
SplashPlex vs DreamWorks Water Park
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 | SplashPlex | DreamWorks Water Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at SplashPlex
- swimming pool
- season passes
Only at DreamWorks Water Park
- surfing simulator
- wifi
- splash pad
Both parks share 2 amenities including Parking, Arcade.
About Each Park
SplashPlex
New Jersey
SplashPlex brings tropical vibes to New Jersey with its massive indoor water park that stays a comfortable 84 degrees year-round. The centerpiece is definitely the multi-level play structure that towers over everything - it's got bucket dumps, mini slides, and enough water features to keep kids busy for hours. The wave pool here is solid, generating decent-sized waves every 15 minutes that are perfect for body surfing or just floating around. For slide action, you've got a good mix ranging from kiddie slides in the shallow area to some legitimately fast tube slides that'll get your heart pumping. The lazy river winds around most of the park and moves at just the right pace - not too slow, not too rushed. What really sets SplashPlex apart is how well they've designed the space for families with younger kids. The shallow play areas are separated enough that you don't have to worry about bigger kids charging through, but everything's still within easy sight lines. The hot tubs are strategically placed so parents can relax while still watching their kids play nearby. Food-wise, you're looking at typical water park fare but the portions are decent and prices aren't completely outrageous. I'd recommend hitting the slides first thing when you arrive since lines build up by late morning, especially on weekends. The deck chairs fill up fast too, so stake your claim early or consider renting a cabana if you're with a bigger group. Parking is free which is always nice, and the…
Read the full SplashPlex guide →DreamWorks Water Park
New Jersey
DreamWorks Water Park brings beloved animated characters to life in America's largest indoor water park, located inside the American Dream mall in East Rutherford. This place is massive - we're talking 375,000 square feet of water attractions that stay a comfortable 84 degrees year-round. The park does character theming right, with areas dedicated to Shrek, Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon, and Trolls that actually feel immersive rather than slapped on as an afterthought. The Madagascar Rain Fortress is the centerpiece - a multi-level play structure with water cannons, tipping buckets, and slides that'll keep kids busy for hours. For bigger thrills, the Racing Slides let you compete side-by-side down enclosed tubes, while the FlowRider surf simulator gives you a chance to bodyboard or attempt standing up (spoiler alert: it's harder than it looks). The lazy river here is actually lazy, not a crowded water highway, and winds through different themed sections. Little ones get their own dedicated area with pint-sized slides and splash features. Being indoors means you can visit any time of year, which is clutch for Northeast families dealing with actual winters. The downside? It gets packed on weekends and school breaks since it's the only game in town for indoor water fun. Food options are typical theme park fare - overpriced but decent enough. Pro tip: arrive right when they open to claim your spot and enjoy shorter lines for the first few hours. The wave pool here generates some serious waves, so even strong swimmers…
Read the full DreamWorks Water Park guide →