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An Enchanted Time at Water Safari – Old Forge’s Awesome Water Park

Last updated on August 11, 2021.

It’s no secret that the Adirondacks is one of my absolute favorite places on this planet. If you’ve been following along on Instagram , you’ll see it’s been full of mountain views lately! Every summer growing up my parents would take my brother and I camping up at Old Forge. Some of our favorite childhood memories were made in days at Enchanted Forest Water Safari exploring the storybook area with our best friends. In the evenings we’d return to our campsite to watch out for bears (no joke). Water Safari is not only the biggest water park in New York state, but it’s rated one of the best in the country . It’s also one of TripAdvisor’s top choices! Intrigued? I bet you are. Find out what makes Water Safari in Old Forge one of the best summer destinations.

This article was originally published in 2019. In 2021, Enchanted Forest Water Safari invited me to come back to check out the new water slides and update the article. Thanks, Water Safari!

How to Save Money at Water Safari in Old Forge

Purchase your ticket at a local business.

By buying your ticket ahead of time, you’ll be able to save over $7 off your admission! You can find pre-sale tickets at local grocery stores like Price Chopper and Wegmans.

Get more than a day’s visit with the Siesta Pass

If you arrive at the park after 3pm (or 2pm on the days they close earlier), you can pay admission for the remainder of the day and get a FREE pass to return again the next day . Best. News. Ever. My recommendation? Arrive after that cut-off and enjoy all of the dry rides. Then, return in the morning to spend the day by the pools sunbathing and getting soaked on the wet rides! No worrying about changing your clothes or having enough time to fit it all in.

Book a Stay ‘N Play Package

The Water Safari Resort has two accommodations available. If you’re looking to spend a few days in Old Forge (which I highly recommend), check out their Stay ‘N Play Packages . Guests who stay at either of the properties receive discount tickets to the park.

First up is the Water’s Edge Inn across the street from the park. Guests receive free continental breakfast, have access to an indoor pool and sauna, and can relax on the lakefront property in the evening. Plus, you can actually walk across the street to the park – it’s super convenient!

A little down the road you’ll find Old Forge KOA , where I always camped as a kid. There are a variety of tent sites, cabins, and cottages to choose from depending on your style. The resort also offers a shuttle bus to take you to and from the park, so you don’t need to worry about parking.

Join the Paul Bunyan Club

While you’re at it, make sure to take your photo with Paul Bunyan. Yes, it may be cheesy. Yes, a group of us 30-somethings looked like a giddy bunch of children getting our photos taken. But I don’t regret it for one minute! As soon as you enter the park you’ll see the giant statue of Paul Bunyan, and it is the must-have photo opportunity of the park.

For an extra $4 with your first visit this year, you can join the Paul Bunyan Club . As a member, you’ll receive half-off your admission for the rest of the season. Half-price tickets must be purchased at the admission gate.

Get a season pass

If you plan on visiting on at least 3 different days during the summer, it’s worth it to get yourself a season pass. That will get you unlimited admission for the season and 10% off food and drinks in the park.

What Is There to Do at Water Safari in Old Forge?

Before you do anything at the park, get yourself a splash card . These new cards act like your cash inside the park, so you don’t have to worry about carrying around actual cash or a wallet. Plus, the cards are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about them on the wet rides.

Second, if you want to take photos and videos on the water rides, grab a waterproof phone pouch from any of the gift shops in the park. They seriously work wonders!

Lastly, if you brought a bunch of stuff into the park with you – and chances are you’ve got at least a bag with a change of clothes and towels – get a locker. That way you can stash your stuff in a locker and go enjoy the rides.

The Dry Rides

My favorite? The classic Skyride – take the ride up and get relaxing views of the whole park! But you’ll also find the traditional ones like the bumper cars and tilt-o-whirl. The wet rides are what really shine! (Also why the siesta pass is a great option!)

The Wet Rides

This is where Water Safari does it best! Believe it or not, there are 33 heated water wides ! The most popular is definitely “Curse of the Silverback”, a group ride where your tube circles around a giant funnel like a toilet bowl. And then – drop! For a relaxing day, you can choose from two different lazy rivers – the “Log Jammer” and “Safari River Expeditions”. Plus, there’s everything in between! Races, wave pools, single riders, partner and group tubes… Enough to fill your whole day!

While the park was closed in 2020, they built three new water rides . The lines may be long, but they are definitely worth it.

• Serengeti Stampede replaced the old, basic racing slide. The new, colorful slides have bumps and turns to make them a lot more fun. And the new mats have handles, making them easier to hold onto.
• Mamba Strike is a 285-foot drop water slide that loops around the Serengeti Stampede tubes. This slide has guests stand on a platform at the top of the slide that is dropped beneath them. An adrenaline rush for sure!
• Killermanjaro is back and better than ever. The speed slide features one long 207-foot drop.

