Summer fun parks

Darien Lake Theme Park

Address: 9993 Allegheny Road, Darien Center

Description: Be sure to wear your comfiest digs if you head over to Darien Lake Theme Park. There’s plenty to see and do with 40 rides and more than 10 live shows and attractions, including a full water park. Just a short road trip west of Rochester – about an hour – Darien Lake is one of few parks in the country to offer park admission with on-site accommodations. So, you can spend the day or stay the night for a great deal either way.

What’s New? The newest attractions at Darien Lake this summer are live entertainment like Survivor Live, an interactive show where the audience participates in the competition. "This year's theme is, ‘We set the stage, you be the star'," says Jill Schmelzer, public relations supervisor at Darien Lake. "These shows really give our guests the chance to personalize their experience."

What’s Old? Darien Lake is home to quite a few familiar coasters that have noteworthy status. The Viper, which inspires awe when you gaze up at its enormous green construction, was actually the first coaster in the world to loop riders upside down five times. The Predator, offering a shaky but exciting ride, is the tallest wooden coaster in the state, and the Mind Eraser, which pretty much lives up to its name, is the only suspended looping coaster in New York.

What’s thrilling? For the ultimate in screams, hop on the Ride of Steel. This coaster shoots you on a vertical of 208 feet at about 70 mph and the drop down is, well, terrifying. If that’s not enough of a thrill, go faster and higher with the Slingshot, a reverse bungee that catapults you to nearly 300 feet in the air at more than 80 mph.

What’s good? Darien Lake offers nearly two-dozen spots to get some grub — everything from hot dogs, pizza and burgers to full-service Italian at Maria’s Spaghetti House.

Hours: Now through June 25, daily operations with limited hours; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 26 through Labor Day. Go to: http://godarienlake.com/calendar.aspx for a full calendar.

Cost: $35.99 for adults; $21.99 for adults after 5 p.m. Parking is $8 per vehicle.

Cost-saving tip: Save $10 on adult admission by purchasing your tickets online at http://godarienlake.com/tickets.aspx.

For more: 585-599-4641 or www.godarienlake.com