Best Outdoor Water Parks in Massachusetts

There are loads of big, cushy slides and plenty of spots to splash at Cape Cod Inflatable Park. Photo courtesy of the park

1. Cape Cod Inflatable Park — West Yarmouth, MA

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

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.

While sliding, splashing, and floating, kids will love the best outdoor water parks in New England! Photo courtesy of Water Wizz

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.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Connecticut

Family fun is only a plummet away when you head to New England's water parks.

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.

Get together with the whole family at these fun-soaked New England water parks! Photo courtesy of Water Country

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. Ho Ho H20 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. Be on the lookout for the parks newest addition Polar Paradise, opening this summer, for even more water fun. 

13. Candia Springs Water Park — Candia, NH 

Cool off in the splash pad or go for a swim in the spring-fed swimming hole. For daredevils, this park has three crazy water slides to choose from that promise high speeds, lots of twists and turns, and big drops. in 2023 a new, huge floating playground will be opened too.

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