Best Theme Parks in New England: Fun on a Budget

Why fly to Florida when you can find thrills and spills in your own backyard? New England is home to a treasure trove of family-friendly amusement and water parks that offer big fun on a small budget. For parents, these local spots deliver plenty of magic without the massive price tag or planning of a Disney World trip. Pack some snacks, load up the minivan, and prepare for easy day trips full of coasters, carousels, and splashes – all within driving distance. Best of all, many of these parks offer perks like free admission for your family's littlest members, included water parks, and affordable eats, proving you don’t have to travel far (or spend a fortune) to make unforgettable family memories close to home. 

Let’s explore some of New England’s best parks where kids (and their parents!) can laugh, play, and create a little hometown magic.

Canobie Lake Park (Salem, NH)

Canobie Lake Park is a beloved New England gem that has entertained families for over a century. This lakeside amusement park blends nostalgic charm with modern thrills. Little ones will love “Kiddieland,” a dedicated area for under-48-inch riders featuring gentle rides like the Crazy Cups and Mini Bounce. At the same time, older kids (and brave parents) can tackle classics like the Yankee Cannonball wooden coaster or Untamed, a hair-raising coaster with a beyond-vertical drop. 

There are cool-down attractions too – hop on the log flume or let the kids splash in Castaway Island, a mini water park included with admission. Canobie’s atmosphere is exciting: expect strolling entertainers, games, and even fireworks over the lake on summer Saturdays. Parents will appreciate that children three and under get in free, and the park often runs special discounted days for scouts, moms, and more. With free parking and the option to picnic outside the gates, Canobie Lake Park makes for an affordable, easy outing that proves you don’t need Mickey Mouse to make magical memories.

Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA)

Six Flags New England (just outside Springfield) is the region’s “thrill capital”, but it also packs in fun for younger kids. For your pint-sized daredevils, the park has an entire Looney Tunes Movie Town kiddie section, where they can meet Bugs Bunny and ride tot-friendly attractions like Marvin the Martian’s Rocketship and Tweety’s Clubhouse. Tweens and parents can swap off to ride the big coasters – the legendary Superman: The Ride and Wicked Cyclone are scream-worthy – while the kids cool off on the mellow Daffy Duck splash pad. 

In summer, admission also includes Hurricane Harbor water park, so you can all grab a tube in the wave pool or lazy river without an extra fee. Six Flags is a great option for families with a range of ages: one minute you’re on the Great Chase kiddie coaster, the next your 12-year-old is braving the 200-foot SkyScreamer swing. Keep an eye out for discounts and season passes – a single day ticket at the gate can be around $60–$70 (buying online also ensures a discount). 

Remember to pack the sunscreen, stay hydrated, and take snack breaks (outside food is restricted, but you can bring in baby food or allergy-safe snacks). It’s a big park, but an easy drive for most New Englanders to frequently explore – and much closer than Orlando for your roller coaster fix!

Water Country (Portsmouth, NH)

If your kids hum the jingle “Water Country, Water Country, have some fun!” all summer, you’re not alone – this New Hampshire water park is a classic go-to for beating the heat. Start your day floating together down the Lazy River, then let the bigger kids race down high-speed slides like Double Geronimo or twist through the darkness of Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror. Meanwhile, toddlers and preschoolers can splash safely in Bubble Bay and the Pirate’s Lagoon, shallow play areas with mini-slides and spraying fountains designed just for them. 

The whole family can reunite in the Giant Wave Pool, which generates ocean-sized waves – perfect for a taste of the beach without the sand. Water Country offers cabana rentals if you want a home base (useful for shade and nursing little ones), but there are plenty of free lounge chairs and grassy picnic spots. Feel free to bring your own picnic to enjoy at the outdoor tables – avoiding pricey park food is a parent pro-tip for staying on budget. 

Tickets are reasonably priced (under $50 for a full day, with kids under two free in most cases), and season passes are available. With its mix of big thrills and kiddie chill zones, Water Country lives up to its jingle, offering good, clean (well, chlorinated) fun for all ages on hot summer days.

Whale’s Tale Waterpark (Lincoln, NH)

Tucked in the White Mountains, Whale’s Tale Waterpark gives vacation vibes with a backdrop of lush peaks and a day full of splashes. It’s smaller than Water Country, but that can be a plus – shorter lines and a cozy, family-focused feel. Don’t worry, there are still big thrills: older kids will make a beeline for Eye of the Storm (a swirling bowl slide) and the Banzai Pipeline high-speed slides. Younger kiddos are drawn to Whale Harbor, a shallow play pool with mini slides and spraying jets, and the Shipwreck Island splash structure complete with a tipping bucket (prepare for squeals when the water dumps!). 

A full-day ticket for ages 4+ is about $50, with toddler tickets (ages 1–3) just $17 (and infants free). If you arrive after 3 PM, the park drops the price to $29 for late-day splashin’. Whether you spend an afternoon or a full day, Whale’s Tale offers a refreshing family adventure – all with the gorgeous mountain scenery that reminds you you’re still in New England, not a mega resort. 

