Sahara Sam's Oasis: New Jersey's New Indoor Water Park

Jun 16 2009

Teresa's blog

By Teresa

Sahara Sam's Oasis: New Jersey's New Indoor Water Park

So, your kids are longing for swimsuits, sprinklers and slides. Well, now you can make their dreams come true, whether the weather is cooperating or not. Load up the iPod, the towels and the kids and take a short road trip to newly opened Sahara Sam’s Oasis in West Berlin, New Jersey. This indoor water park is less than two hrs from NYC and the 286,000 gallons of water keep 11 rides and tons of kids wet and wildly entertained, rain or shine!

We traveled with four parents; and three boys and three girls aging from 2-8 yrs old, so believe me, the place was well-tested. The kids were awed into silence (SILENCE, I SAY ) as we stepped through the door. But after those two seconds, they immediately got busy. Favorites?

Crocodile Flats: A cargo rope obstacle course suspended above a lagoon

Tim-Buk-Tu Tree Fort: A giant playground of stairs, slides, and shooters, including a giant 1,000 gallon tipping bucket dumping over the fort every five minutes

Sam’s Slam Dunker: A water basketball court

Congo Bongo River Ride: A 410 foot lazy river-type tube ride with mini-waterfalls and geysers

Snake Eyes: Two eight-foot wide twisting slide barrel tunnels

The older kids (a.k.a. husbands) preferred the Rip Curl Flow Rider, a surfing/boogie-boarding machine (one of only 100 in the world). Our youngest spent most of her time in Lizard Lagoon, a shallow pool area for the preschool-and-under crowd with slides, mini-geysers, a waterfall and bungee bouncy swings.

Another great attraction is Mount Kilimanjaro, a 45 ft high family raft ride. Unfortunately, the four family members tall enough to ride this were too afraid, so it went untested by our group...but it had the longest line, so I’m gambling it was good.

Additionally, it's nice to know that Sahara Sam's Oasis uses green technology to power their attractions themselves, and uses the latest in UV and filtering systems to keep the water clean--in fact, each ride has it's own filtering system--always a massive plus in my book!

The café’ offers plenty of reasonably-priced food choices ranging from vegetable sandwiches and frozen fruit drinks to pizza and churros, and the keyless system allows for loading wristbands with a dollar amount–no traipsing back and forth to the locker to retrieve your pocketbook every time someone’s hungry or thirsty.

Our kids also adored the arcade--Sammy’s Trading Post–3000 feet of very reasonably priced video, simulator and redemption games. And guess what? It’s a FABULOUS way to transition—“Okay kids, time to go to the arcade ” instead of, “Okay kids, time to leave the water park ” Brilliant.

We spent two days at the park, which the kids loved, but in the future, since Philadelphia is minutes away, I’d recommend booking one of the”Stay and Play” packages. Spend a day in the City of Brotherly Love (lots going on there, but that’s another post), check in to your hotel 15 minutes away in New Jersey, pick up your Sahara Sam’s passes, and get to the park early next day. Hotels range from the Day’s Inn to the Wyndham, but the packages are a true money-saver.

A couple words to the wise:

HEIGHT LIMITS: Many of the rides required children to be 48 or taller, and most required 36 or taller. Honestly, until at least one of your children is 36 , I would postpone this trip–or you’ll just spend much of your time pulling them away from rides on which they’re not allowed to ride. (Note: 2 yrs and under are free, and the park is stroller-friendly.)

PLAN YOUR ARRIVAL TIME: It’s best to be first at the door, as the line becomes long very quickly. In fact, it’s best to arrive fifteen minutes before the doors open, or wait until after 2pm to arrive. Earlier and you’ll be able to get in, get settled, have fun and get out. Later and you’ll be able to grab a leisurely lunch at any of the many restaurants up and down the road, then walk right in after the morning crowd departs.

PICK YOUR DAY WISELY: If possible, try for a weekday. Weekends are crowded (they average 20 birthday parties a weekend in addition to the regular crowd), and school holidays are crammed. Our family visited over Spring Break, and while capacity is 1200, it hit 900 our second day by lunchtime, and we felt overwhelmed.

PACK LIGHTLY: Leave your junk in the trunk Nothing but towels may be left out of lockers, and the lockers are very small (approx 1' tall x 1'wide and 1 ½' deep), and cost $4 each to rent.

DON’T BUY A WATER SQUIRTER FOR THE SQUIRTER FILL MACHINE: “No running” is a strictly- enforced rule at the park, with good reason, but give a group of kids water-filled squirters, and...well...let’s just say two of our group were injured within ten minutes. Unwise attraction.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY: It’s always a balmy (translation: HUMID) 82 degrees inside at least, so if Grandma’s planning to just sit and watch, tell her “no sweaters”. She’ll melt faster than Frosty. Also, in the summer, the retractable roof will open to let in the summer sunshine, so be prepared with sunblock.

