As the Temperature Ticks Up, Take a Trip on a Local Daycation

Summer vacations are right around the corner.  With the slow economy and families living on a budget you don't have to break the bank to have a day of fun.  If you live in Riverhead you may think you've done it all but the trick is to act like a visitor.  You can take a daycation without ever leaving town.  Here are Patch's top picks for a daycation, whether you're short on money or time you can still get away without going far. 

SPLISH SPLASH WATER PARK 

When/where: Splish Splash Water Park is located at 2549 Splish Splash Drive in Calverton and is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. starting June 25th. 

Why go: The water park offers over 96 acres of wet fun for all ages. Visitors come from near and far to ride the slides and take in the sun.  This year Splish Splash has a brand new additional wave pool, Kahuna Bay.  You can boogie board down four foot waves that continuously keep coming. Don't forget to take a break on the Lazy River or have a close encounter at the Bird Show. 

Pricing: General Admission, $37.99 under 48" and seniors ages 60 and over, $28.99 children ages 2 and under are free.  See their website for reduced admission prices, available three hours prior to closing usually after 4 p.m.

Ages:  all ages

When/where: is located in downtown Riverhead at 431 East Main Street. Open year round from 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

Why go: is an award winning aquarium located right here in downtown Riverhead.  You can learn about African Penguins, catch a sea lion show or board the Atlantis Explorer tour boat (not included in admission price) for an interactive adventure.  New for the 2011 season the Long Island Exhibition Center will be opening July 1st with their Butterflies exhibit right next store.  Making Atlantis Marine World one of the top spots to daycation this summer.

Pricing: General admission for ages 3-17, $19.50 Adults ages 18-61, $22.50 Seniors 62+, $19.50, children 2 and under are free, tax is added to all admission prices.  Combination tickets are available for the Long Island Exhibition Center as well, prices can be viewed on their website.

Ages: all ages

OUT EAST FAMILY FUN 

When/where: Out East Family Fun is located at 1716 Old Country Road in Riverhead. Open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Memorial day-Labor day.

Why go: Out East Family Fun is the perfect destination if you only have a few hours of time to spare.  You can take a slide on the world's largest inflatable water slide, the Hippo.  With a 3 story high platform and a 40 degree drop it is bound to be an unforgettable ride.  If your not a thrill seeker you can check out their batting cages, jump-shot basketball or play a round of mini golf.

Pricing: Prices vary depending on activity, see their website for details.

Ages: all ages

HARBES FAMILY FARM 

When/where: Harbes Family Farm is located at 715 Sound Avenue in Riverhead.  They are open daily 9-6 for the season.

Why go: Harbes Family Farm is a country delight.  You can visit the baby animals, play farm fun games or take a walk through their hedge maze.  Don't forget to visit their Country Cafe and Bakery for a special treat.  They also offer a wine tasting barn.  Don't forget to visit Patty's Berries and Bunches right across the street to pick your own seasonal berries.

Pricing: Barnyard Adventure admission, general admission $6.95 Monday-Friday, $9.95 (includes a hayride) admission weekends and holidays. See their website for details.

Ages: all ages

When/where: is located at 1 Town Road in Riverhead.  Open daily from sunrise-10 p.m. year round.

Why go: offers beach front swimming, restrooms and a playground.  They also have a multi-sports area and concession stand for refreshments to beat the heat or to get a bite to eat.  There is something for everyone at this beach, so why not grab a towel and spend the day.

Pricing: Beach parking is by permit only. Permits can be purchased at .  $15 for residents, $35 a day or $200 for the season for non residents.

Ages: All ages