Pro tip: Kids under 4 need swim diapers (sold on-site if you forget), and life jackets are available for free, so you can focus on fun and safety as you ride the waves together.

Story Land (Glen, NH)

Story Land is pure storybook whimsy come to life in the New Hampshire woods – a must-do for families with younger children. This charming park is designed for kids under 10, and it shows – from the moment you see the pumpkin coaches and castles, your littles will be wide-eyed. Classic fairy tale characters like Cinderella and Mother Goose stroll the park, ready for adorable photo-ops. The rides are mostly gentler adventures that parents and small kids can do together. Make sure to drive the Antique Cars (kids love “steering” along the track) and sail the Swan Boats across the pond. 

One of Story Land’s best perks is their “Final Three” program: if you visit after 2:00 PM, you get a ticket to come back for free the next day. This lets you spread the fun over two shorter visits, which is ideal for little kids’ stamina. Also, children ages 1 and 2 enter free (tickets are only required for ages 3+), making it very affordable for families with toddlers. The park allows re-entry and even has picnic areas, so you can bring your lunch to save on dining costs (plus plenty of kid-friendly options on-site like pizza and Dole Whip). 

With its gentle rides, imaginative play areas, and carefree vibe, Story Land proves that a “castle” in New Hampshire can be just as magical as one in Orlando – especially when experienced through your child's eyes.

Palace Playland (Old Orchard Beach, ME)

For a day at the beach with a side of amusement park fun, Palace Playland is the place to be. Located right on the sand in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, this old-fashioned beachfront park offers a mix of rides and games with a gorgeous ocean view. The best part for parents: there’s no admission fee or gate at Palace Playland – you can stroll the park freely and pay only for the rides or games you choose. That means if the grandparents or baby siblings just want to tag along and watch, it’s totally free. You can buy an all-day wristband for unlimited rides or just a few tickets for the must-dos. 

And there are plenty of must-dos for the under-13 crowd: a Ferris wheel overlooking the beach (picture-perfect at sunset), a classic carousel, bumper cars, a kiddie coaster, and various spinning rides sized for younger kids. Palace Playland also boasts Maine’s largest arcade, so your tweens might get happily lost in a world of skee-ball and video games (set a budget beforehand – those quarters add up!). 

Because it’s nestled in a bustling beach town, food options are abundant and affordable: you can grab pier fries, pizza, or ice cream from nearby stands, or bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach – yes, outside food is allowed in the park. This open layout lets families come and go seamlessly between the park and the shore. 

Palace Playland delivers boardwalk nostalgia and budget-friendly fun, proving that sometimes the best family “vacation” is a simple day by the sea with cotton candy and carnival rides.

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark (Lake George, NY)

How about a mini vacation that combines a theme park and a water park, with a cozy lodge to boot? Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark in the Lake George area offers exactly that. This Adirondack-themed resort features a 38,000-square-foot indoor waterpark called White Water Bay, and it’s open year-round at a balmy 80°F – perfect when you need a dose of summer fun in the middle of winter! The indoor waterpark is jam-packed with kid-friendly attractions: there’s the Tall Timbers Treehouse, a multi-level play structure dripping with slides, sprayers, and a giant tipping bucket (cue the excited shrieks when it dumps). You can all float together on the lazy river (Tak-it-Eesi Creek) that winds around the treehouse, or take on the Avalanche family raft ride if you dare. 

The lodge caters to both overnight guests and day-pass visitors – yes, you can just come for the day to use the indoor waterpark if you’d like. Some on-site dining options won’t break the bank, or you can bring snacks for the room if you’re staying. Ticket and room prices vary by season, but Great Escape Lodge often runs specials, especially mid-week. Keep in mind that kids two and under enter free at the Great Escape theme park (and generally don’t need a waterpark ticket if they’re infants). 

For a quick getaway that feels like a big vacation, Great Escape Lodge delivers.

DreamWorks Water Park (East Rutherford, NJ)

Part of the enormous American Dream Mall in New Jersey, the DreamWorks Water Park is North America's largest indoor water park and a true crowd-pleaser for all ages. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a tropical climate and the smiling faces of DreamWorks characters like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and the Madagascar penguins (they’re featured in the decor and theming – kids might even spot a giant dragon or palm tree sporting their favorite characters). The park’s centerpiece is a massive wave pool with a gradual beach entry perfect for toddlers to sit and splash safely. 

Meanwhile, above and around these kiddie areas swirl some truly spectacular slides for big kids, teens, and adults: racing slides, tube slides, funnel slides, and a few extreme plunges for the bravest (including one that sends riders down a 50+ foot free-fall into 10-foot-deep water — definitely for strong swimmers only!). Life jackets are plentiful and free to use (a relief for parents of younger swimmers), and there are cabanas and lounging areas when you need a break. 

Keep in mind that this park is a bit pricier than the average outing — tickets range from about $70 up to $90 per person, depending on peak timing. However, children under 3 years old enter for free, and they do offer bundle discounts and seasonal passes.

