Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways | MommyPoppins

The best indoor water parks in New England are the perfect cure for the bad-weather blues. Getting tired of the heavy, layered winter coats? Have your kids have already lost all of their gloves for the season? We get it. There are places within a couple hours right here in New England (and beyond) where you can splash around with the family—no outer gear required! Some are large with lots of amenities like multiple slides and arcades. Others are small, manageable and convenient. These water parks are all within a one- to five-hour drive from Boston and Connecticut. 

New England is home to plenty of water fun, either with a quick drive from Boston or a weekend escape. The best indoor water parks fit the bill when outdoor pools are closed.

If you live closer to New York (or are up for the trip) these indoor water parks in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey are worth checking out, too. No matter where you go, be sure to check with each park directly about special rates and current safety policies. Also, consider planning a trip for a weekday or weeknight outside of school vacation to steer clear of crowds.

Best Indoor Water Parks in New England – Massachusetts

 
Great Wolf Lodge draws families from all over New England with its water fun. Photo courtesy of the Resort

1. Great Wolf Lodge – Fitchburg, MA

Great Wolf Lodge New England is the newest and splashiest arrival on the regional water park scene. Great Wolf keeps the water temperatures at a constant 84 degrees and offers all kinds of fun. Try out the raft built for four, the water fort tree house, five water slides, or various pools for the whole family. Great Wolf Lodge also offers activities beyond the pool–​including a climbing wall, ropes course, XD theater, bowling alley, mini-golf, character appearances, and an arcade. Great Wolf has a kid spa and a fitness center if you’re looking for downtime after your water adventure.
Costs: Room rates start at $199.99 for a deluxe queen suite for four people. Day passes are now offered, starting at $50 per person for a full day and $40 per person for a half-day. This water park has a seaside theme.

Find big fun for all ages at these fun indoor water parks! Photo courtesy of the Cape Codder Resort & Spa​

2. Cape Codder Resort & Spa – Hyannis, MA

The only indoor water park on Cape Cod, the Cape Codder is about an hour and 45 minutes from Boston. The Cape Codder has four water slides, a shallow wading area for small children with small water slides, climbing structures, a dumping bucket, and a 24-person Jacuzzi. The lazy river features a waterfall, rapids, and a spouting whale. Visitors love the wave pool and the heated outdoor pool. Guests of the resort can enjoy the Beach Plum Spa, fitness center, and the nearby beaches and towns. The pool-side cafe with kid-friendly food and seating is a handy plus for families. Open every day of the week.
Costs: Day-trippers can buy passes for $40 per person, or $30 per child under 48” tall. Children aged 3 and under are free.

3. Pilgrim Cove Indoor Theme Pool – Plymouth, MA

Located approximately one hour from Boston at the John Carver Inn & Spa, this unique themed water park is full of fun nods to its hometown’s prominence in American history—such as the life-size replica of the Mayflower with an 80-foot water slide winding through it, as well as an island whirlpool set in a replica of Plymouth Rock. The water park also features lap lanes for those looking to get in a workout, as well as a sauna. If you’re bringing very little ones, make sure to note that the facility requires swim diapers for children not yet potty-trained; if you happen to forget them at home, you can purchase some at the hotel front desk. 
Cost: Day passes are available for $20. 

 
New England’s indoor water parks cater to grown-ups and kids. Photo courtesy of Water Park of New England

4. Water Park of New England – Danvers, MA

Water Park of New England is the closest water park option for Bostonians, clocking in at just under an hour from the city. Attached to the DoubleTree by Hilton in Danvers, visitors can make this indoor water park a day trip or an overnight. Younger kids will love the kiddie pool with its theater and the lazy river options, while older kids will enjoy the four wild waterslides and the obstacle park area. Water Park of New England has a snack bar and cabanas for rent, and an arcade for when you get sick of the water. If you decide to make it a day trip, don’t forget to bring your own towels–the park doesn’t offer them. Also, Water Park of New England doesn’t have cubbies and charges a daily rental fee for small or large single-use lockers, so plan accordingly.
Costs: Day passes are available for $40 per person or $15 for a non-swimmer pass. Average night stay costs $99. Twilight rates as well.

Best Indoor Water Parks in New England – New Hampshire and Vermont

5. Hampton Inn and Suites – North Conway

This is an indoor hotel pool packed with all kinds of fun! This amazing spot at North Conway’s Hampton Inn offers with two tube slides, one short slide and a fun frog play feature. Enjoy the rainfall umbrella and shallow to deep waters for play. This is a smaller indoor water area just right for the family who doesn’t really enjoy the busy, hubub of the larger parks. Rooms are as low as $110 a night and this is a pet-friendly hotel. 

Surf’s up at Vermont’s indoor water park! Photo courtesy of the Jay Peak Pump House Indoor Water Park

6. Pump House Indoor Waterpark – Jay, VT

At more than four hours from Boston, Pump House is definitely the farthest north of the parks featured here, but the trip would be well worth it. Located at the cushy Jay Peak ski resort, The Pump House offers water slides, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and even a poolside bar. Thrill-seekers will love La Chute and its 65-foot drop at 45 miles per hour and visitors seeking a more relaxing experience can try out the Big River (a lazy river). Little kids will enjoy Mill Pond Kids Play Area. Pump House also has an arcade, surf shop, and snack bar, in addition to all the activities to be found at Jay Peak (from skiing to an indoor climbing wall). Be warned: the only way to ensure admission is by scheduling in advance online or booking a lodging package. Be sure to reach out to the park before making the drive.
Costs: Day passes begin at $43 per day, or $35 for kids 4-14. Children ages 3 and under are free.

7. Kahuna Laguna – North Conway, NH

Note: Currently closed due to fire in 2022. The Red Jacket plans to re-open, but no date was set at time of publication.

Kahuna Laguna is New Hampshire’s largest indoor water park, and about a three-hour drive from Boston. Part of the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, Kahuna Laguna offers four water slides for kids over four feet tall, as well as a wave pool, basketball court, and 25-person hot tub. An adventure tower offers slides, with water cannons and a tipping bucket that will drench kids completely. Little ones will love the Little Kahuna play area with its slides and shallow pool.

Updated 1-2023