12 Best Theme Parks And Amusement Parks In New England, USA - Updated 2024

theme parks in new england
Faraz
Faraz 
Updated
| 6 min read

New England is the northeastern part of the United States which offers fetching views, historical monuments, architecture, art, culture, and much more. Popular for its scenic beauty and the lovely coastline, it boasts of several parks, marketplaces, gardens, and much more. It also features stunning accommodations like beachfront hotels and yoga retreats. There’s a lot to do in this city and one can never get bored as well. Those who are interested in architecture can explore the massive number of monuments that feature architecture that still retains its charm while those who enjoy fun-filled activities can head to some of the best amusement parks and have a thrilling experience. The sheer number of amusement parks makes it quite difficult for one to pick the ideal place. Keep scrolling to find our list of the best theme parks and amusement parks in New England, USA.

1. Water Wizz Water Park, Cape Cod, MA

Water Wizz, Wareham
Source: Photo by Flickr user Massachusetts Off... used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Water Wizz Water Park promises a thrilling aquatic adventure. With an array of exhilarating rides and attractions, it’s the ultimate destination for a weekend getaway. The park boasts adrenaline-pumping water slides, such as the Pipeline Plunge and the twisting Hurricane Hill, perfect for thrill-seekers. Families will love the calm Little Neck Beach and the interactive Captain Kid’s Island, ideal for young ones.

The park’s friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, and scenic location in Cape Cod make it a top choice for a fun-filled weekend escape. While experiencing the thrills available at the hotels with waterparks in New England would be great, Water Wizz will offer a more refreshing escape to splash on daring slides or experiences under the summer sun.

Water Wizz Water Park

Address: 3031 Cranberry Hwy, East Wareham, MA 02538

Website: Water Wizz Water Park

Opening hours: Varies per month

Price: 48 USD (adults); 38 USD (children and seniors over 65 years of age); Free for children ages 2 and under

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2. The Dinosaur Place, Montville, CT

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Looking for the perfect family getaway? Look no further than The Dinosaur Place, a haven of prehistoric wonders that will thrill kids and parents alike. With lifelike dinosaur exhibits, colossal sculptures, and exciting attractions, it’s a treasure trove of fun and education.

The park’s Dino Trails take you on a journey back in time, where you’ll encounter animatronic dinosaurs and learn about Earth’s history. But the adventure doesn’t end there. The Splash Pad offers refreshing relief during the summer heat, while the Nature Trails invite exploration. This park is the ideal family destination, blending entertainment, learning, and outdoor activities.

The Dinosaur Place

Address: 1650 Hartford-New London Tpke Montville, CT 06370

Website: The Dinosaur Place

Opening hours: Apr - Nov 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 26.99 USD (adults); 25.99 USD (seniors over 60 years of age); 29.99 USD (children of ages 6 - 17); 26.99 USD (toddlers of ages 2 - 5); Free for children under 2 years of age

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3. Edaville Family Theme Park, Carver, MA

Edaville Family Theme Parks Main Entrance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user EdavilleMA used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Boasting as many as 28 rides, Edaville Family Theme Park is perhaps the best place to visit when you want to have fun with family and friends. The park’s shining glory - “Thomas the Train” is a ride that offers a whole view of Edaville. There’s a huge Ferris wheel, a Dino Land that has dinosaur rides and dinosaur-themed exhibits, a Flying Elephant, bumper cars, merry-go-rounds, and several smaller rides for younger kids.

This amusement park in the northeast part of the USA is divided into three major sections: the entry where one finds the ticket counters, shops, and a historic village recreation; the boarding station where there is a train, and several rides for people of all age groups; and the Thomas Land featuring “Thomas the tank engine” themed rides and attractions.

At Christmas time, Edaville’s wondrous lighting keeps the people spellbound. The park also holds live performances and is loved by toddlers and teens alike.

Edaville Family Theme Park

Address: 5 Pine St, Carver, MA 02330, United States

Website: Edaville Family Theme Park

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4. Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH

Canobie Lake Park Rollercoaster train
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alex1961 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This theme park has a passel of unique and amazing attractions in store for you. With rides numbering over 85, the park takes it upon itself to keep you entertained throughout your stay by introducing live performances and exciting Midway Games to its storehouse of fun. Its most popular ride - “Untamed”, plummets you from 72 ft. (22 m) in the air on a bear-style cart and gives you the thrill you’d have never experienced before. Other amazing rides here are Yankee Cannonball, a wooden roller coaster, a whirling Ice Jet, and Boston Tea Party ride, and the intriguing Puzzle Rooms. Halloween is the best time to visit Canobie Lake Park and be a part of its “Scream Fest” that adds tons of extra fun to the experience.

