Double the family fun at Silverwood

Silverwood Theme Park this summer will almost double the size of its family entertainment area where rides are located.

"Over the years, children and young adults have grown up in the park riding roller coasters and splashing in our wave pools," said Nancy DiGiammarco, the park's director of marketing and communications.

"Now, these same individuals are bringing their children to the park to experience all the same memories their parents created with them."

More than $1.2 million will be spent on the expansion, which will be three quarters of an acre north of Garfield's Summer Camp and east of the Butterflyer and Frog Hopper.

"New rides that mom, dad, grandma and grandpa can enjoy, along with the kids, will be added along with beautiful gardens and places to relax," DiGiammarco said.

New rides for 2014 include a kite glider in which adults can lay side by side with their child, a puppy-themed ride and a spinning family roller coaster.

A "hot air balloon" themed ride will open in 2015.

The kiddie Ferris wheel will also be re-themed and located in the expansion area.

Construction on the expansion is expected to begin in February.

"The new family area will enhance the child, parent and grandparent experience and, yes, even the teens will find these rides to be a lot of fun," DiGiammarco said.