Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove vs Runway Rapids, Keansburg
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 | Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove | Runway Rapids, Keansburg |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove
- gift shop
- splash pad
- group rates
Only at Runway Rapids, Keansburg
- tube rentals
- Arcade
- mini golf
- go karts
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove
New Jersey
Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove in Hope, New Jersey brings together two distinct experiences - a classic family amusement park and a pirate-themed water park - all for one admission price. This combo setup works really well for families with kids who get bored easily, since you can bounce between dry rides and water attractions throughout the day. The amusement park side feels like stepping back in time, with gentle rides perfect for younger kids, including a train that loops around the property and classic kiddie rides. The real draw though is Pirates Cove, where everything has a swashbuckling theme that kids absolutely eat up. The water slides aren't massive by modern standards, but they're plenty exciting for the target audience of families with elementary-age kids. There's a good-sized pool area and water play features that work well for toddlers up through tweens. The pirate theming actually makes a difference here - it's not just slapped-on decorations but woven throughout the experience in a way that makes kids feel like they're on an adventure. Food options are typical amusement park fare, so pack snacks if you're trying to keep costs down. The park draws heavily from the New York metro area, so summer weekends can get crowded. Your best bet is arriving right when they open, especially if you're visiting on a Saturday. The combination ticket is genuinely a good value compared to other family attractions in the region. This isn't the place for teenagers looking for massive…
Read the full Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove guide →Runway Rapids, Keansburg
New Jersey
Runway Rapids sits inside Keansburg Amusement Park on the Jersey Shore, giving you the unique combo of water slides and classic boardwalk rides all in one spot. The water park packs 18 different slides into a relatively compact space, which means shorter walks between attractions but can get crowded on peak summer days. You'll find everything from gentle kiddie slides to legitimate stomach-dropping speed slides that'll have you questioning your life choices halfway down. The multi-level play structure is a solid pick for families - parents can plant themselves in the shade while kids burn energy on smaller slides, tipping buckets, and water cannons. What sets Runway Rapids apart is its location within the larger amusement park. Your admission gets you access to both the water attractions and the dry rides, including go-karts, mini golf, and classic carnival games. This makes it perfect for families who can't agree on just water or just rides. The downside? Because it's part of a bigger operation, the water park can feel a bit cramped compared to standalone facilities. The lazy river is more of a lazy creek, and deck space fills up fast. Arrive when they open at 10 AM if you want prime real estate near the kiddie area. The food situation is typical amusement park fare - overpriced but decent pizza, burgers, and funnel cake. You can bring your own food and drinks to the picnic areas, which I'd recommend for budget-conscious families. Parking is free, which is rare for Jersey…
Read the full Runway Rapids, Keansburg guide →Ready to visit Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove?