Last Splash of Summer

Bark at the Waterpark is the end-of-summer event you can't miss

Every summer has to end — but at Keansburg Amusement Park in New Jersey, it ends with a splash.

Bark at the Waterpark is exactly what it sounds like: a full day at Keansburg's waterpark, reserved exclusively for dogs and their humans. Before the park shuts down for the season, they open the gates to four-legged guests for one last hurrah — and it is, without exaggeration, the party of the summer.

We made the trip in 2024 and the vibe was absolutely unmatched. Picture dozens of dogs of every size, shape, and energy level — zooming down slides, paddling through lazy rivers, sprinting across splash pads, and doing full-body shakes right next to you (you will get wet, and you will not mind). The energy is pure, unfiltered summer joy.

What makes this event so special is how genuinely dog-forward it is. This isn't a "dogs tolerated in the corner" situation — the whole park is theirs for the day. Water stations, plenty of space, and an atmosphere where every dog is celebrated. We saw zero bad vibes and maximum good boys.

A few things to know before you go:

It fills up fast. Tickets sell out well in advance, so as soon as dates are announced for 2026, buy immediately. (We're serious — save this post and come back to it.)
Bring towels. Multiple. You'll need them. So will your dog.
All dogs must be vaccinated and on leash in designated areas — check the event page for updated rules each year.
It's a day trip from NYC — Keansburg is about an hour from Manhattan, making it totally doable for city dog parents.

If your dog loves water, other dogs, and chaos in the best possible way, this event belongs on your annual calendar. It's become one of our absolute favorite end-of-summer traditions, and we'll be back in 2026 without question.

📍 Keansburg Amusement Park, Keansburg, NJ

‍🌐 @keansburg_amusementpark on Instagram for dates and ticket drops

📅 Typically late August/early September — watch their socials closely!