New England’s Top Outdoor Water Parks

Water parks give visitors a sense of adventure with slides, wave pools, and other thrilling attractions aimed at keeping them cool. Here are the some of the best water parks in New England.

Canobie Lake Park in Salem, N.H.

Included in your $36 all-day ticket ($27 if you’re under 48 inches) at New Hampshire’s Canobie Lake Park, is admission to the amusement park’s water complex, “Castaway Island.” This area of the park gives you the option to cool off with water slides, water canons, and even more ways to get wet. As for drying off, it’s nothing the Xtreme Frisbee can’t handle. Just think of it as a life-size dryer.

85 N.Policy St.
Salem, N.H.
603-893-3506
www.canobie.com

Lake Compounce in Bristol, Conn.

Another water park where admission is covered in the general price to the amusement park, Connecticut’s Lake Compounce boasts a handful of rides sure to satisfy the thrill-seeker, including “Lights Out,” a high-speed slide in the dark, and “Clipper Cove,” where 300 gallons of water come crashing down on visitors, and the “Bayou Bay” wave pool. Regular admission is $39.99, $28.74 for anyone under 52 inches tall. There is an $8 parking fee as well.

822 Lake Ave.
Bristol, Conn.
860-583-3300
www.lakecompounce.com

Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury, Conn.

Not only can you cool off at this oasis at Connecticut’s Quassy Amusement Park, feel free to hit the beach if the slides, fountains, and other features of the water jungle gym don’t do the trick. Kick back on the shore of Lake Quassapaug, where lifeguards are always on duty, and regroup before diving back into the heat of the carnival games. All-day park combo tickets are available for $24.50, or just $15 for Quassy Beach and Saturation Station admission only. All day parking is $6.

2132 Middlebury Road
Middlebury, Conn‎.
203-758-2913
www.quassy.com
‎

Six Flags New England in Agawam, Mass.

This entry into the New England water parks landscape threatens to be among the most satisfying for the thrill-seeker. These rides are intense enough to carry with them thrill-ratings, ranging from mild (Kiddie Octopus) to moderate (Swiss Family Toboggan) to max (Typhoon). Park admission is $59.99 for adults and $49.99 for kids under 54 inches, though ticket deals can be found online. Kids under age 2 are free. There is a $20 parking charge.

1623 Main St.
Agawam, Mass.
413-786-9300
www.sixflags.com

Smuggler’s Notch in Jeffersonville, Vt.

With eight heated, outdoor pools, four water slides, and a hidden, natural recreation area, all situated in the midst of the Green Mountains, Smuggler’s Notch is vying for the title of most versatile ski resort in New England. Unlimited use of the facilities is included with a mountain vacation package.

4323 Vermont Route 108 South
Jeffersonville, Vt.
800-451-8752
www.smuggs.com

Water Country in Portsmouth, N.H.

If you’ve experienced some form of water ride in your travels, chances are they have it at Water Country, one of New England’s largest water parks. With more than a dozen different attractions to choose from, this is one place that merely begins with the water slide. Daily admission is $38.99, $26.99 for anyone under 48 inches tall. For those living nearby, a season pass runs only $65.99, less than the cost of two tickets.

1111 Route 1
Portsmouth, N.H.
603-427-1111
www.watercountry.com

Liquid Planet in Candia, N.H.

This park, just northeast of Manchester, N.H., expanded its attractions and now includes, in addition to its slides and pools, an all-natural sandy beach area, featuring more slides and attractions. Daily admission is $25 for adults, $20 for children under 48 inches tall. Season passes are also available for $50.

446 Raymond Road
Candia, N.H.
603-483-2200
liquidplanetwaterpark.com

Water Wizz in Westerly, R.I.

With two New England locations, Water Wizz has long been a summer destination for southern New Englanders. Its Wareham location continues to provide plenty of Cape Cod-bound families with a diversion along the way, or a day-trip to enjoy the slides and plunges just over the bridge. Admission is $13 for 40 minutes of unlimited rides or $30 for an all day pass.
3031 Cranberry Hwy.

East Wareham
and
328 Atlantic Ave.
Westerly, R.I.
www.waterwizz.com

Whale’s Tale in Lincoln, N.H.

Named Best Waterpark in America in its class by Aquatics International Magazine, Whale’s Tale is a summer staple in the Franconia Notch area of New Hampshire. With the White Mountains as a backdrop, swimmers can enjoy thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and Castaway Cove, a heated pool with hot tubs that features food and drink service to boot. Peak admission is $35, $25 after 3 p.m.

Route 3
Lincoln, N.H.
603-745-8810
whalestalewaterpark.net

Funtown Splashtown in Saco, Maine

At this Saco, Maine, amusement park, visitors can frolic in the water all day – including taking on northern New England’s only tornado slide – then dry off, change, and head on over to the other side for an evening filled with rides and other traditional attractions. Combination passes are $36, $27 for anyone 38 to 48 inches tall. Tickets for the water park only run $25 and $20.

774 Portland Road
Saco, Maine
207-284-5139
funtownsplashtownusa.com