you can go in knowing that the whole family will have a blast in this well-kept and super exciting New York theme park.
Some of the best attractions in Six Flags Darien Lake include the Boomerang and Mind Eraser roller coasters. Young children love the Beaver Dam Explorer and “Moose on the Loose” attractions. Meanwhile, the entire family will love the classic carousel and bumper car options.
This park also plays host to a few water attractions, making it easy to keep cool in the summer months. The RipCurl Racer racing water slide and Wahoo Wave slide are both tons of fun. If you have young swimmers in tow, you’ll want to check out Hook’s Lagoon, a pirate-themed water play area that young children adore!
RV Camping Near Six Flags Darien Lake
Where will you stay when visiting Six Flags Darien Lake? In an RV, of course! This is always the best way to go in order to ensure you’re 100% comfortable for the duration of your adventure.
Windmill Point Park — Of course, you will need a place to park that RV. That’s where Windmill Point Park comes into play. This lovely campground offers partial-hookup sites and a dump station. Restrooms with showers are available, and guests have easy access to a quarry for fishing and swimming. Of course, the location being just minutes from Buffalo is also pretty fantastic!
Rent an RV near Six Flags Darien Lake!
Planning Your Trip to Six Flags Darien Lake
Day tickets for Six Flags Darien Lake cost $74.99 at the gate. That said, you can get a $20 discount by buying online. Another way to save? Invest in a season pass and visit multiple times throughout the year.
Make sure you budget $20 for parking and keep in mind that no outside food is allowed in the park. This means you will likely need to buy snacks or even a meal at one of the in-park food stops.
Seabreeze Amusement Park
Located in Rochester, Seabreeze is another fantastic and family-friendly amusement park. This park offers a wide variety of attractions and lovely, cool lake breezes that are ideal for keeping cool when the weather gets overly warm. Yes, this is definitely the place to be for an awesome time during the spring, summer, and even fall.
The best attractions in Seabreeze Amusement Park? Well, that depends on who you ask. The thrill seekers out there might tell you that the Time Machine pendulum ride or the Jack Rabbit wooden coaster are among the best. Meanwhile, there are many kids who might claim that the tiny Bear Trax coaster or the Kiddie Boats are the most fun. Your best bet? Heading to the park yourself to find out what you love most.
In addition to traditional amusement park rides, Seabreeze also has a seasonal waterpark. This park features slides, a wave pool, a kiddie water-play area, and more. If the weather is too hot to handle, this is where you’ll want to hang out.
RV Camping Near Seabreeze Amusement Park
Of course, you will want to take your RV on your Seabreeze Amusement Park trip. This allows you to go home to your own space and fully relax between days of sightseeing and fun. It’s also a great way to ensure you get a good night’s rest every night of your getaway.
Webster Park — As far as a place to park your RV goes, we highly recommend Webster Park. This campground is just a few minutes from Seabreeze Amusement Park and offers everything you need to be comfortable. Sites are large, level, and include water and electricity. A dump station and clean restrooms with showers are also available.
Rent an RV near Seabreeze Amusement Park!
Planning Your Trip to Seabreeze Amusement Park
Admission to SeaBreeze Amusement park is $38.99 for those 48 inches and taller. Those under 48 inches pay only $24.99. There are also discounts for seniors and those visiting on certain days. Children aged 2 and under enter the park for free.
Parking at this amusement park is free. Outside food and drink can be brought into the park and there are picnic tables available for enjoying your food. Additionally, the park has a total of ten food stops, meaning there’s always something delicious available to snack on.
Sylvan Beach Amusement Park
Next on our list is the wonderful Sylvan Beach Amusement Park in Sylvan Beach. Located right on the beach, this park is an absolutely perfect summer vacation destination, and once you visit, you’ll understand why the park has thrived ever since opening all the way back in the 1870s. Here, you’ll find all kinds of rides and games that are sure to keep everyone busy for hours on end.
As far as rides go, some of our favorites in Sylvan Beach Amusement Park include the Galaxi Coaster, Super Slide, and Himalaya. Of course, kids prefer Kiddieland, where they can find ten different kiddie rides that are just their size.
You’ll definitely want to play some of the classic games offered by this park. These include a whole arcade full of video games, a shooting gallery, and even a mini golf course. There are plenty of boardwalk shooting-style games as well!
RV Camping Near Sylvan Beach Amusement Park
Be sure to pack up the RV for this trip! You will definitely want a nice, comfortable place to return to after playing at the amusement park and the beach, and an RV is just that. Besides, you might even save a few bucks by bringing the RV along.
Verona Beach State Park — Our favorite place to camp in the area is Verona Beach State Park. This is a wonderful campground that is well shaded, right on the water, and in an ideal location. The sites include power, and water is available from spigots throughout the park. There is also an onsite dump station as well as clean bathhouses. Best of all, the price really could not be beat!
Rent an RV near Sylvan Beach Amusement Park!
Planning Your Trip to Sylvan Beach Amusement Park
Tickets to Sylvan Beach Amusement Park start at $25.37 for entrance to Kiddieland only. Older kids and adults will pay $36.64 for a general admission wristband, and a season pass comes in at $113.52.
This park does not have its own parking lot. Instead, you will likely have to pay for parking run by the city. There are plenty of food options available in the park, so eating before you arrive is not necessary.
Six Flags Great Escape
Yes, there is another Six Flags Park in New York, and yes, is it just as fun! Six Flags Great Escape is located in Queensbury, about 60 miles north of Albany. It features a whole host of traditional amusement park rides—including some truly thrilling options—as well as a full-fledged water park that is absolutely amazing during the summer months.
Some of our favorite dry rides at this park include Flashback, Steamin’ Demon, and Greezed Lightnin’—all looping roller coasters that are perfect for thrill seekers. For the little ones, we highly recommend Frankie’s Mine Train, Hootie’s Treehouse, and Island Air Adventures. Have a family that wants to play together? Be sure to check out the Flying Trapeze and the Grand Carousel.
The nearby Six Flags water park is called Hurricane Harbor and offers everything you’d expect from a water park. Water slides are plentiful here, the water play areas offer fun for little ones, and a lazy river winds its way through the park.
RV Camping Near Six Flags Great Escape
As always, we highly recommend taking the RV on your New York theme park adventure. Not only will this ensure your comfort for the duration of your trip, it’ll also make it easy to hop from one place to another if you wish to check out more than one area of the state.
Lake George RV Park — The best place to park an RV near Six Flags Great Escape? Lake George RV Park. This park is just minutes away from the fun and offers big-rig-friendly sites with full hookups. The campground is well maintained and offers plenty of amenities to ensure your whole family is happy and comfortable throughout your stay.
Rent an RV near Six Flags Great Escape!
Planning Your Trip to Six Flags Great Escape
Tickets to Six Flags Great Escape are $69.99 at the gate. However, they are only $44.99 when bought online, and a season pass is only $59.99 if you buy online, making it a no-brainer if you plan to visit the park more than once.
This park does not allow outside food and drink, so you will want to budget for a meal in the park (dining deals can be bought in advance). Additionally, you should plan to pay for parking (which can also be bought in advance if you wish).
Splish Splash Water Park
Touted as “Long Island’s best waterpark,” Splish Splash Water Park in Calverton is a great place to cool off while having an amazing time as a family. Whether you prefer sunbathing by the side of the pool, relaxing in the lazy river, or getting thrills on the slides, there is something in this awesome park for you!
The best slides in this park include the well-themed Dragon’s Den bowl slide, as well as the two dueling trap door slides known together as Bombs Away. Friends love to go down the Riptide Racer slides to see who slides the fastest, and Bootleggers Run is interesting because it actually pulls you uphill using hydromagnetic technology. The Hollywood Stunt rider sends you on a ride through absolute darkness, keeping you guessing what you’ll do next, and Hyperlight is a totally awesome light-and-sound slide experience.
Have some young swimmers with you? Be sure to head to Pirates Cove, the Yellow Submarine, the Octopus Pool, and the Kiddie Slides for them. You’ll also want to spend time in the lazy river and the wave pools to round out your water park experience.
RV Camping Near Splish Splash Water Park
Wondering where you’re going to dry off and relax after a day at the water park? Why not your very own home-on-wheels? Taking your RV is a surefire way to have an amazing trip full of camping fun that is the perfect addition to any vacation.
Wildwood State Park — If you need a place to park your RV near Splish Splash Water Park, you’re in luck. Wildwood State Park has a lovely campground with its own beach! The sites are large, clean, and most include full hookups. There are also clean bathhouses available to guests. Be sure to enjoy a beach sunset while you’re there!
Rent an RV near Splish Splash Water Park!
Planning Your Trip to Splish Splash Water Park
General admission to Splish Splash Water Park is $54.99 for adults, $49.99 for juniors and seniors, and $44.99 for members of the military when bought online. Keep in mind that gate prices are higher, so you will definitely want to buy online in advance.
