Looking for a fun spray park that’s geared at younger kids? Shipwreck Cove Bay Shore NY is the place to be! Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to head out to this Long Island sprinkler park with little ones in tow!

Over 4^th of July weekend, we were looking for something to do with the kids. It was sunny and hot, and the kids were itching to get in the water. But, we just weren’t in the mood to fight the beach traffic, so we decided to try out the new sprinkler park in Bay Shore, NY.

I am happy to say that Shipwreck Cove exceeded our expectations: not only was the sprinkler park humongous, it was also very, very clean. As we pulled into the parking lot, we couldn’t help but notice the massive water slides and spray fountains. The park was well-staffed, and we were pleased to see lots of lifeguards standing in the wading pool keeping eyes out for the little kids.

Our kids were really excited, so as soon as we found a spot to drop our bags, we all went in. We were very surprised at how icy cold the water was – not that this was a bad thing in 90+ temps – but it was definitely a catch-your-breath sort of moment.

As adults, we thought the sprinkler park itself was super, but both kids were a bit fearful of the spray fountains. The water pressure was a bit forceful for the four and under crowd, so our kids just played around the edges of the wading pool until they got bored. At which point, they told us they wanted to go down to the beach.

Luckily for us, the admittance fee to Shipwreck Cove Spray Park gives you access to both the sprinkler park and the bay beach for the entire day. So you can literally run back and forth as long as you keep your wristbands on. This is a great perk for families who have temperamental kids – ahem, like ours.

The bay was a marked change of pace from the sprinkler park. Here, the kids enjoyed warmer water, lots of sand to play in, and a much more peaceful environment. Our son enjoyed wading out in the water with Daddy to touch the buoys…while I chased our daughter as she made a beeline for the playground.

I would definitely give Shipwreck Cove Spray Park a thumbs-up, but if your kids are a bit on the timid side, you might end up sitting down by the bay.

Shipwreck Cove Bay Shore NY

What You Should Know Before You Go

• Pros: incredibly clean; fully fenced in; lifeguards everywhere; big enough for everyone; water is only about a foot deep
• Cons: too many full-force sprinklers; no shade; not enough chairs or tables; water is very cold
• What to bring: your own seating; lots of sunscreen; some sort of shade for the kids; towels; food and water
• My Advice to the town: lower the sprinkler force, or set aside certain times of the day when the force is suitable for the four & under crowd; add more seating and shade

Admission to Shipwreck Cove Bay Shore NY

Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily, from the end of June through Labor Day. Check the town’s website for the most recent pricing, but as of June 2018, the fees were:

• Free with Pool Membership
• $7.00 per person with a Town of Islip Recreation Card
• $10.00 per person with proof of Town Residency (Driver’s License)
• $12.00 for a Non-Resident
• $2 for a Resident with a Town Senior Recreation Card or Permanent Town Disability Card

Location

The Shipwreck Cove Spray Park is located at the end of South Clinton Avenue at the Bay Shore Marina.

Looking for more great places to take your kids on Long Island like Shipwreck Cove Bay Shore NY? Try these:

• Splish Splash Water Park, Calverton, NY

• avalon park and preserve in stony brook: wait til you see it

• The Long Island Game Farm, Manorville, NY.
• Atlantis Marine World, Riverhead, NY

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