Dan's Papers - June 29, 2007 - The Dragon's Den

A summer ritual for many North Fork families is a pilgrimage to The Splish Splash Water Park, located in Riverhead. The excitement of water rides, big slides, other children and the thrill of dare devil activities always have children excited and getting into the car with an enthusiasm they never seem to demonstrate for school. For kids there is a certain excitement attached to going to the water park.

Splish Splash is noted for its traditional attractions, which never cease to thrill children and adults of all ages. It calls itself the number one water park in the tri-state area and, anyway, who ever argues with park officials? Children love the mystery inherent in those few seconds when you seem to disappear while riding the "Alien Invasion" ride. Speed and thrills is two of its components. Others prefer the "Abyss," a water ride that that gives you he feeling of being lost at sea. An adult is needed for younger children to ride this tube ride. There is a 42-inch height restriction rule without an adult.

The talk is of sharks and excitement as you enter the Barrier Reef water ride that sends you twisting and turning while the cool water refreshes and vitalizes every inch of your body. And what can you say about a ride called, "Cliff Diver!"? With eight stories of falling excitement, Cliff Diver! will thrill everyone each time they take the plunge. If you are afraid of heights, forget about it!

For those with imagination a visit to the "Dragon's Den" is mandatory. With segments of shrouded darkness, this ride is not for the light-hearted but is instead for someone who loves a challenge. "The Giant Twister" slides you across treetops into a giant pool, a ride usually for moms and dads to experience along with their children. (Not that many moms on the line for "Cliff Diver," but there are always a few wild mothers.) The "Max Trax," slides you down in open air terror and fun. The view, the speed, and the water thrill you to your bones. When you pass through the double hump, sometimes, if not most of the time, you experience some "air."

"Lazy River" and "Hollywood Stunt Rider" are rides that are more reasonable for those who don't prefer to jump off cliffs. "Mammoth River" gives the feel of white water rafting with added thrills. "Shotgun Falls," also has a 42-inch requirement or else an adult must accompanythe child, but it seems to be a crowd family favorite. "Soak City" is where many kick back and relax after the shock of so many of the other rides. For the feel of the beach, there is the "Surf City Wave Pool." The much younger ones lean towards the "Elephant Slide," and the "Kiddie Slides," allowing parents to relax. "Little Frog Slide," "Octopus Pool," "Monsoon Lagoon" and "Pirates Cover" are also geared towards smaller children. At only $70, the water park season pass is a deal for those who can get there often. Other pricing runs according to age, day of the week, and other factors. Promotional and additional pricing information can be found online at www.splishsplashlongisland.com There are packages for birthdays and other catered events as well as services for cabanas, among others. So whether it be the weekend or a day off, gathering the kids and some of the neighbor's kids for a day at the water park is a ritual you only have for so many years before the children grow up and move away. I myself miss those days, so I recommend you don't miss the opportunity to go for it at Splish Splash Water Park in Riverhead.