Water Safari- Your Adirondack Family Adventure
Imagine a place where the sounds of laughter echo, where cool water splashes, and where family memories are made with every turn and slide. This kind of spot, a truly special one, is located right in the heart of New York’s Adirondack region. It’s a destination that brings together the excitement of an amusement park with the refreshing fun of a water park, all in one big, happy setting. You see, this place is often known by a few names, sometimes just "Enchanted Forest" or maybe "Water Safari," but it’s all the same wonderful spot, offering a chance for everyone to have a good time.
This particular attraction, which has been around for quite a while, originally went by the name "Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks." Over time, it grew and changed, adding more and more watery fun, becoming the "Enchanted Forest Water Safari" that so many people know and love today. It’s more than just a collection of rides; it’s an entire experience that feels very much like the Adirondacks themselves, with all the natural beauty and a relaxed, welcoming feeling. People come here year after year, sometimes for generations, to enjoy what it offers, and it's almost like a tradition for many families, you know?
Planning a trip to this spot means getting ready for a day, or even a few days, filled with happy moments. It's New York's largest water theme park, which means there are a lot of different things to do and see. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of something special, a feeling that you’re about to have a really good time. The place is set up to make sure families, big or small, find something that makes them smile, and that’s a pretty good thing, honestly.
Table of Contents
- Water Safari- What Makes This Adirondack Spot So Special?
- Planning Your Visit to Water Safari- What Should You Know?
- What Kind of Fun Can You Find at Water Safari?
- Staying Close to Water Safari- What Are Your Options?
- The People Behind the Smiles at Water Safari
- How to Get to Water Safari- Your Travel Guide
- Are There Special Deals for Water Safari Tickets?
- Eating and Drinking at Water Safari- What Are The Choices?
Water Safari- What Makes This Adirondack Spot So Special?
This well-loved spot, often called the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, is more than just a place with water rides. It’s a full Adirondack experience, meaning it offers a blend of amusement park attractions and watery activities, all set within the natural beauty of the Old Forge area. It's a combination amusement park and water park, which means you get two different kinds of fun all in one visit. This dual nature means that whether you like the thrill of a dry ride or the splash of a water slide, there’s something here that will likely catch your eye. It is that kind of place where you can really spread out and enjoy yourself, too.
The park is New York’s largest water theme park, which tells you a lot about its size and the number of things it has for people to do. Being the biggest means it has a wider selection of attractions, so everyone in a family, no matter their age or what they like to do, can find something that makes them happy. This means more space to move around, more choices for fun, and generally a more relaxed feeling, as a matter of fact. It's quite a big place, so you'll want to take your time exploring everything.
Planning Your Visit to Water Safari- What Should You Know?
Getting ready for your trip to the Enchanted Forest Water Safari means thinking about a few things to make sure your day goes smoothly. The park typically opens for the summer season around June 11th, and it’s always a good idea to check the exact dates for the year you plan to go. They sometimes add new things, like the 10 new cabanas that were available recently, which can make your day even more comfortable. These cabanas, for example, offer a nice private spot to relax and take a break from the activity, which can be very helpful for families.
Thinking about your summer visit now is a good idea, as it helps you get ready for what’s ahead. The park has a lot to offer, with more than 50 rides and attractions in total. This includes a good number of heated water rides, which is a really nice feature, especially on days that might be a little cooler. Knowing that the water is warm means you can stay comfortable while you’re splashing around, which is pretty good, honestly. There are also usually some new additions each season, like the three new heated water rides that were added recently, keeping things fresh for returning visitors.
The park also offers special perks for those who get season passes. These can include things like exclusive access or discounts, which can make it a really good value if you plan to visit more than once. They also host fun events, like Paul Bunyan Day, which adds a bit of extra something to the regular park experience. These events, you know, can make a visit even more memorable and give you a chance to see something a little different while you’re there.
What Kind of Fun Can You Find at Water Safari?
Inside the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, you’ll discover a wide array of activities, truly something for everyone. The park is home to 33 heated water rides, which are designed with family enjoyment in mind, making sure that people of all ages can have a good time together. This focus on family fun means that whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are options that will suit everyone's desire for excitement or relaxation. It’s pretty clear that they put a lot of thought into making it a place where families can connect, you know?
Among the many attractions, you’ll find a large wave pool, which is a lot of fun for those who enjoy the feeling of ocean waves without actually being at the beach. There’s also a lazy river, which is a perfect way to just float along and relax, taking in the surroundings at a gentle pace. For those who like a bit more excitement, there are thrilling tube rides that send you twisting and turning. These rides, like your typical water slides, offer a good burst of speed and splashes, which is often what people look for in a water park experience.
But the fun at Water Safari isn't just about the rides and slides. There are also many other exciting things to see and do throughout the park. This might include various shows, or perhaps different areas where you can simply hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. The park map, which you can check out, helps you see everything that’s available, giving you a chance to plan your day so you don’t miss anything you want to experience. It's good to have a look at that, actually, so you can get a sense of the layout.
Staying Close to Water Safari- What Are Your Options?
To make your visit to the Enchanted Forest Water Safari a full getaway, the park offers package deals that combine tickets with overnight accommodations. This is a really convenient way to plan your trip, as it takes care of both your park entry and where you’ll sleep. You can get tickets to the amusement park and then choose to stay at either Water’s Edge Inn or the Old Forge Camping Resort. These options give you some flexibility depending on what kind of lodging experience you prefer, which is pretty helpful, really.
Water’s Edge Inn likely offers a more traditional hotel-style stay, providing a comfortable place to rest after a busy day of fun. The Old Forge Camping Resort, on the other hand, gives you the chance to experience the Adirondacks in a more rustic way, with camping options that can be a lot of fun for families who enjoy being outdoors. Having these choices means you can pick the one that best fits your family’s style and budget. It's nice to have those sorts of choices, too, when you're planning a trip.
