My little one's favorite water attraction everywhere we go is the lazy river, and the Congo Bongo Adventure River at Sahara Sam's kept us floating along at varying times throughout the day for many laps at a time. I loved the zero entry point here because you can easily grab a tube, get situated in it, and walk your way into the water as it gradually deepens to the main river area. Very unique, this is the first time I've seen one set up this way, as we're typically scrambling in the middle of the flowing water trying to situate the kids and ourselves into the tubes as people maneuver around us on the river. This set up made it so easy to get on and off that it was a pleasure. Tons of waterfall areas abound along the river for some soaking fun with your family members.
In the center of the park is a tree fort that has buckets that fill and splash over you along with tons of constantly flowing water to drench yourself as you navigate the steps. Along the railings were levers and other toys to squirt those walking around on the floor level around you. Out the back are two fun orange and blue slides that land you into a water and foam filled bottom pool area. As kids would do, mine found it hysterical when they were covered in foam on their legs and made a game out of covering our heads with the foam for a good laugh.
Also inside, climb the steps to the ceiling level and grab a tube to ride either of the two Snake Eyes tube slides or the Mount Kilimanjaro family raft ride. So exhilarating, all three of these begin and conclude indoors but the tubes snake around one another outside the building. My oldest was fascinated by the idea that she was sliding around outside during the ride and spent a good amount of the day revisiting each of these rides with us. These three water slides were quick moving, exciting, and worth the steps up to the top every time.
If you dare to brave the surf, check out the Flowrider. The only existing indoor surfing simulator in the area, you can opt to flow board or body board on the waves. This particular attraction is for ages eight and up that both meet certain height restrictions and provide a signed waiver prior to riding. From a girl who was discussing her latest competition statistics after competing at the beach to the kids giving it a try for the first time, all were having fun catchin' the waves.
My kids absolutely loved the cargo obstacle course spread across the water. Hanging tight to the rope and climbing across the moving pieces to reach the other side provided amusement for endless turns during our visit. This is also right next to the hoops pool where you can play basketball inside the water. Admittedly, this can be a difficult concept for the younger child who is still too short to stand in the water, as it's quite challenging even with the life vests provided for this activity to hold a ball and aim for the hoop while trying to swim and stay afloat at the same time. That said, with a little parental help for the young ones, it's a neat concept for them to give a good try, and for the older kids and adults, they were having a healthy competition at the hoops.
For those with toddlers, there is the Lizard Lagoon with two side-by-side slides that land in 1 foot of water. Also in that low water wade pool is a baby bungee area with cute buckets for the littlest of adventurers to sit and bounce in over the water.
Immersed in the water on Sahara Sam's various attractions, it's easy for the day to pass you by while you're enjoying the moment. If you need a break from the water, their lobby is a 3,000 square foot arcade for those who enjoy taking out some game time. They also have an outdoor Samazon Ropes Adventure that is the world's tallest rope course and is included with your admission.
On site, they have lockers that are a truly nominal fee for all day access to easily store dry clothing and personal items while enjoying the park. They also have quite a few food options sold right inside their cafe, so it's easy to take a break for lunch and then head back to continue your adventure without having to step foot outside. On a nice day, like the day we arrived, the section of their roo retractable roof can be opened and the sunlight beams into the center of the park. I definitely recommend arriving early. We ventured out for opening time and though quite a number of people were there, we had the run of the water park in the morning and it definitely filled up more as the day progressed. All in all, since it's an indoor facility, it's a great place to frolic with the family and enjoy the water attractions year round.
Sahara Sam’s Oasis opened its doors in March 2009 as New Jersey’s first free-standing indoor water park with 58,000 square feet of indoor aquatic attractions. Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park is the recipient of the prestigious 2011 Silver International Aquatic Safety Award by Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc., International Aquatic Safety & Risk Management Consultants. Sahara Sam’s newest initiative is the SAMBULANCE Educational Safety Program, a complimentary educational program for schools, camps, and community groups that teaches children about safety awareness, first aid, stranger danger, water safety and more. Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park is pleased to announce it is growing beyond its four walls. The facility will nearly double in size by the end of the year with the expansion of the current indoor facility and addition of an entire outdoor complex—a $4.5 million investment.
At Sahara Sam's, children two and under are admitted free. They offer a spectator admission at a reduced rate if you aren't planning on joining your family on the rides, as well as a twilight admission if you choose to go after 3:30. For more information, visit these links for online ticket purchase options and hours of operation.
My family and I were hosted by Sahara Sam's Oasis Indoor Water Park and now we'd like to extend our experience and share it with you. One very lucky Macaroni Kid Lincroft-Holmdel-Tinton Falls subscriber will win a family four pack of one day admission tickets to Sahara Sam's Oasis Indoor Water Park. Simply click here to enter for your chance to win. All entries must be received by August 15th at 5:00 p.m. to be eligible for the drawing. One entry per person, per day. Good luck!
