Enchanted Forest Water Safari facts for kids
| Previously known as The Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks (1956-1988) | |
The park's front gate.
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| Location | Old Forge, New York, U.S. |
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| Status | Operating |
| Opened | July 7, 1956 |
Enchanted Forest Water Safari is a popular amusement and water park in Old Forge, New York. It was first called The Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks. This park offers many exciting water slides and classic rides for families to enjoy.
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How the Park Started
The park first opened on July 7, 1956. It was created by A. Richard Cohen. He owned a hardware store and helped develop ski areas like Whiteface and Gore. When it opened, the park had 35 employees. It covered about 35 acres of land. Back then, it cost $1 for adults and 25¢ for children to get in. Over time, the park grew to its current size of 60 acres.
Mr. Cohen's daughter and wife helped design the park. They visited other amusement parks to see how they worked. The park's design included a big circus tent. It also had houses based on children's nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Artist Russell Patterson created the watercolor paintings for the park's look. He also designed the fairy tale houses.
In 1956, the only mechanical ride was a train. It was called the Enchanted Forest Express. It took guests on a trip around the park. More rides were added during the 1960s.
In 1977, the Noonan family bought the park from Mr. Cohen. The park's name changed in 1988 to Enchanted Forest Water Safari. This happened after a big expansion. Many new water slides were added, including two long slides that were put in back in 1984.
Rides and Attractions
Water Rides
- Amazon - A long, 1,100-foot tube ride for families. It takes you through jungle scenery.
- Black River - A 500-foot double tube slide. It's mostly dark, with only a few air holes.
- Bombay Blasters - Two fully enclosed body slides. They end with a splash in Lake Nakura. One slide is a bit taller than the other.
- Cascade Falls - A 500-foot family tube ride. It has many twists and turns. You end up in a pool at the bottom.
- Curse of the Silverback - A "toilet-bowl" style double-tube ride. It starts with a fast, enclosed drop. Then you spin around a large bowl before splashing into a small pool.
- Kid Wash - A fun, car-wash themed walk-through ride for young children.
- Killermanjaro's Revenge - A new ride added in 2020. It opened in 2021.
- Lake Nakura - A safari-themed area. It has a swimming pool and a ropes course. There's also a splash zone for other slides.
- Log Jammer - A lazy river ride. It also has a small wave pool.
- Mamba Strike - A new ride added in 2020. It opened in 2021.
- Nairobi Narrows - Two short but steep body slides. They are side-by-side and end in Lake Nakura.
- Pygmy Pond - A children's area. It has small slides and swings. There are three slides for little kids.
- Raging Rapids - A fast and bumpy single-tube ride. It goes down 700 feet. You'll see caves and waterfalls.
- Rondaxe Run - Another double-tube slide. It has enclosed and open parts. You'll go through waterfalls and banked turns.
- Safari River Expedition - A lazy river ride. It has a few waterfalls and water spouts.
- Sawmill - A small area for families. Kids can climb towers and go down different slides. It has two slides for children. There are also water jets and spouts. A log at the top dumps water on people below.
- Serengeti Stampede - A new ride added in 2020. It opened in 2021.
- The Shadow - Two fully enclosed, clear, and fast slides. They end in a pool.
- Tidal Wave Pool - A large wave pool. It's about a quarter-acre big. The waves can be up to four feet tall.
- Walter's Wild Slide - This slide is only for children. Kids sit down and race each other to the bottom.
Amusement Rides
- Boats - Enjoy a relaxing boat ride.
- Bumper Cars - Drive and bump into other cars for fun.
- Carousel - A classic carousel built in 1920. It started at the park in 1975.
- Enchanted Forest Express - A miniature train ride. It gives you views of different parts of the park.
- Ferris Wheel - A classic Ferris wheel. Each car can fit up to two people.
- Flivver Cars - Small cars for kids. They take guests around the back of the park.
- Helicopters - A helicopter ride. You can choose how high you want to go.
- Rock-o-planes - A Ferris wheel where the seats can flip upside down. You can control the position of most cars.
- Round-up - A classic ride where you stand inside a spinning wheel. The spinning pushes you against the sides.
- Scrambler - A ride that spins and twists in different directions.
- Sky Ride - A chairlift that slowly goes across the park and back.
- Tilt-a-whirl - A spinning ride with cars that tilt and turn.
Former Rides
Water Rides
- Serengeti Surf Hill - A fast race on mats. Up to four people could race down this slide.
- Killermanjaro - A very fast speed slide. It had a 280-foot drop. You could reach speeds near 30 miles per hour.
Calypso's Cove
Right next to the main park is Calypso's Cove. It's a smaller amusement area. Here you can find an arcade, go-karts, rock climbing, mini-golf, batting cages, bumper boats, and a zip line.
Other Fun Things to Do
Besides the rides, the park offers more fun. There are two circus shows every day. You can also visit a petting zoo. The park has a small museum about its history. You'll find many video game arcades and side show games too.
The park has a rule against smoking in most areas. However, there are special spots for those who wish to smoke. Dogs are allowed in the park if they are on a leash. There's also a special area in the back for circus performances. These include acrobatics and animal shows.