Relive your childhood with Storybook Lane

Another one of my favorite childhood memories is visiting all the nursery rhyme recreations! And you can bet that I did that again on my most recent visit. From Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage to Hansel & Gretel’s gingerbread house, they are over 20 stories recreated along a path through the woods in the park. Meant for the children to visit in awe, but reminiscent for the adults as you listen to the stories play.

Family Circus

Twice daily you can watch the circus show. From the standard jugglers and trapeze artists, you’ll also find more unique acts like performing dogs and the famous motorcycle cage rider. It’s a great chance to catch a break from all the adrenaline of the day. Grab a snack and find a seat while you enjoy the show.

Play with the animals

Are you an animal lover like me? Then check out Paul’s Barnyard to play with and feed the sheep, goats, pigs, and birds that are there. I recommend going in between some of the dry rides!

Where to Eat at Water Safari

Water Safari is one of the most lenient places when it comes to bringing in outside food and beverages. BUT, why worry about lugging around your cooler and finding a place to store it while you’re in the water? There are plenty of restaurants and snack stands throughout the park. So there are plenty of options to please any palate.

Options include pizza, nachos, burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and more. A staff favorite is the Bosco sticks at the pizza shack. Get two cheese-filled breadsticks served with marinara for just $3. New this year, you’ll find ice cream nachos, monster milkshakes, and hot honey chicken sandwiches.

And to answer your most burning question – yes, there are alcoholic drinks for adults!

Other Things to Do in Old Forge

While you’re visiting Old Forge, be sure to get the most out of your stay.

Calypso’s Cove

Enchanted Forest Water Safari claims it’s “Where the fun never stops!” And that’s true! Even outside the park, you can continue your adventure – next door at Calypso’s Cove . From mini golf and batting cages, to an arcade, go karts, and more, you’re sure to have a blast.

Slicker’s Restaurant

After a long day at the water park, you’re sure to be hungry! Luckily, there’s a hometown favorite restaurant across the street – Slickers. Their pizza and chicken wings are fantastic. Seriously. So. Darn. Good. Get yourself some garlic parm wings and you’ll be in heaven.

Adirondack Dog House

If you’re really pinching your pennies for this trip, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Adirondack Dog House . Hot dogs with all sorts of toppings, french fries and onion rings? Delicious. Classic. And cheap. Score!

Fulton Chain Craft Brewery

What’s dinner without a beer? A visit to Fulton Chain Craft Brewery is a must. Adirondack-themed and dog-friendly, you won’t want to miss drinking their famous “Go Fluff Yourself” beer. Weird name? Yes. Delicious? Heck yes. It’s a peanut butter marshmallow beer that has become very popular in Central New York – for good reason!

The brewery was recently expanded to make a larger taproom. All of their brew tanks are named after the lakes in the Fulton Chain of Lakes throughout the Adirondacks. They also have pictures of the lakes on them, embracing their location.

Wisk Baking Co

You know I’m a sucker for a good coffee shop and bakery. Wisk isn’t that. Wisk Baking Co is an incredible coffee shop and bakery! Featuring a variety of delicious confections, the desserts are almost too beautiful to eat! Almost.

You’ll have a hard time choosing from the bagels, croissants, muffins, and more. Get yourself a slice of cake to go. I’d also recommend the “ADK Campfire” crepe, made with Nutella, Fluff, and graham crackers!

Have you visited Water Safari in Old Forge? I want to hear about it!

Tell me your favorite memories in the comments.

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Enchanted Forest Water Safari reopens

Enchanted Forest Water Safari is officially open.

Last year, the park was unable to open due to the pandemic. Now people from across the state can now beat the heat and experience some of the park's brand new attractions.

There are three new rides for guests to test out, the Mamba Strike, the Serengeti Stampede and Killermanjaro's Revenge.

Park hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Tickets for ages 12 and up are $36.95, $32.95 for ages three to 11, and kids under two years old get free entry. 

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Explore Africa through its lifeblood

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Every river has a character, and every waterway symbolises vitality. Life in Africa revolves around its rivers, streams and lakes, defining the essence of the wildernesses they flow through. A safari can be more than game drives, so why not opt for one of the continent’s numerous water safaris and explore Africa through its lifeblood?

Below is a list of our favourite water-based safari destinations.

Want to go on a water safari? Browse our African safaris on offer here .

Okavango Delta, Botswana: Water safari by mokoro

The swampy wildlife oasis of the Okavango Delta is one of the most extraordinary safari destinations in Africa, and a ride in a mokoro is an essential part of any exploration. These traditional dugout canoes cut silently through the wetlands’ many channels, propelled by expert guides’ poles. Aside from the peaceful immersion in one’s surroundings, this is the perfect way to encounter wildlife – from elephants to frogs and everything in between.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia: Rafting on Batoka Gorge’s white waters

At Victoria Falls , the mighty Zambezi River plunges 100 metres off a basalt plateau before being forced through a narrow and twisting path of Batoka Gorge. The rapids below the falls are classified as Grade V and are widely acknowledged as offering some of the best white water rafting in the world.