Hours of operation are 11:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. Monday-Thursday;: 11:00 A.M. - 9:00 PM Friday; 10:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. Saturday; and 10:00 A.M. -8:00 P.M. Sunday. Times are subject to change, so call first. A Daily Admission Entry Ticket costs for everyone over 48" is $29.95. Under 48" is $22.95, and under age 2 is free.

More information, and images of the attractions, available at www.saharasams.com or call 1-856-366-2778.

Find more great summer fun ideas in our summer guide.

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Thank you for this post!

Submitted by Cathy T. on June 20, 2009 - 8:41am.

Thank you for this post! We went here this past Thurs. in the pouring rain. My family had a blast. An indoor summerland! Your post saved our mini-vacation! Thanks again.

I just read your post on

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 12:43am.

I just read your post on this place and it seems to be exciting for my daughter and her friends. I can't wait to try out this water park since you do give good recommendations! We did strawberry picking couple of weeks ago which was posted on your web, great recommendation!

I am addicted to this site.

Submitted by Karla M. on June 30, 2009 - 6:33am.

I am addicted to this site. I check it more than once daily. We have visited tons of places this site has recommended. With this rainy weather & no true summer thus far. We look forward to enjoying this indoor waterpark & all the other suggestions. Keep up the great work!

I am SO excited for this

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 6:59am.

I am SO excited for this information.. and ideas of great things to do in the area with the kiddies. We are sticking around this summer and could use all the help we can get with ideas for family activities! Thank you!

Thanks for the review. It

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 7:20am.

Thanks for the review. It looks like my kids will love it. But we will go on a weekday and early thanks to your advice.

I just subscribed to Mommy

Submitted by Allison P on June 30, 2009 - 7:21am.

I just subscribed to Mommy Poppins and cannot believe the wealth of information for families. What's great is that many of your suggestions are new to us, such as the indoor water park, and we can't wait to try them out. Thank you so much.

This sight is a great

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 7:26am.

This sight is a great resource for parents or anyone who cares for children. There's always great ideas on places to visit and kid related topics that I find most helpful. I'm looking forward to taking the kids to some of the places listed thus far. Sounds like fun without spending too much!

This sounds awesome, my five

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 7:39am.

This sounds awesome, my five year old is thrilled with the whole theme park experience after we did Six Flags last year. Thanks for keeping us up to date with what to do in the city.

This sounds awesome, my five

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 7:40am.

This sounds awesome, my five year old is thrilled with the whole theme park experience after we did Six Flags last year. Thanks for keeping us up to date with what to do in the city.

I forwarded your review of

Submitted by Ana on June 30, 2009 - 8:13am.

I forwarded your review of Sahara Sam's to a friend, she took her kids and they loved it. I can't wait to take my little tykes.

This sounds like more fun

Submitted by AriannaFan on June 30, 2009 - 8:16am.

This sounds like more fun that Great Wolf Lodge. We enjoyed Great Wolf, but would love to try Sahara Sam's. The Congo Bongo would be my daughter's favorite.

I wanna go... My lil boy

Submitted by Jay on June 30, 2009 - 8:20am.

I wanna go... My lil boy will love this place and its a fun activity to do this summer... im racking my brain here to find new, fun, and ecxiting things to do with the precious lil time we spend together. Being a single parent is hard on both of us. I try hard to make our time priceless.

Thankyou so much for this

Submitted by debbie ford on June 30, 2009 - 8:32am.

Thankyou so much for this infomation about this new water park. It sounds amazing. I check this website daily and visit alot of the places you mention as well as pass on the information to other parents, My 5yr old and 8 yr old will love this waterpark. Been wanting to go to one that is close by and worth it. thanks so much!!

This place looks like just

Submitted by Ann Zemaitis on June 30, 2009 - 9:02am.

This place looks like just the ticket for nearby fun and my 10 year old and 3 year old (who's autistic) love water parks more than anything in the world!

thanks for the post!

Submitted by Sam on June 30, 2009 - 9:07am.

thanks for the post!

I find myself coming back to

Submitted by Alma on June 30, 2009 - 9:22am.

I find myself coming back to Mommy Poppins 2x a day planning my daughter's Summer weekends and the family trips. Mommy Poppins manages to cover the big events and the out-of-the way gems - like all of the Jersey farms & festivals.

Sahara Sam's Oasis is just another great find that I would never have found if it were not for Mommy Poppins -- we're packing our bathing suits as I write!

Thanks!

thanks for the updated post!

Submitted by man on June 30, 2009 - 9:54am.

thanks for the updated post!

We intend to check this

Submitted by Jelena on June 30, 2009 - 11:56am.

We intend to check this place out for sure! My son will enjoy it tremendously. MP rocks!

@@ Wow, it will be great to

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 12:57pm.

@@ Wow, it will be great to visit there on long summer days. My kids love playing in the water, and who doesn't? My husband and I will be enjoying very much too. Thanks for great info about this place.

Thank you so much for the

Submitted by lissy on June 30, 2009 - 1:22pm.

