Long Island Amusement Parks

Long Island amusement parks are gearing up for a new season and throngs of warm-weather crowds will soon be clamoring to get in and ride, slide, splish splash, run, gun and have fun. Park-goers will be treated to a host of new attractions. Here's what some have to offer:

SPLISH SPLASH WATER PARK: 2549 Splish Splash Dr., Riverhead, 631-727-3600, splishsplashlongisland.com

Cost: $35.99 ($26.99 under 4 feet tall or over age 62); Reduced admission ($22.99-$27.99) for final three hours of the day

What's new: Dr. Von Dark's Tunnel of Terror

If you're into getting really wet and a little scared, the park has added a thrilling, hold-on-for-dear-life water ride featureing a 40-foot drop, a giant funnel, back-to-back vertical banks, high-speed, 360-degree spins and eerie images that pop up out of nowhere - all in total darkness.

"It is our first dark ride, themed around a scientist whose love of the darkness has driven him to pursuits that can only be described as diabolical," says Brett Petit, senior vice president and director of marketing for Palace Entertainment, which runs the park.

BAYVILLE ADVENTURE PARK: 8 Bayville Ave., Bayville, 516-624-7433, bayvilleadventurepark.com

Cost: $8.75 ($39.50 unlimited park pass)

What's new: The Kraken

An inflatable slide that's 35 feet tall and 57 feet long, it looks like "a giant squid attacking a tall ship, just like in Pirates of the Caribbean," says Anne Finley, director of advertising and merchandising. (It replaces the King Kong slide previously near the back of the park.) If you want to have a burger or sundae, the park's old-style Beaches & Cream Soda Shoppe - with an animatronic character in the corner that plays a pipe organ and sings songs about Bayville and surrounding towns - is back for its second season.

COUNTRY FAIR ENTERTAINMENT: 3351 Route 112, Medford LIE Exit 64), 631-732-0579, countryfairpark.com

Cost: From $6 for 15 minutes

What's new: Outdoor daytime laser tag

Slip on a headband and goggles, grab a laser gun and head for the woods for an outdoor game of laser tag with your friends at a place that already offers two miniature golf courses, go-karts, batting and driving ranges. For marketing and sales director Anthony Iovino, it beats paintball, hands-down. "It's a new technology," he says.

ADVENTURELAND AMUSEMENT PARK: 2245 Route 110, Farmingdale, 631-694-6868, adventureland.us

Cost: $20.99-$24.99 unlimited rides

What's new: The Flying Puppies ($3), Euro-Bungy/Trampoline ($5)

For the under-54-inch set, the park has a new Flying Puppies kiddie ride. The Euro Bungee/Trampoline lets rides bounce while tethered in. A camera system has been added to the Lady Bug roller coaster so riders can see themselves as they go around the track. The arcade also has been remodeled, with new games and a party room. Pablo's Fry-licious Coaster Cafe has an expanded menu and more outside seating.

Another new Long Island attraction:

LONG ISLAND GAME FARM: Chapman Boulevard (Exit 70 off the LIE), Manorville, 631-878-6644, longislandgamefarm.com

Cost: $17.45 ($15.45 ages 3-11)

A new Bengal tiger show (held twice daily and three times on weekends and holidays) is running inside the park's 500-person amphitheater. Between shows, visitors can get within four feet of the majestic creatures in the outdoor Big Cat Habitat. They also can learn how to save endangered lion and tiger species during daily informational talks by the park staff.