Oh, how we miss our amusement parks in the winter! When May comes around, you find the parks with dry-rides opening on the weekends, then every day around June 1.
The water parks, along with most Monroe County beach parks and State Parks with public pools, tend to open closer to Father’s Day in mid-June. They’ll run every day through Labor Day, then taper the hours back to weekends-only until mid-October.
My father used to have a membership to Darien Lake. He would plan days off from Kodak just so he could go during the week and ride the water slides all day!
Having grown up in Irondequoit, I’m incredibly partial to Seabreeze.
Here is some helpful information, though you will always find the most current facts on each park’s website for hours and pricing.
Always look for specials. Even just purchasing online in advance can provide you with a discount.
1. Seabreeze Amusement & Waterpark
Irondequoit
A ride & slide pass will cost about $33 for an adult.
Seabreeze Amusement Park is 4th oldest in USA, 12th oldest in world. It is also one of only thirteen trolley parks still operating in the United States.
This coming 2020 season, the Jack Rabbit will celebrate 100 years of thrills. This classic coaster holds a place of honor in amusement park history, as the oldest continuously operating coaster in America and the 4th oldest operating roller coaster in the world. It’s also the first coaster ever to feature under-friction wheels – ushering in a whole new world of taller and steep hills, faster speeds, fun bunny hops and awesome negative g-forces.
Get a whole world of family fun with roller coasters, thrilling adult and family rides, great kiddie rides, and a whole waterpark too. Play on the midway, see a spectacular show and enjoy some summertime treats. Not too big, and not too small – just the right size for your family. Located in Rochester, NY near Lake Ontario, with plenty of free parking.
2. Six Flags Darien Lake Amusement & Waterpark
Darien Center
A gate pass runs about $60.
You’ll find some of the fastest, tallest, wildest, most gut-wrenching rides in the country — including a few record-breakers. All of our large pools, lazy rivers, multi-passenger rafting adventures and speed slides are waiting for you.
3. Roseland Waterpark
Canandaigua
A gate pass is around $30
Roseland Waterpark is the largest waterpark in the Finger Lakes Region with 56 acres of aquatic adventure and 9 unique attractions for the entire family.
Sparkling heated water, certified lifeguards, free parking, rental lockers, concessions, and plenty of deck space for relaxing make this the hottest spot to get cool on Canandaigua Lake.
4. Sylvan Beach Amusement Park
Sylvan Beach
Unlimited ride pass is abut $25
With roots beginning in the 1870’s the area has a rich history. It thrives today as a great beach location with all of the makings of a wonderful vacation spot.
The numerous shops, restaurants, amusement park, beach, entertainment, local festivals and more provide for great summer fun!
5. Thunder Island Water Park
Fullton
Prices are based on rides and attractions with no general admission fees. Great news for chaperones!
Check out our eight water slides with 5 pools, 3 styles of go-karts, a beautiful sprawling jungle golf course and the newest Soaring Eagle Zip line ride.
And some of the best of all things: NO general admission. That’s right, no general admission and that means no sales tax on rides or attractions and no parking fees. Pick your preferences whether it’s just golf, go karts, zip-lining or water sliding.
6. Olcott Beach Carousel Park
Olcott Beach
Olcott Beach Carousel Park is generally open weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s the tiniest amusement park you’ll ever see, reminiscent of the 1940’s, and run entirely by passionate volunteers.
Enjoy a ride on the 1928 Hershell-Spillman carousel and five other vintage kiddie rides.
There is no admission fee to enter the park and rides are just $0.25 each.
Remember, we don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing! George Bernard Shaw
On a hot day, you can sit under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or jump in a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming areas.
21 Hidden Places Around Rochester
Explore some of our hidden gems this week! There’s no time like the present to start checking some off these extraordinary places your list.
42 Quirky Roadside Attractions
Spend a day checking out these unique and unusual roadside attractions, like shoe trees, a skeleton army, and a metal dragon, within 2 hours of Rochester.
The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.
Where are your favorite amusement parks?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!