Thank you so much for the wonderful ideas for this summer. I particularly like the Children's Museum on Governor's Island

This indoor water park seems

Submitted by Josie on June 30, 2009 - 3:00pm.

This indoor water park seems soooooo cool!!! Hope I win the 4 passes. Good luck to me!!!!

This place seems great I

Submitted by Malikah Jordan on June 30, 2009 - 3:07pm.

This place seems great I have been looking for some Water Parks that where not to far from New York to take my family. I will definitely look into planning a trip to this indoor water park my children love the water :)

I don't know what I would do

Submitted by Melissa on June 30, 2009 - 3:31pm.

I don't know what I would do without Mommy Poppins. I'm so excited about this water park. I'm in the process of planning a trip there for sure! Thanks! This is the best site ever!!

I don't know what I would do

Submitted by Melissa on June 30, 2009 - 3:32pm.

I don't know what I would do without Mommy Poppins. I'm so excited about this water park. I'm in the process of planning a trip there for sure! Thanks! This is the best site ever!!

Thanks for the posts - I

Submitted by Tracy on June 30, 2009 - 3:34pm.

Thanks for the posts - I love it.

I'm new to Mommy Poppins and

Submitted by Gina Morales on June 30, 2009 - 3:49pm.

I'm new to Mommy Poppins and LOVE LOVE LOVE this site! I can't wait to bring my family to this water park. Thanks for the review and all the great info you provide. Keep up the great work!

I'm new to Mommy Poppins and

Submitted by Gina Morales on June 30, 2009 - 3:49pm.

I'm new to Mommy Poppins and LOVE LOVE LOVE this site! I can't wait to bring my family to this water park. Thanks for the review and all the great info you provide. Keep up the great work!

I love this website and all

Submitted by fivetwnsgal on June 30, 2009 - 6:51pm.

I love this website and all of the great ideas for summer fun. I cannot wait to visit this water park.
Don't stop finding new places for us to visit this summer. Thanks!

My niece (7) and nephew (9)

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 7:06pm.

My niece (7) and nephew (9) will be visiting me next week and this place seems like a great idea to take them to

I love how you review places

Submitted by IslandMom on June 30, 2009 - 8:03pm.

I love how you review places like this. It's like talking to a friend, who is also a parent, who gives you all the little in's and out's you really want before you get there. Thank you
Thank you
Thank you

I would really love to take

Submitted by Dayanarys on June 30, 2009 - 8:07pm.

I would really love to take my 5year old son to this waterpark. He never gets to get out much to places like this because I cannot afford it. I am a single mom. Please help if you can!

Thanks for all your reviews.

Submitted by Granty on June 30, 2009 - 8:31pm.

Thanks for all your reviews. I like them. Wouldn't mind taking a ride out there.

Granty
/newyorkcity.momslikeme.com

Thanks for this information.

Submitted by Anonymous on June 30, 2009 - 9:27pm.

Thanks for this information. The review covered everything I know I need to know as a parent taking kids to a place like this. It sounds fun. I look forward to checking it out.

Wow! This place looks so

Submitted by Sandra on June 30, 2009 - 10:46pm.

Wow! This place looks so awesome for my three kids to go...ages 7,4, and 2.
During my daughter's mid-winter recess, we took a trip to Lancaster, PA...and there is actually a similar waterpark inside the hotel we visited...the kids loved it sooo much!
And it is so great to know that there is a closer place to take my kids this summer...especially with all the raining going on.
Let me just say... I love your website...it helps me out so much...you guys do an awesome job!

My family is so ready for an

Submitted by nichol perez on July 1, 2009 - 5:19am.

My family is so ready for an indoor waterpark. We don't have to burn up in the sun and with four kids I can watch them more closely. Thanks!!! Loving It!!!

Sahara Sam's Oasis uses

Submitted by Kathy on July 1, 2009 - 7:29pm.

Sahara Sam's Oasis uses Green technology! Perfect! And the Tim-Buk-Tu Tree Fort sounds awesome. Can't wait to take the kids, cause as you know...they LOVE anything water! Oh and thanks, this site is the best.

love your website!! it has

Submitted by lisa on July 1, 2009 - 8:37pm.

love your website!! it has been so helpful to me and my family! Thank you for all the great information!

This is my first summer off

Submitted by Anonymous on July 2, 2009 - 10:07am.

This is my first summer off ever!!!! i am soo excited to be spending it with my children who are 6 and 4 1/2. i want to be able to do everything with them and this sounds like an amazing place for them. i am happy to have this website for all these great ideas and fun things to do.

I love your posts. They've

Submitted by Anonymous on July 2, 2009 - 11:42am.

I love your posts. They've been extremely helpful!

This place is a great find!

Submitted by carolyn solieri on July 2, 2009 - 4:58pm.

This place is a great find! I tried several times to get together the money for Wolf Lodge but even the specials were too expensive! This is perfect!!! It is getting harder to find place to bring my kids 18, 11 and 3. My son just graduated High School and he has outgrown Sesame Place :( but he said this place looks fun and he would go! Thank you!!!