Not a fan of the sand? Looking for some adventure? Check out these water parks and you'll find some hair-raising fun for older children and tamer spray zones for the younger set. Waterparks are splattered throughout NJ and you may not have to drive far. Make it a full day getaway. Here are some ideas.


Keansburg Runaway Rapids, Keansburg

Across the street from Keansburg Amusement Park, families will love the crazy/lazy river of the Castaways Creek, or blast down Mountain Blast water slide. Kids will love the spray ground and interactive water play area. Joint admission prices to both amusement park and Runaway Rapids available. Go Carts, games and arcade too. keansburgamusementpark.com

Raging Waters Waterpark, Wildwood 

Inspired by shipwrecks, you will find water fun for all ages from a 1,100 Foot Endless River, Rocket Raft Tube Slides, rope swings, fountain pools and speed slides.  Little ones will love the two unique kiddie play areas at Shipwreck Shoals and Camp KidTastrophe.  moreyspiers.com '

Sahara Sam’s Oasis Waterpark, West Berlin

Packed with numerous water attractions, slides and The Beach Club, featuring a 25 meter leisure pool (The Blue Lagoon), a children’s play zone (Splish-Splash), a full service lounge (The Wipeout Tiki Bar) and a 12,000 sq. ft. wave pool (The Rip & Roll). saharasams.com

Tomahawk Lake Waterpark, Sparta 

Choose from a variety of incredible water slides, including a 610 foot, 4 person flume raft ride, 512ft sepertine slide into a 7 foot lake, and 400 ft speed slide. For the younger set, cool off in Papoose Land.  Lake activities include bumper boat, rowboats and paddleboats. tomahawklake.com

Camelback Waterpark, Tannersville, PA 

Nestled in the base of Camelback Mountain, part of the Pocono Mountains, this waterpark features a slew of attractions, including the Triple Venom speed slides, the twin bowl rides, Vortex and Spin Cycle, and the mat racing slide. For tamer rides, try the Blue Nile Adventure River and Kahuna Lagoon Wave Pool. Plenty of kiddie slides and sprayers!camelbeach.com

Mountain Creek Waterpark, Vernon

Take a white water raft trip, a tube ride through twists, turns and darkness, or a 23 foot plunge off Canyon Cliffs.  For the more faint of heart, there is also a lazy river, tamer tube rides and interactive sprayground. mountaincreek.com

Splash Zone Waterpark, Wildwood

Hold on for an exhilarating ride as you torpedo down one of the parks fast paced slides.  Looking for a bit slower-paced? Head over to the lazy river or the Hydro –Zone. For smaller guests, visit Zoe Zone, with smaller slides, geysers and soft play equipment.  splashzonewaterpark.com

Clementon Park Splash World, Clementon

Located about 30 minutes from Philadephia, the park has both wet and dry rides.  Ride the waves in a 23,000 square foot pool, relax on a tube, or sunbathe on the beach.  Other water highlights include high speed slides, a lazy river, little kiddie spray park, and more!  Non-aquatic rides including roller coasters, carousel and Ferris wheel.  clementonpark.com

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Jackson 

Located adjacent to Six Flags Great Adventure, this park has it all: rides for the daredevil - including the Tornado where ride-goers drop more than seven stories into a 60-foot-tall, 132-foot-long water funnel - and fun for the less adventurous. Kids of all ages will love relaxing on a tube ride down the lazy river and splashing in the 1,000,000 galloon wave pool. sixflags.com/hurricaneharbornj

Hershey Park Waterpark, Hershey, PA

Cool off after a morning of high speed coasters and thrill rides and head over to The Boardwalk at Hershey Park featuring slides, water playground, wave pool, lazy river and more!  Admission to Park includes amusement park and water park. hersheypark.com