Memorial Day weekend is only days away, and the city is already heating up this week as you’ve probably noticed.
And while rooftop pools are always a vibe, snagging a chair can feel completely impossible by now.
Thankfully, there is a massive aquatic adventure waiting right outside NYC that is ten times cooler than a normal pool day.
The absolute largest water park in New York state is making a huge splash by officially reopening its gates for the 2026 season this holiday weekend!
Get those swimsuits ready because Splish Splash Water Park is welcoming back thrill seekers starting this Saturday, May 23.
Tucked away out east on Long Island, this colossal 96-acre wonderland makes for the ultimate summer day trip!
Whether you are looking to plummet down gravity-defying slides or just float the afternoon away with a frozen drink in hand, this park is exactly what the doctor ordered to beat the impending summer humidity.
Here is everything you need to know about this weekend’s big opening!
Why this mega park is the ultimate summer escape
Spanning an absolutely huge footprint in Calverton on Long Island, Splish Splash easily claims the crown for New York’s largest water park.
The sprawling grounds feature over 30 unique aquatic attractions scattered throughout a shady, tree filled landscape.
It’s the perfect mix of high speed adrenaline drops and lazy lounging zones.
If you are an adrenaline junkie, you have to hit up Bootlegger’s Run.
It is the very first hydromagnetic water coaster in New York, featuring breathtaking drops from nearly five stories high.
Other fan favorites include the dizzying Alien Invasion raft ride and the terrifyingly steep sheer drop of Bombs Away.
More focused on keeping your heart rate down? We entirely get it.
You can easily ride the gentle swells at the Kahuna Bay wave pool, or just let the current do all the work for you on the iconic lazy river.
What’s new for the 2026 season
The park is absolutely not holding back for its 36th season!
They are rolling out a ton of brand new upgrades and attractions to keep things fresh for returning visitors.
Here’s what you can expect new this summer:
- Stingray Bay: Families bringing the little ones along will absolutely love this brand new interactive kid zone. It is packed to the brim with three pint sized water slides, six interactive spray features, five different water play areas, and a massive dump bucket to keep the kiddos completely drenched and happy all day long.
- Next Level Luxury Cabanas: You can officially elevate your whole park day by booking one of the newly added luxury cabanas right in front of the Kahuna Bay wave pool for some serious VIP lounging. The two new options, Paradise Pavilion and Hang Ten Hideaway, take things to a whole new level of comfort. We are talking plenty of shaded seating, a dining room and kitchen area, your own dedicated cabana server, a private shower, and even a bar area!
- Neon Nights After Dark: For anyone who has ever wanted to ride water slides in the dark, you are in luck. Returning for 2026 is their electric after hours event under the stars. Starting July 4 and running every Friday and Saturday until August 15, the park transforms with a live DJ, a wild bubble tunnel, and vivid neon colors everywhere. The party runs from 7 – 10 pm and is completely free to attend if you snag a Gold or Platinum Season Pass.
- Epic Passholder Perks: Speaking of season passes, the park is pouring on the VIP perks all summer long. Passholders get access to exclusive Bring A Friend Free Days, special appreciation days, and huge discounts on food and retail throughout the park.
Everything you need to know to visit
Splish Splash is located at 2549 Splish Splash Drive in Calverton, NY, and making the trek out there from the city is completely painless!
If you are driving with your crew, it is about a 75 mile trip east from the city.
Just hop on the Long Island Expressway and take it all the way to Exit 72 West. From there, it is a quick left turn right onto Splish Splash Drive.
Not renting a car? No sweat.
You can easily catch the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station directly to Ronkonkoma. From the station, you can grab a quick rideshare for the final leg.
During the opening Memorial Day weekend festivities starting this Saturday, May 23 at 10 am, guests can expect special giveaways, live magic, and juggling performances to kick off summer the right way.
Check out opening weekend ticket deals and plan your visit on the official Splish Splash website.
