'America's Biggest Little Waterpark' Is A Thrilling New York Gem

Just about 70 miles north of Manhattan, situated in the Hudson Valley, is the old town of Fishkill, New York. Known as the "Crossroads of the American Colonies," a lot of the tourist attractions in this 300-year-old town revolve around its unique history.

But if you're planning a summer vacation around that area, you might be surprised to learn that it's also home to a family-friendly waterpark known as "America's Biggest Little Waterpark": SplashDown Beach. Each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors flock to the award-winning, 19-acre park for some fun in the sun.

Although it's smaller than a lot of water parks, its compact layout makes it possible for families to easily visit every ride. Plus, with a designated Splash Works section for toddlers and preschoolers under 48 inches, there are plenty of fun options for kids of all ages. So if the beach is a little too steep this year, and you're looking for a budget-friendly way to cool off the family this summer, this might be the place for you.

Private cabanas may seem like a luxury, but many visitors say they're worth it. You have to reserve them at least 24-hours in advance, but it's a great way to have a safe, secure homebase while your family explores the park. Plus, it offers a private, shaded spot if you have little ones that still need a midday nap.

Each cabana accommodates up to eight people and includes two lounge chairs, a table with four chairs, a locker, and food service. If you've got a group of two, you can rent a luxury lounge that includes a private shaded area, two lounge chairs, and a table cooler. Keep in mind that no outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed in except for one sealed water bottle per-person. However, there are seven different restaurants to choose from offering typical amusement park fare.

This year, the park is offering their 2025 Ultimate Season Pass with lots of extra perks, including three "bring a friend get half-off" tickets, $75 off cabana rental, $25 off luxury lounge rental, discounts on food and beverages, $5 off daily locker rental, free ice cream toppings, 25% off birthday parties, 20% off retail, and free parking.

As mentioned, there are great options for younger kids. But even if you just have a more cautious guest, Pelican Bay is a great option. Billed as the largest water playground in the state, this area has four waterslides, a multitude of interactive features, and a huge dumping bucket. Take a relaxing float on the Croc Creek Wavy Lazy River in your very own tube or ride the waves in the Monster Wave Pool.

Slightly more adventurous guests will love the Arctic Mammoth. With four others on a five-person raft, you'll twist and turn down a 600-foot-long slide starting six stories up. If you prefer more traditional waterpark waterslides, Pirate's Plunge, Pirate's Revenge, or Cowabunga Falls might be more your speed.

For the daredevils out there, SplashDown Beach has you covered too. The Megalodon offers thrill seekers a zero-gravity experience as the four-person raft surges up the nearly 90-degree wall, pauses mid-air, and drops. The Arctic Plunge Racer will have you flying face-first through tubes of twists, turns, and curves. Grab a fellow daredevil and ride the two-person tube down the four-story slide on the Humunga Half-Pipe: one of SplashDown Beach's most popular rides.