Many western New Yorkers remember spending their summer days at the former Fantasy Island on Grand Island and now those same visitors and others around the state can take their children to experience the fun.
The original park opened in 1961, and after a brief closure in 2020 due to financial difficulties, the park reopened under new ownership and a new name: the Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World at Fantasy Island.
In recent years, the new owners have worked to restore and improve the park, including adding multiple new rides, so families can enjoy the park for many years to come.
Where: Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World at Fantasy Island is located on Grand Island, 12 minutes from Niagara Falls State Park and 16 minutes from downtown Buffalo.
When it’s open: For the 2025 season, Niagara Amusement Park is open May 17-Sept. 21. Days and hours vary throughout the season but between July 1 and Aug. 24, the park is generally open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Roller coasters and other rides: There’s fun for the whole family as the Niagara Amusement Park is home to more than 20 non-water-park rides, including two roller coasters, and six water park attractions. Two more additions are coming soon, according to the park’s website.
What else the park offers: The Niagara Amusement Park also offers seven different shows ranging from several Western-themed performances to a puppet show and a performance featuring your favorite storybook characters.
What it’s most famous for: The Silver Comet wooden roller coaster is the star of the park as it’s the fastest coaster there, reaching speeds between 50 and 55 miles per hour along its over 3,000 feet of track.
Don’t miss: Cool down on hot summer days with a visit to the Splash World portion of the park. You can relax in the water park’s Lazy River or if you’re more of a thrill seeker, you might enjoy sliding down Double Dare Falls or racing a friend down Dragsters Drench.
Tickets and season passes: Pricing for single-day Niagara Amusement Park tickets have yet to be announced for the 2025 season. The park offers season passes at prices ranging from $49.99 for Grand Island residents to $54.99 for new season pass holders.
More information: niagaraamusementpark.com/
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World at Fantasy Island: What to know before you go
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