Parking at this park is $30 per vehicle. Additionally, no outside food is allowed, meaning you will need to budget to eat at the in-park restaurants. Fortunately, these food stops are plentiful.
Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Looking for another amazing New York water park? Enchanted Forest Water Safari might be just the place. This park is located in Old Forge within the Adirondack region of the state, making it an ideal addition to a mountain getaway. It was named the #4 waterpark in the country, and it truly does have something for everyone.
A few of our favorite water attractions at this park include the Killermanjaro’s Revenge trap door slides, the Serengeti Stampede racing slides, the Curse of the Silverback bowl slide, and the Black River double tube slide. Families love Amazon, a family raft ride that takes you through the jungle, while Pygmy Pond is perfect for tiny swimmers, and everyone can enjoy the lazy river together.
Oddly, this water park features some dry attractions as well. There are plenty of kiddie rides for young children, as well as bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and a number of other traditional rides. You also won’t want to miss the mini golf, performances, and arcade games the park has to offer.
RV Camping Near Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Obviously, you will want to bring an RV along for this trip. After all, who wouldn’t want to go camping in the Adirondacks? By bringing your RV, you can enjoy all the fun of camping in the mountains but still stay in comfort. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Old Forge Camping Resort — Looking for a place to park the RV while you enjoy your vacation? Old Forge Camping Resort is a good pick. This park is near the water park, has full-hookup sites, and features some beautiful scenery and hiking trails. There is a lake onsite, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Rent an RV Near Enchanted Forest Water Safari!
Planning Your Trip to Enchanted Forest Water Safari
One-day tickets to Enchanted Forest Water Safari are $37.95 for adults and $34.95 for kids ages 3–11. Toddlers and babies 2 and under are free. A season pass is also available for those who plan to visit several times.
Parking is free at this amusement park and outside food is allowed inside the park. There are also a variety of places to buy food once you get inside if packing a lunch isn’t really your style.
Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Want to have some water park fun when the weather is not so hot? You can totally do just that at Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Monticello. At this park, all of the watery fun is inside, meaning you can do all the same fun stuff without worrying about the rain or cold outside.
When it comes to slides, this indoor waterpark really knows what they’re doing. Whether you’re sliding down the Kraken, whooshing along the Nor-easter, or enjoying the Time Warp with a friend, you’re sure to be laughing the entire time. Want even more thrills? Be sure to give the FlowRider surf simulator a try!
Other things you’ll want to check out include the lazy river, Kartrite Island play area, Puddle Ducks play area for the littlest kids, and the hot tub.
RV Camping Near Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
You might think that staying in the resort attached to the water park is the logical thing to do. We disagree; RV camping will always be the better way to go. You’ll have your own space to spread out and will be better able to fully relax when in an RV.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres — Of course, you will need a place to park that RV. For this, we recommend Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres. This is a resort with full-hookup sites and tons of awesome amenities, including an onsite water park of its own. There are also lots of planned activities, making this the perfect campground for families.
Rent an RV near Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Day passes to Kartrite Indoor Water Park are available most days, and these passes must be purchased online. Prices change based on the date you wish to visit, but are usually around $65–$100 per person.
Family packs can be purchased at a discount. Discounts are also available for Sullivan county residents, military members, and seniors. Babies aged 2 and under enter for free.
Outside food and drink are not allowed in this park, so be sure you budget to buy snacks and meals while you’re there!
Adventureland
We already discussed a fantastic water park in Long Island, but what if you want a traditional amusement park? Well, they have that too. Adventureland in Farmingdale has been Long Island’s amusement park since 1962, and with 28 different rides to offer guests, we’d say it’s still going strong.
Not sure which rides to try first during your visit to Adventureland? If you’re a thrill seeker, we highly recommend Turbulence Coaster and Fireball, two intense roller coasters that you’re sure to love. Families will appreciate rides such as the Wave Swing, the Train, and the Merry-Go-Round. Meanwhile, little bitties will like the Caterpillar and Helicopters.
Want to get wet? While there are no water slides in the park, the Rescue Boats ride, Adventure Falls log flume, and Little Dipper water ride will all ensure you get a good splash.
RV Camping Near Adventureland
When it comes to lodging, we will always recommend RV camping. This is just as true for visiting Adventureland as it is for any other destination. Bringing your RV will give you the chance to escape into your own space after a day of hustle and bustle so you can emerge recharged the next day.
Battle Row Campground — Not sure where you’ll park the rig? Battle Row Campground is located just a few minutes from Adventureland and is an excellent place for a family getaway. Prices are fair, water and power hookups are available, and a dump station is located in the park. There are clean bathhouses and a playground for guests, and the staff are always happy to help.