These package deals are designed to make it easier to extend your enjoyment beyond just one day at the park. By staying nearby, you can wake up refreshed and ready for another day of exploration, or simply have a shorter trip back to your resting spot after the park closes. It's a way to really settle into the Adirondack experience and make the most of your time in the area. This can make the whole trip feel a bit more relaxed, you know, not having to rush back home.
The People Behind the Smiles at Water Safari
At the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, the people who work there are a big part of what makes the place special. For many, working at the park isn’t just a regular job; it’s actually a family tradition. This means that generations of families have worked there, creating a strong sense of community and dedication. When you have people who care deeply about the place and its visitors, it often shows in the friendly service and the general atmosphere of the park, which is quite nice, really.
The park president, Cathy Dunlap, has mentioned that they are working on ways to make sure people with specific dietary needs can bring in their own food and drinks from outside the park. This shows a consideration for visitors who might have allergies or other special requirements, aiming to make the park accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s a good example of how they try to accommodate different situations, which can make a big difference for some families, you know?
Meeting the amazing crew at Water Safari is part of the experience. These are the people who help keep the rides running, serve up tasty treats, and make sure everyone is having a good time. Their dedication, sometimes passed down through families, helps create that welcoming and fun environment that so many people appreciate. It's a place where the staff really seems to care, which is pretty important for a family-friendly destination, as a matter of fact.
How to Get to Water Safari- Your Travel Guide
Getting to the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, which is conveniently located in Old Forge, New York, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, is fairly straightforward, though there are a couple of ways to approach it. If you're coming from the south, you might take Thruway Exit 31. From there, you would head north on Route 12, and then continue north on Route 28 until you reach Old Forge. This route is a common way for many visitors to reach the park, and it’s usually a pretty direct drive, you know?
Another option, if you're coming from a different direction, perhaps from Route 47, involves taking Exit 23 to Warrensburg. From Warrensburg, you would then follow Route 9, and then switch to Route 28, which will take you through Blue Mountain Lake and eventually to Old Forge. This route offers a different scenic experience as you travel through the Adirondacks, giving you a chance to see more of the natural beauty of the area before you even get to the park. It’s a bit of a longer way, perhaps, but it can be quite pretty.
The park's address is 3183 State Route 28, Old Forge, NY 13420, which is helpful if you’re using a GPS or looking for it on a map. Knowing the address makes it easier to plan your travel and ensures you arrive right where you need to be. The location in the Adirondacks means that the drive itself can be part of the adventure, with lovely views and a sense of getting away from it all, which is pretty nice, honestly.
Are There Special Deals for Water Safari Tickets?
Yes, there are often ways to save on tickets for the Enchanted Forest Water Safari. For example, they offer discounted tickets, which can be a good way to manage costs for a family outing. The rates for these tickets are typically based on two guests and include one Water Safari ticket per guest. This means that if you’re a pair, you get a good deal on your entry, which is quite useful, really.
It’s important to note that additional guest charges usually apply to anyone aged three and up, and these charges also include one park ticket for that person. So, when you’re planning your budget, remember to count everyone in your group who is three years old or older. This helps you get a clear picture of the total cost for your whole family or group, and it’s pretty straightforward once you know that, as a matter of fact.
One particular savings plan mentioned is the "Siesta Savings Plan." This allows you to enter the park after 3:00 PM, or after 2:00 PM on days when the park closes earlier, like at 5:30 PM. You can use any type of ticket for this, whether it's prepaid, an internet ticket, or a general admission ticket. This plan is a great option if you’re looking for a shorter visit, perhaps just for the afternoon, and it can offer a good way to enjoy the park at a reduced cost. It’s a smart way to experience some of the fun without committing to a full day, you know?
Eating and Drinking at Water Safari- What Are The Choices?
When you’re spending a day full of activity at the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, you’re bound to get hungry, and the park has plenty of tasty treats to choose from. They offer a wide variety of food options, so you’re likely to find something that everyone in your group will enjoy. From classic comfort foods to lighter fare, there’s a good selection to keep you fueled for all the fun. It’s pretty convenient to have all these choices right there in the park, honestly.
You can find popular items like pizza and chicken wings, which are often favorites for families. If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, salads are usually available. For those who enjoy a hearty meal, burgers and nachos are also on the menu. And, of course, no amusement park experience is complete without classic treats like corn dogs, hot dogs, and ice cream. They even have Dippin' Dots, which are always a fun and unique dessert option. There's really a lot to pick from, you know, so you won't go hungry.
The park aims to make sure that even with all the excitement, you have easy access to food and drinks whenever you need a break or a snack. The variety means that whether you want a quick bite or a more substantial meal, you can find it without having to leave the park. This makes it easy to just keep enjoying your day without any interruptions, which is pretty good, really. It’s all part of making the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for everyone.
This article has covered the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, a combined amusement and water park in Old Forge, New York, located in the Adirondack Mountains. It discussed the park's status as New York's largest water theme park, its many attractions including 33 heated water rides, and its focus on family enjoyment for all ages. Information was shared about planning a visit, including typical opening dates, new additions like cabanas, and season pass benefits. The article also touched upon accommodation packages with Water’s Edge Inn and Old Forge Camping Resort, details about ticket pricing and special savings plans like the "Siesta Savings Plan." It provided directions to the park and highlighted the variety of food and drink options available on site, from pizza to ice cream, and the park's efforts to accommodate dietary needs. The piece also mentioned the family tradition of working at the park among its crew members.
Water Safari Open for the Season June 12, 2024 - Enchanted Forest Water
Enchanted Forest Water Safari | Old Forge, NY 13420
Enchanted Forest Water Safari Old Forge NY
