Little did we know that some of our family’s most cherished moments from our road trips around the United States would come from the unlikeliest of places – New Jersey, where adventure and fun awaited around every corner.  New Jersey has approximately 141 miles of oceanfront along the Atlantic Ocean, stretching from Perth Amboy in the north to Cape May Point in the south. We spent a few days in Cape May on our “Namesake Roadtrip” for our beach-loving daughter, Mei Li. However, the extensive coastline of New Jersey offers a diverse range of beaches and other outdoor activities for the entire family.

If you’re interested in water parks in Louisiana, check out our blog post about some great options in that state! Go ahead…jump in!

Water Parks in Jersey City and Beyond

New Jersey offers several outdoor water parks that enhance the beach experience. Outdoor waterparks in New Jersey typically open after Memorial Day, but there are also plenty of indoor water parks that offer year round fun for the whole family. You can check out the locations of 19 of the best water parks in New Jersey on our Google Map. Referencing a map while you’re traveling can help you find nearby fun and build a great itinerary, so we’ve included one here for you!

Outdoor Water Parks by Theme

Our family likes to create themed road trips, so we’ve categorized a few outdoor water parks in Jersey City and the surrounding area by theme for your own family fun adventure. 

Movie/Entertainment Themed

DreamWorks Water Park 

DreamWorks Water Park, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is part of the American Dream shopping and entertainment complex. Despite this water park being indoors, we included it in our list because it is the largest indoor water park in North America! Our family enjoys checking off items like “the biggest”, “the smallest”, “the farthest” or “the fastest.” The park offers 40 water slides and attractions spread across 8.5 acres. Check off items on your own list by visiting DreamWorks Water Park like the world’s largest indoor wave pool, and the tallest indoor body slide in the world. 

The Water Main at Diggerland USA

At Diggerland USA in West Berlin, New Jersey, children can operate real construction equipment in a safe, controlled environment. This unique construction-themed amusement park allows kids to experience heavy machinery firsthand. Excavators, skid loaders, UTV and tractors, Diggers and off-road vehicles have been specially modified for safety and are all accessible to younger children under the supervision of trained staff. 

The Water Main at Diggerland USA in West Berlin, New Jersey, offers families a unique construction-themed water park experience included with general admission. Themed water playground features include Jackhammer Bay (a themed splash pad), Clawhammer Cove (a zero entry wave pool), Rip Rap Run (a “walk on water” obstacle course), Bulldozer Bay (a wading activity pool for younger kids) and two 23 foot water slides. There are also Cabana rentals with amenities like lounge chairs, ceiling fans, and refrigerators for relaxation. 

Tips for visiting Diggerland USA:

• Address: 100 Pinedge Dr, West Berlin, NJ 08091
• General admission starts at $45.99 and includes access to both Diggerland USA and The Water Main.
• Bring one sealed water bottle per person, as outside food and drinks are not allowed
• Consider purchasing a souvenir cup for cost-effective drink refills throughout the day
• Consider a Cabana Rental for $349.99 per day. The deluxe cabana has cushioned seating, fans, power outlets, bottled water, and more. This is ideal for families or groups looking for extra comfort.
• Free parking!

Nature/Adventure Themed

Mountain Creek Water Park 

Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon, New Jersey offers a unique alpine water park experience with thrilling rides and beautiful scenery. White-water rafting & tubing on simulated rapids, several exciting slides, wave pools, a splash pad and a 16-foot cliff dive pool makes Mountain Creek Water Park a winner for kids of all ages. The alpine setting makes it different from typical flat water parks, and therefore it does require significant uphill and downhill walking. What sets this park apart is the unique experience of a mountain coaster!  The Alpine Mountain Coaster is a popular attraction offering scenic views and controllable speed as you safely cruise down the mountain enjoying the views and the g-forces.

Tips for visiting Mountain Creek Water Park:

• Address: 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462
• Tickets are $49.99 plus fees. They include free general parking and access to the Alpine Mountain Coaster and Sky Rides. Children under 2 years old are admitted free.
• Tickets are limited each day and must be purchased online in advance.
• For a special evening experience, “Park after Dark” tickets are available for $34.99 plus fees. This event is for ages 21+ only and includes access to select rides and attractions.
• Wear water shoes: The terrain can be rough and hot, so protect your feet
• Prepare for walking: The park involves a lot of hiking-like activity, so be ready for a workout
• Bring sun protection: Apply sunscreen and consider bringing a hat due to limited shade
• Consider water temperature: Visit on a hot day to offset the cold water coming straight from the mountain!
• Be cautious: Some rides can be intense, so assess your comfort level before participating in this great adventure

Tomahawk Lake Water Park

 This park offers a unique blend of natural scenery and old fashioned, nostalgic water attractions. It features a large lake with swimming areas, water slides, paddle boats, kayaks, fishing spots, basketball and volleyball courts, and picnic facilities. It is a beautiful park, perfect for a whole day adventure, with BBQ grills for cooking a meal. 