Rent an RV near Adventureland!
Planning Your Trip to Adventureland
Children aged 1 and younger enter the park for free. Meanwhile, those aged anywhere between 2–24 will be charged $46.99 for a day ticket when bought at the gate. Those 25 and older get a discount and pay only $36.99 at the gate. Want to save $5? Buy online!
Outside food and drink is not allowed in this park. There are dining spots located in the park in case you need a snack or meal while you’re there.
Luna Park Coney Island
Luna Park is located in Brooklyn, NY. The park took the place of Astroland and Dreamland, and is a favorite getaway spot for locals and visitors alike. Though the park is under new ownership, many of the same classic Coney Island rides remain, making this a nostalgic place for many.
Wondering where to begin your visit to Luna Park? Those who are in need of an extreme thrill fix will love the Thunderbolt coaster or the classic Coney Island Cyclone. The Brooklyn Flyer and Soarin’ Eagle provide plenty of thrills as well, and the Circus Coaster and Coney Island Hang Glider are a little more laid-back and perfect for families. Need something for younger kids? Check out the carousel, the Tea Party, or the Seaside Swing.
Games are also available in the park. These include Whac-a-Mole, Water Racer, Hot Shots, and a whole lot of other classic boardwalk games.
RV Camping Near Luna Park Coney Island
We will always recommend RV camping over other lodging options. That said, finding RV parking in Brooklyn is not really feasible. Therefore, you will need to plan to park outside of the city and drive or ride in. Fortunately, we know the perfect RV park for doing just that!
Liberty Harbor RV Park — This RV campground isn’t much to look at, but it offers full hookups and is just minutes from Coney Island and all the other things NYC has to offer. To get to all the fun, simply walk to the nearby ferry, hop on, and enjoy the ride across the water!
Rent an RV near Luna Park Coney Island!
Planning Your Trip to Luna Coney Island
There are two ways to enjoy Luna Park Coney Island. You can either pay per ride in the park or purchase an Extraordinary Wristband for four hours of unlimited rides. We think the latter option is the way to go. Extraordinary Wristbands cost $62 for those over 48 inches tall and $38 for those under 48 inches tall.
There are dining options available in the park, so be sure to budget for a snack or a meal!
Playland Park
Last on our list of New York amusement parks is Playland Park. This is a wonderful amusement park that is ideal for families and friend groups alike. It’s located in Rye, NY on the Long Island Sound, has been in operation since 1928, and happens to be a National Historic Landmark. Yes, Playland Park has a rich history of fun that you are definitely going to want to experience.
When it comes to rides, Playland Park knows what it is doing. The park features plenty of coasters as well as a number of other awesome thrill rides that are sure to keep those seeking an adrenaline fix plenty happy. For families, there are bumper cars, a carousel, a mirror maze, and more. Finally, little ones will love the many different kiddie rides they have to choose from.
Those who need to cool off during their time at Playland will appreciate the fact that this park features a beach and a pool. Of course, you’ll also want to make time for the many live performances as well as the summertime fireworks show!
RV Camping Near Playland Park
Like Luna Coney Island, Playland Park is located in the NYC metro area, making it difficult to camp nearby. There are a handful of options though, and we think utilizing one of these options and driving into the city for your theme park day (and other sightseeing adventures) is worth the comfort of having your own home-on-wheels with you.
Croton Point Park Campground — One of the best camping options for those visiting Playland Park is Croton Point Park Campground. This campground is right by a train station and a 35-minute drive from Playland Park. It offers affordable rates, full-hookup sites, and a nice, quiet environment that is perfect after a day in the city.
Rent an RV near Playland Park!
Planning Your Trip to Playland Park
The cost to enter Playland Park is $34.99 for adults, $24.99 for juniors (48 inches and under), and $14.99 for spectators. There is a twilight ticket available Mon–Thurs from 5pm to close that is only $20, but must be purchased online. There are discounts for those who live in Westchester County.
Parking at this amusement park is $15 on weekdays and $20 on Saturday and Sunday. Outside food is not allowed, but food is available for purchase in the park.
As you can see, you definitely won’t have any trouble finding awesome amusement parks in New York, and these are only the tip of the iceberg. We’re betting if you search “amusement parks near me” once you check into your New York campground, you’ll find even more options to choose from.
That said, there are many adventurers out there who will want to do more than just visit amusement parks during their RV getaway. Fortunately, there are plenty of other things to do in New York. Whether you want to see cool museums, check out a waterfall hike, or something else entirely, we have a suggestion for you in the articles linked below:
