NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday family reporter Beth Whitehouse visited Adventureland in Farmingdale and Scott's Pointe in Calverton to see what's new for summer 2024. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca, A.J. Singh

Get ready to be spun upside down, to fall off a floating obstacle course and into a lake, and to see animals perform this summer as venues up their games with new offerings. Here's a sampling.

ADVENTURELAND

Credit: Reggie Lewis and Adventureland

Two new rides are thrilling visitors at Adventureland this season — the Moon Chaser and the Jr. Pirate Ship.

The Moon Chaser is a galaxy-themed ride that spins, rocks, dips and even inverts riders, says Caitlin DiSclafani, park manager. It's unlike any other ride at the park for this reason, she says: It turns riders upside down.

Riders are harnessed in two horizontal rows like in a movie theater, with each row holding 14 riders, and are lifted into the air together. “It depends on power rather than momentum or gravity,” DiSclafani says. Riders will need to be 55 inches tall, the size of a typical 11-year-old, she says.

The Jr. Pirate Ship is a kiddie ride that replaces the Spinning Cars ride outside the arcade area at the entrance to Kiddie Land. It swings up and down in a pendulum-style motion and has a tropical vibe. A temporary version at the park will be replaced later this summer with the actual permanent version, DiSclafani says. Kids must be at least 36 inches tall to ride with a parent and 47 inches tall to ride alone.

Spoiler alert: One more ride, the Wave Twister, is coming next year. “It will feel similar to surfing on ocean waves,” DiSclafani says. It will not be a water ride, though there may be a water element such as a fountain or mist, she says.

Admission is $49.50 (including fees) plus tax for ages 2 to 24 and $39.50 plus tax for ages 25 and older. Info 631-694-6868, adventureland.us

SCOTT'S POINTE

Newsday’s Beth Whitehouse and NewsdayTV’s Elisa DiStefano go for a spin at Scott's Pointe in Calverton.

  Credit: A.J. Singh

Outdoor activities will be joining the indoor options this summer at Scott's Pointe adventure park in Calverton. “This will be the first year that everything outside is open to the public,” says co-owner Cody Scott.

On tap to open by Memorial Day is a paved go-cart track with 40 carts, some for children, some for adults, and some doubles to be shared, he says. There will be two sand volleyball courts with the ability to have up to eight for special events. Six batting cages will accommodate baseball and softball batting. 

The lake will have 15 bumper boats, a dozen paddleboards and a dozen kayaks, Scott says. In addition, the lake will offer a 2-acre floating obstacle course. Users swim out to the inflatable boardwalk and then tackle slides, trampolines and rock climbing. “If you fall, you fall into the water,” Scott says.

Admission prices will be a la carte for the outdoor activities; check website for costs. Info 631-953-2133, scottspointe.com

LONG ISLAND GAME FARM

Credit: Morgan Campbell

The Manorville farm will open a renovated outdoor amphitheater and a universal-access nature trail for wheelchair users and strollers this season, says Patricia Snyder, executive director of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, the nonprofit arm of the farm.

The improved, 300-seat amphitheater will allow the farm to put on its traditional daytime animal shows and also to offer after-hour family concerts and performances that will enable the park to grow its revenue, Snyder says. “We envision including picnic tables and inviting food trucks,” Snyder says.

The universal-access paved trail will have learning areas and in the future a labyrinth, Snyder says. It will have signs in Braille, English and Spanish.

“Our goal is to have it all up and running by Memorial Day, but that might be too ambitious,” Melinda Novak, farm president, says of both projects.

Admission is $26.95 for ages 13 and older and $19.95 for ages 3-12. Info 631-878-6644, longislandgamefarm.com

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