Adrift on inflatable rafts, armed with just a plastic oar and a lifejacket, visitors throw themselves at the river’s mercy. Nothing is quite as humbling as experiencing the sheer power of a churning river (especially while underneath it). And after the rather steep climb out of the gorge on somewhat shaky legs, a sundowner imbibed looking out over the “smoke that thunders” is a must! This is one of the most epic water safaris you’ll ever experience.

Jinja, Uganda: Kayak the Nile

The Nile River is the longest in the world, and its journey begins at the edge of Lake Victoria as it spills out of the lake into a series of plunging rapids. Not much compares to the thrill of riding the tumbling waves, pitting skill against the tremendous power of the torrent. And there are plenty of long flat stretches of calm water to steady the nerves, recover the muscles and marvel at the beauty of rural Uganda.

If this sounds too much (or perhaps when one’s shoulders and arms have had enough), opt for an ice-cold drink on a sedate sunset boat cruise. 

Chobe River, Botswana and Namibia: Cruise on a riverboat

The Chobe River is Africa’s elephant Eden , its lush floodplains and surroundings home to the world’s highest density of these magnificent pachyderms. This corner of the continent is renowned for its water safaris. Explore the various channels and side creeks or meander peacefully, watching elephants snorkel and wrestle in the water. From predator to prey, the abundance of life on display along the riverbanks tinges any voyage with more than a hint of excitement.

Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania: Float or dive lazy waters

Only two parks in Tanzania offer chimpanzee trekking: Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks, and both are found on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. The terrain of these parks is mountainous, and if the chimps are particularly capricious, a trek might entail several hours of strenuous hiking. As such, there is no doubt that the only way to celebrate a successful day is to leap with joy into the cool embrace of the clear waters of the world’s longest freshwater lake. Sandy beaches are perfect for lazing the days away or soaking up romantic sunsets. Or, to make the most of a water safari at Lake Tanganyika (which hosts over 350 fish species), explore the waters by diving or snorkelling.  

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe and Zambia: Explore vast shorelines

The fertile shores of Lake Kariba and its fresh waters attract diverse birdlife and wildlife, including elephants, buffalo and various antelopes. Keep an eye out for lions and leopards too. Lake Kariba’s water safaris can be enjoyed in simple pleasure or luxurious style. Dozens of lodges perched on the water’s edge allow you to awaken to the copper glow of the sun rising over the endless lake. Spend the day admiring the scenery or watching elephants browse the shoreline of Lake Kariba. And at the end of the day, the calm waters are the ideal place to admire the starlit skies. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the shorelines from the water, whether on a catamaran cruise, motorboat or even a houseboat.

Lake Malawi, Malawi: Barefoot safari

Lake Malawi offers a plethora of fun for every intrepid safari goer, from the super active to the deeply relaxed. Across the shoreline of Lake Malawi , tiny beach villages and lodges offer many opportunities to explore the waters – above or below the azure ripples. Boat trips provide the perfect vantage to appreciate the lake’s blazing sunsets. Snorkel or dive beneath the surface to take in the fishy kaleidoscope darting around the rocks in the shallows. Sailing and kayaking are at the top of the list for those eager to investigate the various bays and coves along the shoreline. And for beach lovers, there is ample opportunity to lounge along Lake Malawi’s sandy shores and breathe in the crystalline waters, drink in hand.

Storms River Mouth, South Africa: Adventure in the breakers

Along the ocean’s edge in the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park , a microcosm of adventure can be found within a rocky ravine where breakers pound rocky shores beneath rolling forests and fynbos. Here, 5kms of sea, reefs and ocean life around Storms River Mouth are protected by the national park. Mere metres from where dolphins romp in the waves and southern right whales visit, thrill-seekers can negotiate the narrow passages of the magnificent Storms River Gorge by kayak, c liff jump into secret pools, lounge on a raft or hop aboard a lilo to float on cool waters after a long day of activity.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda: Kick-back, beach style

There are plenty of active ways to entertain oneself on a visit to Lake Kivu, from water sports to birding. But why not embrace the Caribbean-like tropical atmosphere of this Great Lake, and take a few days to kick back and relax on sandy shores? Besides, it is the perfect spot to let it all sink in after a life-changing trek with gorillas in nearby Volcanoes National Park.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC:

• Travel with us . Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early / late and a few kilometres off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity? Browse our ready-made packages or answer a few questions to start planning your dream safari .
• Subscribe to our FREE newsletter / download our FREE app to enjoy the following benefits.
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