Summer is finally here which means it is time to enjoy the outdoors with your little ones. Although New York City has a ton of outdoor activities for you and your family to participate in, it is missing one thing. A water park. But don’t worry! There are a few water parks that are within driving distance of the Financial District that you can easily visit for the day. You’ll find options nearby on Long Island, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that are only a couple hours away. No matter what water park you choose, you’ll be creating lifelong memories with your children while staying cool in the summer heat.

Splish Splash
Anyone who grew up on Long Island knows that the Splish Splash water park is a must-visit in the summer months. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this 96-acre fun-filled park is about a two-hour drive from NYC and is filled with slides, rides, a lazy river and the beloved wave pool. There are attractions for thrill seekers or those who prefer to spend their time lounging on a beach chair. A general admission ticket is $75 per person, but you can score a discount if you purchase them in advance. Don’t forget, children under two years old can enter for free. Families can also rent a cabana to store items and relax in the shade while enjoying lunch from over ten different vendors.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
No summer is a complete without a trip to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Your kids will fall in love with all of the rides, slides and pools that will keep them cool in the warmer weather. Children of all ages will enjoy a day spent at this park in New Jersey that is a 90-minute drive from NYC. You and your family can enjoy a lazy river, rafting, interactive playgrounds, slides, toboggans and more! Tickets range in price depending on the add-ons and benefits you are looking for.

Land of Make Believe
Take a trip to New Jersey this summer to visit the Land of Make Believe, where you can visit an award-winning water park. Admission to the water park is included when you purchase a ticket to enter the Land of Make Believe. Kids can enjoy water slides galore and a lazy river that all have a fun pirate-theme. Tickets can be purchased online for a discount with children’s and adult admissions starting at $35.

Island Waterpark
You and your family could easily spend the weekend exploring the Island Waterpark in Atlantic City, NJ. You’ll feel like you are in a tropical paradise with attractions such as a pool facing the ocean, a swim-up bar (adults only!), a lazy river, slides, waterfalls, a surf simulator and much more. With a retractable roof, this water park can be enjoyed rain or shine! General admission day passes are $49 each and kids under three years old can enter for free.

Hersheypark
About a three-hour car drive from NYC, the Boardwalk at Hershey Park has something for everyone. You and your family can rent a poolside cabana for the day where you can enjoy food and beverages from over ten different vendors including Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Rita’s Italian Ice. Attractions include waterslides, a lazy river, a spray-ground, wave pool and pier. With a ticket to Hershey Park, you receive admission to the Boardwalk as well as other attractions for the price of $87 for those ages 6-61 and $57 for kids 3-8 and seniors 62 and over.

SplashDown Beach
Located two hours away from the city in Fishkill, NY, SplashDown Beach is referred to as “America’s Biggest Little Water Park.” However, there is nothing small about this water park that encompasses exciting water slides, a lazy river, an adventure area, a wave pool, tube rides a water playground, pool and beach. A weekend pass costs up to $64 depending on your height and a weekday pass costs up to $59. Sweet treats, burgers, pizza, sandwiches and smoothies are all available for purchase throughout the park.

Dorney Park
The Wildwater Kingdom at Dorney Park is a two-hour drive and offers an endless amount of summertime fun. Kids of all ages can enjoy water slides, plunges, a water playground, a lazy river, wave pool and much more. After spending a few hours testing out all the attractions, you and your family can rent a cabana and enjoy food from a few different vendors including Subway and Dippin’ Dots. You can grab daily tickets for as low as $40 which also gives you access to the rides and amenities at Dorney Park.

Morey’s Piers
Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, NJ is the ultimate summer destination. Adventure awaits your family at this amusement and water park hybrid where you can spend more than one day. The Raging Waters Water Park features an array of fun slides, an activity pool, rope swing, shotgun falls and a fountain pool. For those who prefer to have a more relaxing day, head to the Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club where visitors can float in a lazy river, hang by the pool, hit the sand or checkout the swim-up bar.