Following one of the hottest summers on record, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari are creating more ways for families to stay cool in 2013.

That’s according to park president Dan Koch, who says the investment of $6.5 million provides everything from a new water-slide complex to misters throughout both parks.

“We’re adding four new in-the-dark water slides in a complex called

,” says Koch. “The longest slide is 350 feet and includes a half-pipe element – similar to our Zinga water ride – for a really cool back-and-forth skate-boarding effect.”

Splashin’ Safari will gain a second ride, as the Pilgrims Plunge shoot-the-chute ride becomes part of the water park and is renamed Giraffica.

“We’re not moving the ride, just the park boundary,” says Koch. “Splashin’ Safari’s entrance will also be expanded and we’re adding a new style of lockers. This is part of our ongoing effort to improve our guests’ experience here at the park.” Splashin’ Safari is ranked as the nation’s #1 water park by TripAdvisor.com, the world’s largest travel website.

In Holiday World, a classic teacup ride – Kitty’s Tea Party – will be added to Holidog’s FunTown, plus a larger high-dive pool, stage and seating area will replace the current theater.

Additional projects for 2013 include:

* Expansion of Happy Halloween Weekends to include six weekends

*After-dark light show for summer nights

* 20 additional cabanas

* Misters and fans throughout both parks

* More shade structures and seating

Holiday World will be open Oct. 27 and 28 for the final weekend of Happy Halloween Weekends. For more information, visit HolidayWorld.com or call 1-877-463-2645.