Situated on Lake Ontario, the Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester, New York offers plenty of fun, thrills and water attractions for the whole family. With more than 70 rides and attractions, Seabreeze has maintained its old-fashioned integrity while still managing to amuse people of all ages. The park received a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for 2013, with the majority of site reviews rating it as very good or excellent. As one customer stated, "the lines were short, the people friendly, the rides were so much fun and the place was very clean. I hadn't been in over 20 years, and it brought back a lot of fun memories."
Big Thrills in a Small Park
While this amusement park is diminutive when compared to some of the larger theme parks, it has weathered the test of time. Seabreeze has earned the distinguished title of fourth oldest amusement park in the United States.
Rides
The park provides a number of great rides for a relatively inexpensive admission fee. Highlights include:
- Jack Rabbit - This wooden coaster made its first appearance in 1920 and has been thrilling park guests ever since. The ride includes a 75 foot drop and a high speed finale through a dark tunnel.
- Screamin' Eagle - Ever wanted to hang 70 feet upside down? Well this is your chance. In between, it swings guests forward and backwards at the kind of stomach dropping speed that could have you regretting eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a small snack..
- Bear Trax - Reaching speeds of up to 17 mph, this 12 foot high junior coaster is exclusively for kids. If you are over 58" tall you have to be accompanied by a child,
- Whirlwind - The park's newest coaster, Whirlwind spins guests forwards, sideways, backwards and up for a truly mind boggling experience.
- Log Flume - Boasting one of the steepest log flumes in the country, this amusement park staple is the perfect way to cool off.
- Revolution 360 - Five stories high, this giant disk will spin you 360 degrees. The views are great from the top of the ride, so consider riding Revolution at night when the park is at is most energetic and colorful.
- Wave Swinger - On either a single seater by yourself or sharing a double seater with your friend you will fly through the air at death defying speeds. Considering how fast you can go the restrictions are as high as some of the other thrill rides. You can get on this ride of you are 44" or taller.
- The Spring - While in most theme parks drop towers are reserved for the older children, the Spring sells itself as a family ride. It works much the same as most drop towers, rising up, pausing for a few seconds before suddenly dropping down. The difference is that it does not rise to the great heights of, say, the Tower of Terror at Disney's California Adventure.
- Great Balloon Race - On this family ride you spin around in a hot air balloon basket with the balloon flaring above you, and so high it seems you could almost touch the clouds.
Raging Rivers Water Park
The water park area has loads of wet rides to delight all ages, with a kids' area, tube slides, a lazy river and wave pool. Also check out:
- The Helix - This inner tube water ride carries riders through four stories of dark tunnels before they ride the helix to the pool below.
- The Inner tube Slides - Grab an inner tube and start climbing either the vortex or the riptide tube slide. At the top climb onto your tube and whiz back down into the pool below. If you tube is big enough you can enjoy the ride with a few friends or family members.
- Soak Zone - The Soak Zone is a true family attraction. As well as kids slides and play areas there are water cannons, mist makers and a water tower. Be prepared to get very wet.
- Hydroracer - On the Hydroracer, you will race your friends through twisting tubes and down a big drop that takes with huge slash back into the pool.
Live Shows
Cirque En Vol is the primary show at Seabreeze. This acrobatic live performance combines juggling, dance, trampolines and a trapeze act. It runs seven days a week, but you should check the park schedule at Center Stage on your particular day and plan to arrive early, as seats go quickly.
Dining
Seabreeze offers concessions at the park, including French fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Snacks and desserts are readily available, from popcorn to cotton candy, fried dough to ice cream. Many guests bring their own food and enjoy the excellent picnic area overlooking the lake. Be advised, however, that no grilling is allowed.
Visiting the Park
Hours
Seabreeze Amusement Park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each year. Both the theme park and the water park open their gates at 11 a.m. The theme park closes at 8 p.m. while the water park closes at 6 p.m.
Tickets
The general admission for a "Ride & Slide" Pass is $27.99 and $22.99 for guests under 48 inches tall for unlimited rides. Customers can also pay $2.75 for a single ride pass. After 5 p.m., night ride passes cost only $19.99. Children under two are free.
If you want to visit Seabreeze throughout the summer you can purchase a passport that entitles you to 15 park visits. It cast $69 for an adult and $59 for a child (under 48"). For additional discount offers you can visit their website. Specials vary, but may include websaver discount prices, hotel packages and reduced rates for senior citizens. There are also discounts for groups of 20 or more people.
Park History
Seabreeze first opened in August 1879 as a lakeside attraction for train passengers getting off at the last stop on the rail line. At that time, it was simply a park with picnic groves, but slowly grew to add rides in the 1900s, including a carousel and four roller coasters. One of the park's big draws in the 1920s was the world's largest saltwater swimming pool. The park has continued to grow as in remained in continuous operation. Landmarks include:
- By 1950, the park had grown to include circus acts, concerts, the Fairyland Zoo, and a variety of fair-type rides.
- The 1970s added more exciting rides as the park moved into a period of rebirth.
- By the 1980s, water slides began to make an appearance.
- In 1990, the Raging Rivers Waterpark was introduced, as well as the Quantum Loop and Screamin' Eagle rides. The original carousel burned to the ground, but a new replica was built in 1994.
- 2000 introduced a wave pool attraction, "The Spring" ride, and more live shows. During the park's 125th anniversary in 2004, the Whirlwind roller coaster was introduced.
For more information on the history of the park, check out the Carousel Museum during your visit.
Family Fun
If you're looking for a great amusement park experience the whole family will enjoy, Seabreeze is a great option. Whether you live in or near Rochester or are planning a trip to the area, the time you spend at this park is sure to be an enjoyable adventure.