Water slides include Black Snake, Sioux-A-Slide, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, Rocky Mountain, and Apache Plunge. A separate area for small children includes height restricted slides and water features perfect for the little ones! In addition to the water fun, guests can also enjoy an 18-hole miniature golf course, boat rides, volleyball, horseshoes, and picnic areas with over 800 picnic tables. Snack bars, refreshment stands, and an outdoor beer garden with live weekend entertainment make this a hit for adults too! 

Tips for visiting Tomahawk Lake Water Park

• Address: 155 Tomahawk Trail, Sparta, NJ 07871
• Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds
• Bring your own picnic supplies, as grilling is allowed (charcoal only)
• General admission includes parking. Cost ranges from $15-$25 per person depending on the day (weekday, weekend, July 4th)
• Credit cards are accepted, but a surcharge is added

Amusement Park Themed 

Clementon Park

Clementon Park and Splash World in New Jersey offers both an amusement park and outdoor water fun. Enjoy rides like the Hell Cat wooden roller coaster, Sea Dragon pirate ship, Ring of Fire, and various family rides such as a carousel, train ride, and Ferris wheel. 

Splash World includes water attractions like Lazy River, Sky River Rapids, and Shipwreck Bay. 

Tips for Visiting Clementon Park and Splash World:

•  Address: 144 Berlin Rd, Clementon, NJ 08021
• Some areas of the park are cash-only
• Consider purchasing season passes if planning multiple visits, as it offers good value
• Standard admission for adults is $32 and $29 for children.
• Parking is $10 per vehicle and free for season pass holders

Land of Make Believe and Pirate’s Cove

This long-standing amusement park with a roller coaster, Ferris wheel & numerous water attractions is sure to delight the whole family. There are also carnival games, live shows, a petting zoo, a train ride, an off-road safari adventure, and a mining area for gems and fossils. The park is designed for parent participation with children, making it an ideal destination for families with younger kids.

The pirate-themed water park is a highlight, offering fun for all ages with its slides and lazy river.  It includes pirate-themed water slides, like Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship, Blackbeard’s River, and Pirate’s Cove Wading Pool, which is America’s largest wading pool. 

Tips for Visiting The Land of Make Believe & Pirate Cove: 

• Address:  354 Great Meadows Rd, Hope, NJ 07844
• Arrival and Parking: Parking is free and easily accessible.
• Ticket Prices: Tickets are $32 for adults and children (ages 2-61), and $29 for seniors. Children under 2 are free but have limited access.
• Plan Ahead: Bring bathing suits, as street clothes are not allowed in the water area. Consider visiting during less crowded times for a smoother experience.
• The park allows visitors to bring their own food and offers reasonably priced options. 

Beach/Island Themed

Runaway Rapids 

Runaway Rapids is a waterpark that is essentially within walking distance of the beach, offering visitors the opportunity to easily enjoy both attractions during their visit. Boasting over 18 water slides of varying speeds and heights, a lazy river, spa pools, a kiddie lagoon, and an interactive play area for toddlers with small slides and water toys, this tropical themed park provides endless fun for the whole family. Unique features include the “Moon Walk” (lily pads with overhead ropes), the “Power Tower” for kids, and thrilling slides like “Soaring Thunder” and “Mountain Blast” for older kids.

Tips for Visiting Runaway Rapids

• Location: 275 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ
• 3-Hour Admission: $38 (cash) or $39 (credit)
• Splash Night (4 PM-close): $17-$25 depending on the day
• Toddler Rate (up to 42” tall): $19-$20
• Dry Spectator Fee: $15-$16
• The park offers rain checks if weather disrupts your visit before completing your time slot.
• Keansburg Amusement Park is directly across the street and offers rides, arcades, and go-karts.
• Walk to Keansburg Beach for a full day of fun

Big Kahuna’s Water Park (Formally call Sahara Sam’s)

Big Kahuna’s offers over 70,000 square feet of indoor park attractions under a retractable roof for colder months, along with a seasonal outdoor water park. The park provides year-round, island-themed enjoyment for families throughout the tri-state area. There are several water slides, a lazy river, a FlowRider surf simulator, an outdoor wave pool, a jungle hideout play area and an arcade. 

Tips for Visiting Big Kahuna’s Water Park

• Address: 535 NJ-73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
• All tickets must be purchased online in advance, as there are no on-site sales for day tickets starting July 2nd, 2025
• Visit on weekdays or after 3 PM for reduced crowds and potential discounts
• Weekdays: $36.99 (with a buy-one-get-one-50%-off deal available)
• Weekends & Holidays: $49.99 
• Big Kahuna’s Water Park offers free parking for all visitors. 

Our American Dream to see all 50 states by the time I turned 50 years old included a special trip to Cape May, New Jersey. We’ll definitely revisit this fun state for some water park and theme park action!