By Erica Hoffman
Have you been to the new inflatable water park in Margate? If you haven’t, go. If you have, you probably already have plans to go back. This family-owned business is in full swing for their first season in Margate. From 10 am to 5 pm, kids and adults of all ages can bounce, jump, swing, slide, and splash their way to fun seven days a week.
I recently visited the new attraction, which sits in the Bay at 9501 Amherst Avenue, on a weekday during what I thought would be an “off-peak” hour. I quickly learned ”off-peak” did not exist at Margate’s Island Aqua Park. There was family fun being had all around me, and it remained steady throughout the day.
The Tice family owns another inflatable water park in Stone Harbor, which is nearing its 30th year in business. “The first location was created in Stone Harbor, and opened in 1988”, Said Tim Tice, one of the co-owners. “In addition to the aqua park, at that location, we also rent wave runners, ski boats, kayaks, and paddleboards,” Tice added.
Tice and his older sister, Ashley, are now in charge of both locations and everything that goes into running the day to day and behind the scenes action. They are in the process of fully taking the business over, the brother and sister team could not be more optimistic or excited about their location choice, which they see as central and easily accessible from all other area beach towns.
The family has big plans for expanding the park for the next summer season. They hope to offer four different sections: one for little kids, an intermediate course, an adult course, and a racecourse. They look forward to providing every age group a different way to play and enjoy their time.
Things to remember before you go:
Park is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. The last group goes in the waterpark at 4 pm.
No reservations are accepted. It is first-come, first-served.
Kids ages six and under need to be accompanied by a parent.
The cost is $35 for 1 hour per person—two hours for $50, which must be consecutive and purchased upfront.
They offer contactless payments through credit cards and Apple Pay. No cash at this location!
Lifeguards are on duty and plentiful to ensure everyone’s safety.
Life jackets are required and provided.
The smiles and backflips from kids and adults were abundant. It’s exciting to see Margate offering more family fun than ever before, and I look forward to seeing what they will come up with for next season!
Erica Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and is proud to be writing for Shore Local. She lives in South Jersey and enjoys finding and sharing the lighter side of life.