Canobie Lake Park

Address: 85 N Policy St, Salem, NH 03079, United States

Website: Canobie Lake Park

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New England Tour Guide

Naim Benmayor

Naim Benmayor

As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this unique perspective has taught me what appeals to people when visiting a new part of the country or a new part of the world. My fluency in English and Turkish, and my advanced skills in Spanish and intermediate skills in French, also help me to service a wider range of tourists and business people.I moved to Boston, Massachusetts several years ago, and I now reside in Brookline. I have three children, so I develop my tours to accommodate families with kids, couples, and individuals who want to visit and learn about the rich history and culture of Boston. As a parent, I know that Boston is a great place for higher education, and I have knowledge of the colleges and universities in the area.I customize tours to suit the needs and preferences of my customers. Whether you want a walking tour, a riding tour, or a little of both, I can create an itinerary that showcases the best of what Boston has to offer.My one day tours are educational and entertaining, and include the history, culture, personalities, architecture and, even the shopping areas of this renowned city. At the end of the tour you will be happy and satisfied when you realize you've seen so much in just a short time.I am here to share my knowledge of Boston, Cambridge and all of New England with you, and help you to enjoy your visit so you can explore the must-see parts of this great city. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you around the city, so please send me a message if you have any questions.Thank you for reading.

5. Santa's Land USA, Putney, VT

Santa Claus
Source: Pxfuel

If you are the child who, after growing up, still adores Santa, and wants their children to inherit the same innocent love, then this place is meant especially for you! Santa’s land is a family park located at the foothills of Vermont’s majestic Green Mountains. It is opened from summers until Christmas Eve. Here are dozens of interesting things to explore. So, do stop by to board Alpine Express train and enjoy a merry ride through the park; ride on carousels that guarantee unabated delight. One finds plenty of kiddie rides for younger children as well. People and children can visit Santa and his elves, purchase ornaments, Vermont maple products, toys at Santa’s Country Gift Shop, and relish hot cocoa, hot apple cider, mini donuts, fries and hot chocolate among several other drool-worthy delicacies.

Santa's Land USA

Address: 655 Bellows Falls Rd, Putney, VT 05346, United States

Website: Santa’s Land USA

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

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6. Six Flags New England, Agawam, MA

Flashback à Six Flags New England (recadrée avec plus de luminosité)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Antoine6794 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The oldest amusement park around, Six Flags is located in the suburban area of Massachusetts. It has a good number of superhero-themed rides that every kid and teen dreams of - from Batman, Riddler, Harley Quinn, to Joker and Goliath. Its most popular one is “Superman the Ride” which has made its way into every Golden Ticket Awards publication and has been one of the top steel roller coasters. For kids, there are exciting Looney Toons rides. Foods and drinks are available too!

Additionally, this theme park in Massachusetts features Hurricane Harbour - an exciting waterpark that is a hit for kids and kids-at-heart.

Six Flags

Address: Route 159 1623, Main St, Agawam, MA 01001, United States

Website: Six Flags

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7. Water Country Water Park, Portsmouth, NH

Water Park
Source: Pxfuel

Water Country is the best water park in all of New Hampshire! It offers unlimited fun through its exhilarating rides and curiosities like Big Ollie, Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror, and an adventure river that is a quarter-mile long. The water in the pools and rivers is very safe and clean.

This water park in New England boasts 14 different slides, two pools, and a kid’s area, “Pirates Cove” - an amazing slide meant for younger kids - a jungle gym, and a wave pool. There are great dining options for families and top-quality consumables are also available. Visitors can also rent floating tubes if they will.

Water Country Water Park

Address: 2300 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

Website: Water Country Water Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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8. Lake Compounce, Bristol, CT

Phobia Phear Coaster at Lake Compounce
Source: Photo by user Martin Lewison used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If roller coasters are your major preference among park rides, then Lake Compounce is your holy grail. It is home to the top-rated wooden roller coaster in the world - Boulder Dash, besides having the best water park in Connecticut. Apart from countless other thrilling rides and coasters, the park houses nice kid-friendly restaurants with menus offering plenty of cuisines and food items to choose from. One can walk around, take in the beautiful green view inside the park, and click pictures. Fall is the best time to visit Lake Compounce.

