When we went in 1998, my DD was 6 years old--the second day she wore a bathing suit with a skirt. She stripped off the skirt to play in the fountain areas. There is a large play area with water guns, etc and climbing areas, but I can't remember the boat you are talking about. I saw lots of kids and adults walking around with bathing suit tops and nylon shorts--I don't think there is a dress code per se, but I don't know for sure.