Western New Yorkers are especially lucky to be surrounded by many natural bodies of water that make for perfect summertime destinations. For pristine beaches and lakefront adventures, many of us will choose to head out to destinations like Sunset Bay Beach Club along Lake Erie, but if you’re looking for a thrilling way to cool off though this year, it’s time you take a trip just north of Buffalo to experience all that this nearby magical island has to offer.
Grand Island is located just 20 minutes north of Buffalo and is home to the underrated Fantasy Island & Splashway Bay water adventure park.
Fantasy Island/Facebook Fantasy Island has over 40 rides ranging from heart-pounding adventures to easygoing options that cater to younger guests.
In the summertime, the Splashway Bay waterpark is the best place to be.
Fantasy Island/Facebook From thrilling slides to meandering floats, so there’s something for everyone.
Feeling adventurous? Double Dare Falls is the ultimate slide ride.
Fantasy Island/Facebook You’ll splash down around twists and turns at nearly 40 feet per second!
There’s also the CannonBowl, an enclosed slide that feeds into a huge bowl that you’ll spin around in before splashing your way back out into the bay.
Fantasy Island/Facebook
The black and white striped Dragster Drench is hard to miss - it’s five stories tall!
Fantasy Island/Facebook The Dragster Drench has five racing water slides that you’ll fly down on toboggan-style foam mats.
If you want something a little less adrenaline-inducing, check out the Eagle’s Landing Canoes.
Andrew Metzger/Google You can paddle your way right through the park!
For the most leisurely experience, head to the Splash Creek River Ride.
Fantasy Island/Facebook This quarter-mile-long lazy river will take you on a relaxing ride through waterfalls and past geysers.
Younger visitors also love spots like the Dinosaur Pool, which has a wading pool just for kids, and Surf Hill, which offers smaller slides and shallow water and even a small Wave Pool.
Fantasy Island/Facebook
When you need a little break from the water, there are plenty of other rides at Fantasy Island to explore, including a miniature train and classic carnival rides
Fantasy Island/Google
You can also check out live shows where Wild West Shootouts happen right in the heart of Fantasy Island, as well as their Golden Nugget Jammin Jamboree, Robbery on the Rails, If the Shoe Fits, and Story Time with Oakley shows.
Shawn Mann/Google
With a park this exciting and so close to home, there’s no excuse for you to not visit Fantasy Island this summer!
Fantasy Island/Facebook To find out more about Splashaway Bay at Fantasy Island, click here.
Address: 2400 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, NY, 14072
Hours: Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Looking for more exciting ways to cool down this season? Then take a look at how This All-Day Tubing Trip Will Make Your Buffalo Summer Complete!
Fantasy Island/Facebook
Fantasy Island has over 40 rides ranging from heart-pounding adventures to easygoing options that cater to younger guests.
From thrilling slides to meandering floats, so there’s something for everyone.
You’ll splash down around twists and turns at nearly 40 feet per second!
The Dragster Drench has five racing water slides that you’ll fly down on toboggan-style foam mats.
Andrew Metzger/Google
You can paddle your way right through the park!
This quarter-mile-long lazy river will take you on a relaxing ride through waterfalls and past geysers.
Fantasy Island/Google
Shawn Mann/Google
To find out more about Splashaway Bay at Fantasy Island, click here.
Address: 2400 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, NY, 14072
Hours: Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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