Fun for Youngsters

Nothing thrills a child - or brings out the child in an adult - better than a trip to an amusement park.

In Lake George, The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom boasts 125 rides, shows and attractions, and a fabulous water park. Roller coasters, go-karts and fairytale atmosphere make for a delightful getaway. How many ways can you cool off in summer? Let Water Slide World in Lake George count the ways!

With more than 35 water slides, attractions and services, including the Hurricane Harbor Wave Pool, sled slides and cannonball slides, there's no shortage of ways to find wet relief from the hot summer sun. There are also two toddler pools for the little ones.

In the Greater Niagara region, Grand Island's Martin's Fantasy Island offers quality, safe and fun entertainment in a wholesome family environment. It has rides for all ages, a wide variety of live shows and the super fun giant wave pool and water slides make for memorable family outings.

Also in the region is the new Six Flags Darien Lake, a powerhouse of world-class thrills and adventure including more than 100 rides, shows and attractions. Kids will love meeting their favorite comic and superhero characters, from Bugs Bunny to Batman. Six Flags Darien Lake is also home to the first Six Flags resort, allowing visitors to stay just steps from the fun at the on-site hotel or campground.

Playland Park in Rye, in New York's Hudson Valley region, is a beautiful throwback to amusement parks of yesteryear. The 279-acre recreational complex in Westchester County has over 45 rides along with arcades, lakeside picnic groves, a 19-hole championship miniature golf course, an Olympic-size pool, a 1,200-foot beach and boardwalk, and a lake for boating in season.

Just northeast of Rochester is Seabreeze Amusement Park, a traditional amusement park combined with a state-of-the-art waterpark to make for great family fun. You can't go wrong with the park's selection of four great roller coasters (including the Jack Rabbit, a classic "woodie" from 1920, and the double looping Quantum Loop).

Beat the heat on Long Island at Splish Splash Water Park, located on 61 acres of beautiful resort-like forest setting in Riverhead. The cooling off action begins at the Monsoon Lagoon, an interactive family area with water cannons, hideaways, rope climbing, slides and more. There are also 16 tremendous water slides, a huge wave pool, four kiddie pools and 1,300-foot-long lazy river.

Lovers of Americana will want to check out Broome County's carousels. Between 1919 and 1934, George F. Johnson, a shoe manufacturer, donated six beautiful carousels to the county's local parks. He felt carousels contributed to a happy life and would help youngsters grow into strong and useful citizens. He also insisted that the municipalities never charge money for a magic ride.

Now into their seventh decade, these magnificent machines still spin from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and remain free of charge. On the Recreation and Ross Park carousels, you can still hear the calliope sounds of the original Wurlitzer Band Organs.