Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove vs Sahara Sams, West Berlin
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 | Sahara Sams, West Berlin |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove
- swimming pool
- splash pad
- picnic areas
Only at Sahara Sams, West Berlin
- wave pool
- lazy river
- cabana rentals
- tube rentals
- hot tubs
- Arcade
- wifi
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 →Sahara Sams, West Berlin
New Jersey
Sahara Sams turns a 58,000 square foot warehouse in West Berlin into your own personal oasis, complete with palm trees and year-round 84-degree weather. This indoor water park delivers exactly what families with kids under 12 are looking for - a manageable sized space where you can actually keep track of everyone while they burn off energy. The centerpiece is a decent-sized wave pool that generates rolling waves every few minutes. Kids love running in and out as the waves hit the shallow end. The lazy river moves at the perfect pace for floating on tubes, though it's more of a lazy stream given the indoor space constraints. You'll find several water slides that twist down from a central tower - nothing too intense, but enough to get your heart rate up. The kiddie area gets heavy use and rightfully so, with smaller slides, fountains, and a tipping bucket that dumps water every few minutes. Parents can sit right alongside in lounge chairs. What makes Sahara Sams work is the indoor climate control. No sunscreen needed, no weather delays, and the water temperature stays comfortable all day. The facility feels clean and well-maintained, though it can get pretty echo-y when it's crowded. Food options stick to typical water park fare - pizza, burgers, nachos - but it's convenient and reasonably priced. Arrive right when they open if you're visiting on weekends or school holidays. The place fills up fast and those lounge chairs go quickly. Rent a cabana if you…
Read the full Sahara Sams, West Berlin guide →Ready to visit Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove?