Kids looking to splash around in the water this summer
don't have to journey too far from home - or fork over too big a bundle - if they want to get wet.
If your family is not up for the hike out to Splish Splash water park in Riverhead, several community parks in Nassau and Suffolk have livened up their swimming facilities with water slides, sprays, water guns and waterfalls. There's something for everybody in the family. Sure, none of them are Splish Splash, but the entrance fees are a fraction of the cost.
Here are a few suggestions:
Cantiague Park, West John Street, Hicksville
PHONE 516-571-7056
WEB www.nassaucountyny.gov
HOURS 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
COST $5-$7 residents; $15-$20 nonresidents
The park offers two 30-foot water slides, a diving pool, a kiddie pool (called the "puddle" for kids to splash around in), a training pool and an interactive water-play area.
Wantagh Park, King Road, south of Merrick Road, Wantagh
PHONE 516-571-7460
WEB www.nassaucountyny.gov
HOURS 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
COST $5-$7 residents; $15-$20 nonresidents
This 111-acre property features an interactive water-play area for ages 3 to 10, with water guns, a water spout, a waterfall and a short footbridge. It also has a diving pool, an 8-to-18-inch-deep pool for tots, training pool (for ages 3 to 7), an interactive water-play area with lots of toys and two 30-foot water slides. The slides recently were gel-coated "so it's definitely slipping and sliding really well," says Wantagh park director Mary Schroeder.
Note: In Nassau, residents need a valid Leisure Pass, $25, for entrance to county-run parks.
Venetian Shores Park, Granada Parkway, Lindenhurst
PHONE 631-956-0066
WEB townofbabylon.com
HOURS 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
