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 anyways? 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, many different options come up. But which are the best water parks? Which park can I bring my own food in 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, pay only for the water park. Because when the temperature starts rising or the rain is coming 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 it's the sun and humidity getting to you or you need a break from inclement weather, chances are you too may be opting for an indoor water park. Most indoor water parks are also open year-round but on the other hand, they do usually require advance planning.
Cape Codder Water Park (Hyannis -MA) – This indoor Water park is available to overnight guests or purchase a day pass. One of the most unique features of the Cape Codder Water Park is 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, 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 thing about when going to 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 their three 300 Ft water slides and lake swimming with a sandy area! Thus making it undoubtedly a great summertime location 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 from home. 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 which has 11 water slides, a huge wave pool, a ¼ mile lazy river as well as a kid’s activity area. The best thing about Whales Tale is you can leave and come back the same day! The free parking and being able 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 ares, 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. Like 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. Here you find a toddler area, as well as multiple water slides and an arcade, which makes it not only fun, but unique as well. Check their website for specials for admission 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 also might 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 in coming up with your own fun day trips to the best water parks in New England.
This is a guest post written by Christine Gaudreau of NewEnglandMomma.com. Christine is a mom of two tween boys and two fluffy dogs. Visit for more great articles on day trips within New England, as well as camping hacks and travel tips for families.
Helen says
Thanks for the grear list!