The 5 Best Outdoor Water Parks in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to some of the best outdoor water parks in the country, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. With a variety of thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and kiddie pools, these water parks provide endless fun for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a day trip with the family or a weekend getaway with friends, Connecticut’s water parks have something for everyone.
What’s the best outdoor water park in Connecticut?
One of the most popular water parks in Connecticut is Lake Compounce’s Crocodile Cove, located in Bristol. This 20-acre water park features a wide range of attractions, including a wave pool, a lazy river, a variety of water slides, and a splash playground for younger visitors. The park also offers cabana rentals, food and beverage options, and locker rentals for convenience.
While this article covers outdoor water parks, if you are looking for indoor water parks in Connecticut, we have you covered for that too! Be sure to click the link provided to find out our suggestions.
Another top water park in Connecticut is Quassy Amusement Park’s Splash Away Bay, located in Middlebury.
This family-friendly water park boasts over a dozen attractions, including a giant water play structure, a wave pool, and a variety of water slides. Visitors can also enjoy a sandy beach area, a picnic grove, and a variety of food and beverage options.
Visiting an outdoor water park in New England can seem like a real treat. Making sure you pick the right one for your day out is essential. That’s why we’ve assembled this handy dandy guide to the best outdoor water parks in Connecticut!
Plus, we’ve thrown in some other, more natural water attractions around the state so you can stay cool all summer long!
Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America and is home to a large outdoor water park. The park features a wave pool, several water slides, and a lazy river.
I think the most exciting water attractions at Lake Compounce are Mammoth Falls, Bayou Bay, and Riptide Racer, but you’ll need to decide for yourself!
Visitors can also enjoy the park’s amusement rides and live entertainment.
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark is located on the shores of Lake Quassapaug and features a variety of water attractions, including a wave pool, water slides, and a splash pad. Kids will love the Splash Away Bay water play area and the Saturation Station interactive water attraction.
Some of my favorite rides are the Freefall ‘N’ Drop, Tunnel Twisters, and BulletBowl. The park also has amusement rides, arcade games, and a beach area.
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park is a unique outdoor water park that is built around an old quarry.
The park features several water attractions, including a cliff jump, zip line, and water slides. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, wakeboarding, and other outdoor activities.
The Dinosaur Place
The Dinosaur Place is a unique outdoor water park that is designed to look like a prehistoric world.
The park features several water attractions, including a zero-depth splash pad, perfect for the little ones in your family. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s dinosaur exhibits, mini-golf course, and other activities.
Ocean Beach Park
Ocean Beach Park is located on the shore of Long Island Sound and features a large outdoor water park.
The park includes a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s beach area, boardwalk, and live entertainment.
The Best Outdoor Water Parks In Connecticut Comparison Chart
| Water Park | Where | Attractions | Cabanas Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Compounce | Bristol | Wave pool, water slides, lazy river | Yes |
| Quassy Amusement & Waterpark | Middlebury | Wave pool, water slides, splash pad | Yes |
| Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park | Portland | Cliff jump, zip line, water slides | No |
| Ocean Beach Park | New London | Wave pool, water slides, lazy river | Yes |
| The Dinosaur Place | Montville | Zero-depth splash pad | No |
Let’s face it, not every day is going to have blue skies and warm weather. If you’re jonesing for a day at the water park but the weather isn’t cooperating, consider taking a mini road trip and discovering some of the best indoor water parks around NYC.
Connecticut Parks With Outdoor Swim Areas
The above locations are your more traditional “water parks” with slides, splash pads, and such. But Connecticut is home to some beautiful natural swimming areas, too. If the weather is warm enough for a visit to one of Connecticut’s outdoor water parks, consider checking out one of these natural swimming areas in Connecticut:
Farmington River Tubing
Farmington River Tubing offers a unique water park experience for families with children. Instead of traditional water attractions, families can enjoy a leisurely float down the Farmington river in inner tubes. The park provides life jackets and shuttle service back to the starting point. Children must be at least 5 years old and able to swim to participate.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a great option for families with young children who want to enjoy the beach and water activities. The park features a large beach area with calm waters for swimming and building sand castles. Families can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft for a fun day on the water.
Rocky Neck State Park
Rocky Neck State Park is another great option for families with young children who want to enjoy the beach and water activities. The park features a large beach area with calm waters for swimming and a designated area for children to play. Families can also enjoy hiking trails and a picnic area for a full day of fun.
Lake Waramaug State Park
Lake Waramaug State Park is a beautiful park located in the Litchfield Hills. The park has a sandy beach and a designated swim area. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the lake. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Connecticut.
Burr Pond State Park
Burr Pond State Park is located in Torrington and is known for its clear water and sandy beach. The park also has a picnic area and a concession stand. Visitors can swim, fish, and hike in the park.
Squantz Pond State Park
Squantz Pond State Park is located in New Fairfield and is known for its clear water and scenic views. The park has a sandy beach and a designated swim area. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the lake. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Connecticut.
Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Mashamoquet Brook State Park is located in Pomfret and is known for its beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. The park also has a picnic area and hiking trails. Visitors can swim, fish, and hike in the park.
Chatfield Hollow State Park
Chatfield Hollow State Park is located in Killingworth and is known for its scenic trails and swimming area. The park has a sandy beach and a designated swim area. Visitors can also hike the trails or have a picnic in the park.
Hopeville Pond State Park
Hopeville Pond State Park is located in Griswold and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. The park has a sandy beach and a designated swim area. Visitors can also fish or hike in the park.
Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle State Park is located in East Haddam and is known for its castle-like structure and scenic views of the Connecticut River. The park has a designated swim area and picnic area. Visitors can also tour the castle and hike the trails in the park.
Conclusion
Connecticut is home to some of the best outdoor water parks in the country. From thrilling water slides to lazy rivers, there is something for everyone in these parks. Families and friends can spend a fun-filled day splashing around and enjoying the summer weather.
Visitors to Connecticut’s water parks can expect to find a variety of attractions, including wave pools, kiddie areas, and water play structures. Some of the parks also offer cabanas, food and drink options, and other amenities to make the experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, Connecticut’s water parks provide a great way to beat the heat and have some fun in the sun. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to relax, there is a park that will suit your needs. So grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and head to one of these amazing water parks for a day of fun and adventure!