Last Friday, the 19th, we decided to take the kids to Seabreeze Amusement Park in Irondequoit, NY. Despite it being a busy day filled with daycare and school trips, the park never felt overwhelming. Compared to larger amusement parks like Darien Lake (part of Six Flags), Seabreeze offered a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Seabreeze Amusement Park has a rich history, having been established in 1879, making it one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. It is family-owned and operated by the Norris family, who have been involved with Seabreeze for generations. Over the years, Seabreeze has evolved from a simple picnic grove to a full-fledged amusement park with a variety of rides and attractions.

We found a shady spot by the park benches on the grass under a large tree to set up our home base and have lunch. Later, we moved to a small patch of grass at the very bottom of the water park section. This new spot was perfect for all the kids, providing a nice location for cousins and friends to gather.

I went on two rides with my son Enzo: the Jack Rabbit and the Whirlwind. The Jack Rabbit, one of the oldest operating wooden roller coasters in the world, opened in 1920 and was a nostalgic thrill. The Whirlwind, a modern steel spinning roller coaster, provided a fun and entertaining experience. While these rides weren’t as intense as those at Darien Lake, the significantly shorter lines made up for it. We didn’t have to wait long to get on the rides, which was a huge plus. Seabreeze also features other notable attractions such as the Revolution 360, Screamin’ Eagle, Seabreeze Carousel, and the Bumper Cars. For younger kids, the Tadpole Hole and Bear Trax are perfect.

One of the best aspects of Seabreeze was the park’s manageable size. The kids had enough freedom to run around without us needing to hover over them constantly. At larger parks like Darien Lake, it’s easy for an 8-year-old to get lost, but Seabreeze’s layout made it easy to keep track of everyone. The cost of admission was very reasonable at $35 per ticket. We used a $5 off coupon, bringing the price down from $40. Additionally, Seabreeze allows visitors to bring their own cart, food, drinks, and snacks. This made the entire experience more affordable and convenient.

The park also offers a variety of entertainment and amenities. There are live shows, including magic performances and music, and plenty of dining options ranging from quick snacks to full meals. We noticed designated picnic areas where guests can bring their own food, which added to the convenience. Seabreeze hosts special events and themed celebrations during holidays and festive seasons, and offers packages for group events like school trips, corporate outings, and birthday parties.

Overall, Seabreeze had a lot of pros compared to Darien Lake. The shorter lines, manageable size, affordability, and family-friendly atmosphere made it a great place for a day out with young children. However, the rides weren’t as intense, and there were fewer attractions compared to larger parks. Despite these minor drawbacks, our day at Seabreeze Amusement Park was a wonderful experience. The kids had a blast, the atmosphere was pleasant, and the affordability made it an easy choice for a family outing. While it might not have the same level of intensity or variety as larger parks like Darien Lake, Seabreeze offers a charming and manageable option for families looking for a fun and relaxed day out.