Funtown Splashtown USA is gearing up for its 57th season. The first time I ever went to Funtown was pre-Splashtown, which arrived in 1996. Funtown had several arcades, and it was the first place I discovered the video game Donkey Kong, and the main attraction for my age was the Astrosphere. The first time I rode that ride, I was blown away, and it still gives me that feeling today.

Like many Mainers, Funtown Splashtown USA holds a special place in my heart. I was fortunate enough to meet owner Violet Cormier, who is a hoot! She walked around the park with us as we rode some of the rides, and she always had me laughing. To this day, Funtown Splashtown has always been a family-owned and operated business and plans to stay that way.

With Funtown preparing to open tentatively on May 25 and Splashtown on June 15, you might be interested to know the answers to these 10 frequently-asked questions that Funtown gets all the time.

1. What are the best days to visit the park?

Every day Funtown Splashtown is open is a good day, but for Funtown, May, June, early July, and late August are less busy. For Splashtown, the warmer the day, the busier the park is.

2. Can I bring outside food and/or drinks into the park?

You can! There are just a few related things that are not allowed.

• No grills or heating devices
• No glass containers of any kind, including jars and bottles
• No knives or sharp utensils
• No alcoholic food or beverages
• No open flames

Picnic tables are available, but you'll need to grab one quickly on a busy day.

3. Can I bring my camera or cell phone on the rides or water slides?

You probably want to get that ride on the water slide recorded for TikTok, but for everyone's safety, cameras and cell phones aren't allowed on any rides.

4. What if the weather gets bad while the park is open?

Funtown Splashtown stays open unless they judge that the weather is a safety issue. Some rides may need to close due to weather, but many will stay open, as well as arcades and gift shops. They also have a weather guarantee that you can learn more out here.

5. Once I am inside the park, can I leave the park?

You can. As long as you have your bracelet on, you can leave the park and re-enter on the same day.

6. Does Splashtown provide towels?

They don't, but you can buy towels in the gift shop, or plan to bring your own.

7. Does Funtown Splashtown USA have a dress code?

They do, and it's common sense when entering an amusement park for the entire family. Clothing cannot have obscene, unacceptable, or inappropriate words, symbols, pictures, or messages, and visible tattoos must be in good taste and not offensive. You must wear footwear that covers the bottom of your feet, and a shirt that covers your back on all rides (except for the adult bumper boats and Thunder Falls, where you will get wet).

8. Do I need to pay to park my vehicle?

Parking is free, and there is a lot of it! You may have to walk a short distance, but you'll have no problem finding a space.

9. Do you have kennels on site?

Pets aren't allowed unless they are service animals, but if you need a place to keep Fido for the day, there is a kennel right next door to Funtown Splashtown just off Route 1.

10. What is the name of the song that is played in the Astrosphere?

It's called Fire on High by Electric Light Orchestra. The Astrosphere plays its own mix of the song, but here's the entire track. The part you'll recognize starts at 1:18.