Pro tip: Combine it with other American Dream attractions (like the Nickelodeon Universe theme park next door) for a whole weekend of fun – still likely cheaper than a single day at a major Florida water park when all is said and done. Big splashes, beloved characters, and no sunscreen required – DreamWorks Water Park brings summer vibes any time of year.

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark (Pocono Mountains, PA)

For a mega waterpark experience that’s still within a day’s drive of New England, Kalahari Resort in the Poconos is a top contender. Kalahari proudly boasts America’s largest indoor water park – a whopping 220,000 square feet of wet, wild fun. Walking in, you’ll be hit with a delightful wave of warmth and the sight of indoor palm trees and African-themed decor (the resort’s theme is inspired by African safaris, which adds a fun, exotic twist for the kids). 

The waterpark itself is overflowing with attractions for all ages. There’s a huge zero-depth entry wave pool where even babies can sit at the shallow end and feel the waves lap at their toes. An expansive toddler splash zone is not far away – recently expanded to include even more mini slides, gentle spray features, and pint-sized water swings so little ones can splash independently. Older kids and thrill-seeking parents can challenge the barrel-ingesting surf simulator, zoom down tube and body slides of every shape, and even conquer a water coaster that winds throughout the park. 

Kalahari is a complete resort, meaning you can book a room and waterpark access is included for all guests (from check-in through check-out day). They also offer a limited number of day passes if you’re not staying overnight – ideal for a day trip treat. It’s not the cheapest outing (day passes often range around $80, depending on date, and they offer half-day passes after 4 pm), but consider that you’re getting a full indoor tropical vacation experience without hotel or airfare costs. Kids under 2 are free, the resort provides life vests and towels, and has several casual dining spots in the waterpark, providing further deals to bolster your wallet.

Sesame Place (Langhorne, PA)

If your household includes any toddler or preschooler, there’s a good chance you’ve watched your share of Sesame Street. At Sesame Place – the Sesame Street-themed amusement park just outside Philadelphia – your kids can step into that world and meet their favorite furry friends! This park is tailor-made for younger children (roughly ages 0–8 are the sweet spot, though older siblings can still have fun). The whole park is like a vibrant cartoon come alive: you can stroll down a full-size Sesame Street replica, complete with Mr. Hooper’s Store and Big Bird’s nest. Don’t miss the daily Sesame Street parade, where Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, and others dance and wave from floats – little ones often watch slack-jawed in absolute wonder. Also, bring swimsuits or a change of clothes – half the park is a water attraction in summer! 

Sesame Place is wonderfully accommodating to families – it’s a Certified Autism Center, with specialized services to help kids with sensory sensitivities enjoy their visit. Practical perks include free admission for children under 2 (so baby siblings are welcome at no cost) and a “Sunny Day Guarantee,” which offers you a ticket to return if rain shortens your fun. Tickets generally cost less than big theme parks – often around $70 online – and they frequently run 2-day or combo deals so that you can come back again another time for free.

At Sesame Place, the focus is on simple, wholesome fun: singing and dancing at a show with Elmo and friends, splashing in shallow pools, and riding pint-sized rides that make a young child feel like a “big kid.” This park proves you can find theme park magic that’s both age-appropriate and wallet-friendly – all while staying within a day’s drive of home.

LEGOLAND New York (Goshen, NY)

LEGO bricks have a special place in many kids’ (and parents’) hearts, and LEGOLAND New York Resort takes that love of LEGO and turns it into a full-blown theme park adventure. Located in the Hudson Valley about an hour north of NYC, this new park is geared for families with children ages 2–12 – essentially the elementary school crowd and their younger siblings. The park is divided into seven themed “lands”, all bursting with colorful LEGO models and playful design. Start your day driving through Brick Street, then venture into LEGO City, where kids can earn their driver’s license at the Driving School (adorable electric cars on a realistic mini road course!). In LEGO Castle, your budding knights and princesses can conquer The Dragon roller coaster – a fun, not-too-scary coaster that swoops in and out of a castle, with animated LEGO scenes along the way. 

On hot days, LEGO Pirates land has a splash pad and water playground (the Splash Battle boat ride will cool you off, too), so pack a swimsuit or change of clothes. Perhaps the most jaw-dropping for parents and kids alike is Miniland. In this sprawling area, famous cities (like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia) and landmarks are recreated from millions of LEGO bricks. It’s like a mini USA that will have you marveling at the tiny details (and snapping lots of photos). 

Tickets run in the $60–$100 ballpark per person, though they often have promotions — children one and under enter free (ages two and up need a ticket). The park also has a brick-tastic LEGO Hotel on site, which could turn your day trip into an overnight adventure, but if you’re local, it’s totally doable as a day trip. Bring a stroller for little ones – the park is sprawled over 150 acres – and consider downloading the LEGOLAND app for ride wait times and height requirements, which can help you plan your day. 

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We hope these recommendations bring you as much fun as they have us, and drop us a line if you have any stand out favorites from your summer travels!