12 Best Water Parks in New England
Cool down on a hot day this summer with 12 of the best indoor and outdoor water parks in New England.
I love water parks! Okay, I mean my kids love water parks. What a fun way to get away from home and have fun together. Who can resist floating in a tube on a ‘lazy river’ or watching your kids’ faces light up as they splash into the water?
And who says water parks are only for kids anyway? Seriously. I love the thrill of zooming down a slide in the same way as my sons do. It makes us all feel like kids again!
When searching for water parks in New England, you’ll see many different options. But which are the best? Which park lets me bring my own food, and is it even worth the trip? Some water parks in New England require an overnight stay or paid admission to their amusement park.
This list of the 12 best water parks in New England are those that are stand-alone and pay only for the water park. When the temperature rises or the rain comes down, finding fun ways to beat the weather and still enjoy the summer heat is essential.
Indoor Water Parks in New England
Indoor water parks are popping up all over New England. Whether the sun and humidity are getting to you or you need a break from inclement weather, chances are you may opt for an indoor water park. Most indoor water parks are open year-round, but they usually require advance planning.
Cape Codder Water Park (Hyannis, MA) – This indoor Water park is available to overnight guests or you can purchase a day pass. One of the most unique features of the Cape Codder Water Park is that it has a large, clear, retractable roof – so you are “outdoors” on warm, sunny days and indoors when it is cold/rainy. There’s nothing like it in the area. A wave pool, an outdoor pool, various water slides, and an area for littles can also be found at the Cape Codder Water Park.
CoCo Key Water Park (Danvers – MA) – This awesome indoor water park features signature water slides and attractions geared towards children ages 2-12, where it’s always 84 degrees inside. Be sure to purchase your pass online before you visit and bring your own towel.
Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park (North Conway – NH) – Because of a fire, Kahuna Laguna and the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort are currently closed for repair.
Kahuna Laguna is a tropical oasis in the heart of North Conway at Red Jacket Mountain View Resort. The indoor water park features four high-speed tube slides, a wave pool, an in-water basketball court, and a 150-gallon tipping bucket in our adventure center. There’s even a Little Kahuna Play Area complete with slides, a shallow wave pool, and the lemon drop fountain. When families get hungry, they can dine at the Tiki Tide Café, which offers yummy snacks and lunch items for visitors of all ages.
Pump House Indoor Waterpark (Jay – VT): Big river with tubes, a variety of slides, a child play area, and, of course, the thrilling ‘La Chute’ can be found at the Pump House Indoor Waterpark. Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time online if you will not be staying at the resort as day passes may be limited.
Outdoor Water Parks in New England
Outdoor water parks are what most people think of when they think of a water park. Fresh air, hot sun, and cooling off in the water. Going to an outdoor water park means you may want to pack a hat, sunscreen, and a few extra warm towels.
Breezy Picnic Grounds Waterslides (Douglas – MA) – This 3rd-generation, family-run park has been around for over 65 years. It brings the best of water fun with its three 300 Ft water slides and lake swimming with a sandy area! That makes it a great summertime spot for kids of all ages.
It is also perfect for weekday play dates too, as their new mini slide for the little ones is made for kids 42” and under! Enjoy lunch at the snack bar or bring your own lunch, cooler, and gas grill to one of the many picnic tables. Also, don’t forget your sand toys!
Candia Springs Adventure Park (Candia – NH) This may be a smaller water park compared to other water parks in New England, however, there is still plenty to do such as the spray ground, a swimming hole, a 272 Ft long slide! Bring your own beach umbrella and lunch. Save by buying your tickets at least 18 hours in advance online.
Learn more about our trip to Candia Springs here.
Whale’s Tale Waterpark (Lincoln – NH) Located in Lincoln, NH, you will find a Whale’s Tale Waterslide with 11 water slides, a huge wave pool, a 1/4 mile lazy river, and a kid’s activity area. The best thing about Whale’s Tale is you can leave and come back the same day! Free parking and the ability to bring food or a cooler from home also make it more affordable.
Funtown Splash Town (Saco – ME): Although Funtown also has amusement park rides, Funtown Splash Town has a separate water park pass, making it an ideal way to cool down in the heat. The park has 22 water slides with some of the biggest thrills in Northern New England. From thrill rides to family fun areas, this is a great place for all ages to splash and play all day.
Water Country Water Park (Portsmouth – NH): If you’re from New England, you have probably heard their theme song at least a few dozen times on the radio or TV. As the song says, come “Have Some Fun!” It’s Water Country, New England’s largest water park, home to 25 rides, slides, and pools over 26 acres of land.
If you like a huge assortment of things to do, then this is the water park you will want to visit this summer! Visit their website for a complete list of upcoming events as well as to purchase discounted tickets online for your next trip to Water Country.
Water Wizz (Wareham – MA) This southern New England water park is perfect to spend all day. Rent a cabana to get out of the hot sun. Take a tube in a slow-running river, try out the wave pool, or for the more adventurous, there are lots of high-speed thrill water slides. Take the whole family, as 2 and under are free. And they have multiple snack shops and stores on site.
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark (Middlebury – CT): This water park is great for kids 12 and under. You’ll find a toddler area, multiple water slides, and an arcade, which makes it not only fun but unique. Check their website for admission specials and discounts.
What to bring to the water park
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- Waterproof sunscreen – this is my favorite
- Towels and a change of clothes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Cover up
You might also want to grab a few items from your summer tote, like extra hair ties and hand sanitizer.
I’m also a big fan of my waterproof phone pouch!
As the days get warmer and the humidity soars, finding a place to cool down becomes essential. No matter your age, cooling down and having fun should be on everyone’s bucket list this summer. This list will help you plan your own fun day trips to the best water parks in New England.
Thanks for the grear list!