NJ's Mountain Creek Waterpark To Open Early: See Details

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Mountain Creek Waterpark, formerly and infamously known as Action Park, will kick off its 2026 season this week, welcoming visitors back for summer fun beginning Friday.

The Vernon resort announced the waterpark will be open June 19-21 for the first official weekend of summer before reopening June 27 for daily operations through Sept. 7. Operating hours will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Guests returning this season will find the recently revived Cannonball Falls and Tarzan Swings attractions, which returned in 2025 after extensive renovations. The attractions now feature the Root Slide and Rock Slide, along with three updated swing experiences.

The waterpark's lineup also includes popular attractions, including the Colorado River Rapids, Zero G, High Tide Wavepool, and Canyon Cliff Jump, as well as areas designed for younger children.

"Last season was an incredible return for Mountain Creek, we're excited to keep that momentum going this summer," said Evan Kovach, general manager of Mountain Creek Resort. "Guests are in for a full season of fun across the park, with Cannonball Falls, the Tarzan Swings and all of our beloved attractions ready to deliver the energy and excitement they've come to expect from Mountain Creek."

Season passes are available for $99.99 for a limited time and include unlimited admission throughout the season, free general parking, and discounts on food and retail purchases, according to the resort. Daily admission starts at $59.99, and advance online reservations are required.

Mountain Creek will also bring back its adults-only Waterpark After Dark series from July 3 through Aug. 14. The 21-and-over event will run from 7 to 11 p.m. on select nights.

In addition to the waterpark, Mountain Creek Resort offers mountain biking, zip line tours, skiing and snowboarding, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The resort is located in Vernon, about 47 miles from the George Washington Bridge.

The resort is also hiring for summer positions. Mountain Creek said employees may receive benefits including complimentary season passes, discounts on food and lodging, and flexible employment opportunities for full-time, part-time and seasonal workers.

More information about waterpark tickets, season passes, operating hours, and employment opportunities can be found at MountainCreek.com.

Formerly "Action Park"

Before it became known as the safe, family-friendly Mountain Creek Waterpark, the site was known as Action Park. To locals, it became better known as “Class Action Park,” “Traction Park,” and “Accident Park,” due to its dangerous reputation.

Action Park was at its most popular during the 1980s, when families would flock every summer to enjoy the rides. Parkgoers would walk out with smiles, laughs, bruises, and broken bones.

Poorly built rides and sketchy management are often blamed for the park’s dangerous and painful reputation. At least six people are thought to have died due to the park’s unsafe structure, according to the HBO documentary “Class Action Park.”

Action Park ultimately closed in 1996, and the site re-opened in 2014 under the name “Mountain Creek Waterpark.” Since then, the park has been forthcoming about its updated safety measures.