Thursday, June 12, 2008

Adventureland











Yesterday we had a wonderful day. We went with one of our homeschooling groups to Adventureland, "Long Island's Amusement Park!" We had a blast! The best part was that since it's still June, the park was relatively empty. The longest line we had to stand in was ten minutes, which was fantastic, especially with little kids. They have a very nice blend of kiddie rides and thrill rides. We were able to ride some things as a family, and Rachel and Julia were able to ride things alone or with me or Matt while the other went with Ben and Emma. It was great being able to ride what they wanted over and over again, too---their favorite local thing is going to Greenport at riding the carousel--but at $2 a person, we aren't going to ride more than once! Here, they could ride the carousel seventy times if they wanted, and lots more besides. The one disappointing ride was the Haunted House--NOT scary! It was basically just extremely dark, with a few light up tableaus and haunting music in the background. Emma was scared--the other kids just didn't like the darkness.

I got to ride a roller coaster for the first time in years--after having so many babies and young kids, I haven't been on one since the mid-nineties! And Rachel is finally old enough to enjoy them. They also have several water rides, which was nice since it was fairly hot. Another thing I liked (though I didn't know about it!) was that this is one amusement park that allows picnics right in the park--most don't. Luckily, I did bring water bottles, a huge thermos of ice water, and even coffee--because we went through all that, 2 large Cokes, 2 slurpees, 2 more bottles of water, and had Italian ices to boot! We would have been broke from buying drinks....the park has been open since 1962, and it has a very family oriented feel, unlike places like Great Adventure that are very impersonal. Rachel, Julia and I even had our picture taken by Newsday....I'll have to remember to check online and see if it's there today.

We played from 10-6 pm and enjoyed ourselves completely. This is going to be a place we'll have to go every year!

5 comments:

Nan Patience said...

Sounds great! Where is it and what did it cost?

Jen said...

It's on Rte. 110 in Farmingdale, very easy to get to! Just got to Exit 49 on the LIE and go south 2 miles. It's on the left, parking is free--unlike certain water parks in Riverhead I could mention......

Our group rate was 18.50 per person. The regular rate is 24.99 for adults/kids over 48", 19.99 for under 48". So we saved quite a bundle! They also offer tickets at 1.00/each, but you'd have to be nuts, frankly--each ride is 3-5 tickets per ride! And parents MUST have tickets to "help" kids on the rides...

Our homeschool group goes every year, thankfully. It would definitely be worth getting a group together--you don't have to stay together, just one person buys the bracelets. A bit of organization with $$ goes a long way!

--Jen

Jen said...

By the way, I didn't put it in the main post (was tired!) but in the first picture with the swings, I am in the foreground wearing the pink shirt and brown capris--Rachel and Julia are sitting double just behind me....

Anonymous Mommy Blogger said...

I haven't been there since I was a kid. We used to go every year, but then I became a teenager and it wasn't fun anymore. I would love to go again, I always forget it is there.

Mom of 3 said...

Ben took his hat off? No way!!!!!