Best Outdoor Water Parks in New England for Family Fun

This summer promises to be a hot one, and the best outdoor water parks in New England are perfect for cooling off! Luckily, families in Massachusetts and Connecticut are just a drive away from these fun-filled theme parks. These New England water parks have everything you expect, like slides, splash-features, and floats to relax on. They also have wave pools, lazy rivers, mini-slides and water playgrounds for younger kiddos. Local hotels and restaurants make it their business to cater to families on vacations too, so you are sure to find everything you need in the area.

Read on to see what outdoor water parks are open this summer. To cool off closer to home, plan a trip to these Boston-area spraygrounds and splash pads or Hartford-area spraygrounds and splash pads.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Massachusetts

1. Wicked Waves Cape Cod — West Yarmouth, MA

Since opening in the summer of 2018, this splashy addition to the fun park scene has expanded to become a must-stop for Cape-bound families. There's a lazy river and lily pad "walk," but thrill-seekers will head straight for the four large slides. Hint: If you're heading for an overnight (or two), consider a stay at the Cape Cod Family Resort; booking includes four free park passes with your stay.

 
Head to Douglas and water park fun at Breezy Picnic Grounds. Photo courtesy of Breezy Picnic Grounds

2. Breezy Picnic Grounds — Douglas, MA

This little gem on the Massachusetts side of the Blackstone Valley delivers old-fashioned fun in a natural setting. The park features three 300-foot slides abut a swimming lake and spacious, beautifully maintained picnic grounds.

3. Water Wizz — Wareham, MA

Water Wizz is packed with watery fun. Attractions range from a family pool with multi-age activities to super high thrill slides called the "Devil's Peak." If the place looks familiar, that might be because the park has been in two feature films. It's Buy One Get One for the first 5,000 tickets sold this season too!

4. Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags New England — Agawam, MA

Six Flags is home to one of the best outdoor water park in New England—​and the largest: Hurricane Harbor. The water park has everything, from one of the biggest wave pools in the country to multi-passenger rafting adventures. It's a great destination for a full day of fun.

 
See how much water-slide fun awaits at Crocodile Cove at Lake Compounce. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Connecticut

5. Crocodile Cove at Lake Compounce — Bristol, CT

Lake Compounce's Crocodile Cove is home to multiple wave pools, water slides, and special areas designed for young children. There's even an actual lake! Early opening on April 29, 2023.

6. Splash Away Bay Water Park at Quassy Amusement Park — Middlebury, CT 

This water park has giant slides that can be ridden solo or together, a rapid raft adventure, and a gigantic dumping bucket. There is also a great area for little water lovers, with pint-size slides and pools. 

7. The Dinosaur Place Splash Pad — Montville, CT

Not necessarily a full water park, but this is a fun, watery playground for kids with a dinosaur theme. Enjoy the "ribcage" waterfall, dino-water shooters, and 28 other dino-themed water features. There is also a separate play area for infants and toddlers.

8. Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park — Portland, CT

Brownstone takes "lake fun" to a whole new level. Along with wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddling opportunities, this lakeside park features an over-water zipline, various water obstacles, inflatable sides and trampolines, and a big "cliff jump" for the bravest kids.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in New Hampshire

9. Water Country — Portsmouth, NH

Water Country offers plenty of ways to stay cool and have fun. From the Adventure River Ride (it goes through waterfalls, fountains, and caves) to Triple Giant Slides, there's so much to do. Other features include a Whirlpool, and whitewater adventures on Thunder Falls. Young children can have their own adventures as they slide down the arms of Ollie Octopus, climb on a pirate ship at Pirates' Lagoon, and explore the Tahiti Tree House.

10. Whale's Tale Water Park — Lincoln, NH

There are a lot of bells and whistles at this White Mountain-area favorite, including a wave pool with "flow boarding" (sort of like surfing), loads of speedy slides and flumes, and a 360-degree tube slide. Rent a cabana for a more private experience.

 
Good times keep flowing at water parks like Castaway Island. Photo courtesy of Canobie Lake Park

11. Castaway Island at Canobie Lake Park — Salem, NH 

Castaway Island at Canobie Lake Park has over 180 ways to get wet. The park features water cannons, nine water slides, waterfalls, and other entertaining activities. Check the website for specials, which include reduced evening rates. Bonus: Parking is always free at Canobie Lake.

12. Santa's Water Park at Santa's Village — Jefferson, NH 

Christmas and summer collide at this cool water park located in Santa's Village amusement park. Kids can splash and play at this interactive splash pad area filled with slides, a dumping bucket, and multiple spray components. For daring kids, try out the JOY Ride Slides, three-story water slides filled with twist and turns. Polar Paradise has an interactive splashpad with multiple slides for even more water fun. 

13. Moo Lagoon at Story Land — Glen, NH 

New in 2024, Moo Lagoon is the latest addition to Story Land, one of New England's most beloved amusement parks for kids. Moo Lagoon features an interactive water playground with 5 water slides. Bigger kids will gravitate to the tower with three long slides. There's also a splashpad for the smaller kids at Story Land's water park.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Rhode Island

14. Yawgoo Valley Water Park — Exeter, RI

The Yawgoo Valley ski area transforms in the summertime to a fun-filled water park with crazy slides, pools, and a Tiki Bar with food and drinks. And the water park is small enough to sit at the bar with an adult beverage while watching the kids go on the slides over and over again. One expert tip: To avoid sharing the park with 100 kids from a day camp, check Yawgoo's Group Schedule before visiting to find out whether any groups are booked during the time you're planning to visit. 

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Maine

From slides to rides, these outdoor water parks deliver the thrills! Photo courtesy of Funtown Splashtown USA 

15. Funtown Splashtown USA — Saco, ME

For those headed up the Maine coast for a family vacation, Splashtown's Family Fun Lagoon, thrilling slides, and pirate-themed play area beckon. Good to know: Separate tickets can be purchased for Funtown and Splashtown. But the combo tickets are only a few dollars more, and parking is free, so why not make a full day of it? 

Looking to splash inside? Check out our indoor water parks guide.

All photos courtesy of the water parks 

This post was originally published on July 28, 2020