Lakemont Park vs WildRiver Waterpark
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Lakemont Park | WildRiver Waterpark |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Lakemont Park
- swimming pool
- birthday party packages
- mini golf
- go karts
- Arcade
Only at WildRiver Waterpark
- wave pool
- cabana rentals
- tube rentals
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Lakemont Park
Pennsylvania
Lakemont Park in Altoona has been entertaining families since 1894, making it America's oldest amusement park. While many people know it for the historic Leap-The-Dips wooden roller coaster, the water park section offers a refreshing escape during Pennsylvania's hot summers. The water attractions here feel more intimate than massive resort destinations, which works perfectly for families with younger kids who might get overwhelmed at bigger parks. You'll find a solid mix of water slides that provide thrills without being too intense, plus a dedicated children's area with smaller slides and interactive water features. The lazy river gives parents a chance to relax while keeping an eye on their kids. What really sets Lakemont apart is how it combines old-school charm with modern water attractions. You can spend the morning on water slides, then dry off and ride one of the oldest roller coasters in the country. The park maintains that classic regional amusement park feel where staff actually seem to care about your experience. Parking is free and usually easy to find, unlike some of the bigger parks where you're walking a quarter mile from your car. The food options are typical amusement park fare, but reasonably priced for what you get. I'd recommend arriving when they open to claim your spot, especially on weekends. The changing rooms can get crowded later in the day, so getting there early helps. Bring your own towels and sunscreen to save money. This isn't the place for serious thrill seekers looking for massive…
Read the full Lakemont Park guide →WildRiver Waterpark
Pennsylvania
WildRiver Waterpark sits in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania near Raystown Lake, making it a solid choice for families looking to cool off during those hot summer days. The park captures that classic American water park vibe with a good mix of slides and attractions spread across a manageable footprint. You'll find the usual suspects here: a decent-sized wave pool that gets packed by midday, a lazy river that's perfect for floating away an afternoon, and several water slides ranging from gentle family tubes to steeper single-rider runs that'll get your heart pumping. The kids' area is well-designed with smaller slides, tipping buckets, and plenty of splash features that keep the little ones entertained for hours. What really sets WildRiver apart is its location and atmosphere. Being in a smaller Pennsylvania town, it doesn't feel like a corporate theme park experience. The staff actually seems to care, the lines move at a reasonable pace, and you're not fighting massive crowds like you would at bigger parks. The setting among Pennsylvania's hills gives it a more relaxed, vacation-like feel even if you're just there for the day. Families with kids from toddlers to teens will find plenty to do here. The attraction mix hits that sweet spot where parents aren't bored but kids aren't overwhelmed. Get there early on weekends if you can, especially during peak summer season. The parking lot fills up and the popular slides start building lines by noon. Bring reef-safe sunscreen because you'll be in the…
Read the full WildRiver Waterpark guide →Ready to visit Lakemont Park?