Lake Compounce

Address: 185 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06010, United States

Website: Lake Compounce

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9. Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, Middlebury, CT

Quassy Amusement Park
Source: Photo by user Jeremy Thompson used under CC BY 2.0

Quassy Amusement and Waterpark is unique in that it offers an amazing experience of enjoying rides, family picnics, and swimming near the placid Lake Quassapaug. It offers more than twenty rides among which “Wooden Warrior” and the “Grand Carousel” are the most popular. Other rides such as “Frog Hopper” and “Jet Fighter” are for smaller kids. You can go swimming or boating in the lake and take a satisfying repast in one of its restaurants. This place is ideal for weekend getaways with family and friends.

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

Address: 2132 Middlebury Rd, Middlebury, CT 06762, United States

Website: Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

Price: 2.50 USD

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10. Story Land, Glen, NH

Cinderella's Castle, Story Land theme park in Glen, NH
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AnotherMaker used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Story Land is probably the best park for children. It features several fairy tale-based attractions such as “Polar Coaster” and “Cinderella’s Castle” - and dining options for instance, “Character Dinners” and “Tea Time” - to cheer up your tiny cherubims. The cleanliness of the park, quality of consumables, and the running condition of the rides are well looked after. The restrooms are nice, made to accommodate nursing mothers, and are provided with diapers, and other such facilities. To add to the children’s delight, there are fairy tale characters like Little Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Cinderella who roam about in the park and interact with the kids. The rides like bamboo chutes, “Dr. Geyser’s” and “Roar o Saurus” are cherished by kids and promise an experience that no other place can offer.

Story Land

Address: 850 NH-16, Glen, NH 03838, United States

Website: Story Land

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11. Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach, ME

Palace Playland
Source: Photo by user Jeremy Thompson used under CC BY 2.0

Palace Playland beckons its visitors to the beachfront foaming with excitement! One of the largest arcades in New England, it is home to more than 250 games and attractions - including Skeeball and Fortune Tellers and latest skill games and coin-operated video games. It is located at Old Orchard Beach. There are innumerable shops and eateries to explore as well. Every Thursday night, spectacular fireworks are seen here. The rides open at 11am on Saturday and Sunday and at noon on weekdays in Peak Season.

Palace Playland

Address: 1 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064, United States

Website: Palace Playland

Price: 1.5 USD (single ticket)

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12. Funtown Splashtown USA, Saco, ME

Funtown Splashtown USA
Source: Photo by user Jeremy Thompson used under CC BY 2.0

If exciting rides are your kind of adventure, this park in New England is for you. The most notable attraction of Funtown Splashtown is the Excalibur which is 100 ft (30.5 m) high - a wooden roller coaster said to be the only one of its kind. Some other rides worth mentioning are “Titans Twist” and “Tornado Thrill”. One can get a full view of the park from “Dragon’s Decent”. There is a big waterpark too, with nice flat rides.

The food available is also delicious. The atmosphere of the park is very welcoming, and one should not miss out on the chance to visit it if they happen to be in the area.

Funtown Splashtown USA

Address: 774 Portland Rd, Saco, ME 04072, United States

Website: Funtown Splashtown USA

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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Have an adrenaline-charged experience

Theme parks and amusement parks can be the ideal place to head to, particularly because they’re so popular with the kids and offer a variety of activities that one can indulge in. Make sure to pick the perfect park for you and your loved ones and have lots of fun. You’ll surely leave with amazing memories.

Don’t forget to check out the best unique hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals for more accommodation options.

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Frequently asked questions about theme parks and amusement parks in New England


  • What are some of the best water parks in New England?

    For a refreshing and exciting getaway in New England, be sure to provide the kids with unique entertainment that only these water parks can provide: i) Water Wizz Water Park in Cape Cod, Massachusettes, ii) Water Country Water Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and iii) Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury, Connecticut.

  • Which theme parks and amusement parks in New England have the most exhilarating roller coasters?

    Take that ride of a lifetime! These theme parks will surely ignite your thrill-seeking spirit with their heart-pounding roller coasters: i) Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire, ii) Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts, iii) Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, and iv) Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco, Maine.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Faraz Khan is a part-time content writer who loves stargazing, cloud-watching and reading poetry and fiction. He's also a Wonder Woman fan.

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