Water parks are must-visit destinations for kids who love to swim, slide, and appreciate anything that gushes H20 — and they’re not just for summer! Indoor wet wonderlands are open year-round, feature heated water, and no sunblock or sun visors are needed. Check out our picks for places to splish and splash any time of year within driving distance of the Big Apple.

photo: Six Flags Great Escape

New York

Great Escape Lodge
Located right by Lake George, Great Escape Lodge in the Adirondacks attracts tourists and locals alike; especially because it’s part of the well-known and established Six Flags family of theme parks. Not only do fun characters like Scooby-Doo, a moose, and a fox come visit kids in the Lodge’s lobby, the indoor water park is literally just off the lodging area — so you can walk from your hotel room right into the water park in your flip-flops without…