If you’re a kid, nothing says fun like roller coasters, bumper cars, water slides, and carousels. And Boston’s amusement parks have it all! These 10 family-friendly parks are all less than two hours from Boston — perfect for a summer day trip that will leave you exhausted and full of happy memories.
Amusement Parks Near Boston
Canobie Lake Park
Salem, NH
This New England amusement park has been around for decades and still offers that classic charm. This park truly has it all, from great kiddie rides to real rollercoasters and a water park area, too! Guests are not permitted to bring outside food into the park. Canobie does have plenty of food options. We love the parent/rider swap program available so no one has to miss out on the fun. Parking is free.
Six Flags New England
Agawam, MA
This expansive amusement park has some of the biggest and most thrilling rides in New England! Six Flags trends older and may not be the best choice for little kids. The “Hurricane Harbor” water park is an add on to the general admission ticket. Parking is not included but can be purchased ahead of time. No outside food is permitted, but there are plenty of dining options. There are lots of add ons to make your experience more enjoyable, like cabanas for rent and the flash pass, which virtually holds your place in line for a ride. Ticket prices are steeper here than at other parks — but the quality thrill rides are worth it!
Agawam is about two hours from Boston, so for some families this may be a two-day trip. There is a lot to do in Western Mass to make this trip worth it, though — try the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Dr. Seuss museum, and the Berkshires mountains!
Edaville
Carver, MA
When it comes to Boston-area amusement parks for the younger set, this is it! If you have a kid who loves trains, they will love Edaville. There are plenty of kiddie rides, and you can take a train ride around the property. No outside food is allowed, but there are options for buying food in the park. There is also an indoor play area if you need a break from the sun or heat. Edaville is open for limited hours around the winter holidays and it is quite a magical experience.
Lake Compounce
Bristol, CT
Want to visit the first amusement park in North America? New England’s got it! With a classic wooden roller coaster, plenty of kiddie rides, thrilling roller coasters, and a water park, there is something for everyone. Guests are welcome to bring outside food into this park, but expect to pay a fee for parking. Lake Compounce offers a number of special events all summer long, like concerts and fireworks. And if you want to experience the ultimate Lake Compounce family getaway, make it an overnight at the Lake Compounce Campground!
Funtown Splashtown USA
Saco, ME
An amusement park and a water park means you get the best of both worlds! Funtown Splashtown features 50 rides, plus water slides, pools, and various games and food. With kiddie rides, thrill rides, and family rides — both in and out of the water — there is something for everyone here. This park has a few features you may not find elsewhere, like the longest and tallest log flume in New England, and the Astrophere, a one-of-a-kind attraction that combines the classic “scrambler” ride with a great music and a laser light show all while being inside of a dome! You may bring your own food and drinks into the park.
Palace Playland
Old Orchard Beach, ME
Trying to decide between a beach day and an amusement park day? Do both at New England’s only beachfront amusement park! Just over the border in Maine, Palace Playland has lots of great kiddie rides, a number of classic carnival-style rides, plus a few thrill rides and coasters. At this park, you can play all day with an unlimited day pass, or you can pop in for a few rides using individually purchased single-ride tickets. Palace Playland also has a full arcade (and massive prize counter!), with more than 200 games to choose from. To really soak up the carnival vibes, visit on a Thursday for the spectacular fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.! You are welcome to bring food and drink into this park. Parking is available in private lots nearby.
Water Parks Near Boston
Candia Springs Adventure Park
Candia, NH
Candia Springs Adventure Park has a full day’s worth of fun! The waterpark includes a few water slides, the “Ziptide” pool, a spring-fed swimming hole on a sandy beach, and a 5,000-square-foot splash pad. For a choose-your-own-adventure type of day, you can (for additional fees) try your hand at ax throwing, a zip line, and a ropes adventure course through the treetops. Guest may bring food and drinks into the park. This park could be a good option for families with age gaps — little kids can play on splash pad, and big kids can try the more challenging activities, like the adventure course.
Water Country
Portsmouth, NH
Water Country is a classic water park in all the best ways! There are a ton of water slides for toddlers on up to adults. In addition to the slides, Water Country boasts a lazy river, whirlpool, and wave pool — plus multiple splash pad areas with very shallow water for the littles. There are plenty of picnic tables to take a break, and cabanas and lockers are available for rent. Parking is not free, but it’s only $10 for the day if you buy in advance. You can bring your own food into the park, and food is also available for purchase. Pack your towels and sunscreen — this is a full-day experience and great for everyone in the family!
Water Wizz
Wareham, MA
Water Wizz is an awesome water park for families. For the younger set, there are plenty of water slides and smaller splash pad areas. For the thrill seekers, there is the 76-foot-tall Devil’s Peak water slide and some of the longest tube rides on the East Coast! The lazy river and wave pool are fun for all. You can bring your own food into the park, and there are food options to buy on property. Cabanas available to rent as well as lockers for your belongings.
Breezy Picnic Grounds and Water Slides
Douglas, MA
If you’re looking to have a laid-back day at the lake, come to Breezy! There’s a reason Breezy has been a hit with families since 1953. Set on a beautiful lake, there are expansive shady grass areas for picnics and playtime. You can swim in the lake, which is shallow enough for toddlers and has a cute small waterslide. There are also three larger waterslides that are really fun for all ages. Bringing your own food is encouraged, though there is a concession stand that has a number of food options and ice cream. Bathrooms and dressing areas are on site, and parking is free. Bring your own beach toys or a football to throw around. If you are looking for a low stress day of family fun, this is it.
