Tips for Visiting Lazy Rivers in New England

• Check each venues website before you go to confirm hours and other details.
• Many venues offer discounts when purchasing advance tickets online.
• Check each venue's height and age requirements. Many require life vests for smaller swimmers.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen to outdoor venues.

 
Beat the heat when you float down these lazy rivers in New England! Photo courtesy of Water Wizz in Cape Cod

Lazy Rivers in Boston

1. Kroc Salvation Army Center — Boston

The closest lazy river for families in Boston, the indoor Aquatics Park at Kroc Salvation Army Center features a heated lazy river. There's also a two-story water slide, "bubble bench," and 7 spray features. The Kroc Center is a Boston water park for all seasons. Though small, it's a blast for kids, and with rates of just $7 for children and $12 for adults, it's a steal compared to other indoor water parks beyond the city.

2. Great Wolf Lodge — Framingham

Great Wolf Lodge Massachusetts is one of the top indoor water parks in New England. The lazy river, Crooked Creek, lets families float along at a gentle pace. Great Wolf keeps the water temperatures at a constant 84 degrees and offers all kinds of fun. And the best part: no sunscreen required!

3. Water Park of New England — Danvers

Water Park of New England is one of the closest lazy river 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 theaters, while older kids will enjoy the four wild waterslides and the obstacle park area. Day passes start at $50, while half-day tickets start at $30.

4. Hurricane Harbor — Six Flags New England

This enormous water park has everything, from one of the biggest wave pools in the country to multiple water slides. And Adventure River measures up to this massive waterpark. At over 1,000 feet in length, this outdoor lazy river floats you around the park at a gentle pace, with a few geysera and waterfalls to make sure you're staying cool.

5. Wicked Waves — Cape Cod

This outdoor water park in West Yarmouth has become a must-stop for Cape-bound families. The roaming river winds around the other attractions with a 600-foot circuit. The river is only three feet in depth but is 12 feet wide. The park's other attractions include five waterslides, a wave pool, kiddie areas, and more. Hint: Consider a stay at the Cape Cod Family Resort; booking includes four free park passes with your stay.

6. Water Wizz — Cape Cod

East Wareham's Water Wizz is packed with fun, including the relaxing Herring Run. Cruise around the outdoor waterpark with a lazy river that has gentle waves and water features. Water Wizz has multiple slides, a kiddie area, and a wave pool as well.

7. Fins Up — Cape Cod

The only indoor water park on Cape Cod, Fins Up at Margaritaville (formerly the Cape Codder) has a lazy river featureing a waterfall, rapids, and a spouting whale. The park also has four water slides, a shallow area with slides for small children, climbing structures, and more.

 
Find year-round lazy relaxation at Great Wolf Lodge's lazy river. Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

Lazy Rivers in Connecticut

8. Great Wolf Lodge — Mashantucket

The new Great Wolf Lodge in Connecticut has plenty of indoor water park fun for Connecticut families, along with a few seasonal outdoor attractions! The Crooked Creek lazy river lets riders relax and cruise around the indoor park. The water park's River Canyon Run is a not-so-lazy river experience, complete with some raft-riding thrills.

9. Crocodile Cove — Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce's Crocodile Cove in Bristol is the largest water park in Connecticut. The Croc-o-Nile lazy river offers a nice break from the excitement of Lake Compunce. Crocodile Cove is also home to multiple water slides, wave pools, and special areas designed for young children.

 
Soak in the sun while cruising the lazy river at Water Country in Portsmouth. Photo courtesy of Water Country

Lazy Rivers in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont

10. Castaway Island — Canobie Lake, NH

Castaway Island at Canobie Lake Park has plenty of ways to cool you off when the mercury rises. The Tidal River begins with a zero-entry wave pool; waves are formed every 10 seconds to propel you around this unique version of a lazy river. Castaway Island Canobie also features water cannons, nine water slides, waterfalls, and other entertaining activities. 

11. Water Country — Portsmouth, NH

The Adventure River Ride (it goes through waterfalls, fountains, and caves) is Water Country's lazy river. And there's so much more to do at New England's biggest water park. Other features include Triple Giant Slides, Whirlpool, and whitewater adventures on Thunder Falls.

12. Whale's Tale Water Park — Lincoln, NH

There are plenty of reasons to visit this White Mountain-area favorite. Whale's Tale attractions include a wave pool, multiple slides and flumes, and a 360-degree tube slide. The lazy river, Jonah's Escape, is a relaxing journey around the park that winds for a quarter-mile past waterfalls and fun scenery.

13. Upper Valley Aquatic Center — White River Junction, VT

Day passses at this indoor splash park in Vermont start at $12. Visitors can enjoy an 11-lane Olympic pool, a  110-foot waterslide, and a small lazy river with water jets and waterfalls.

14. Pump House — Jay Peak, VT

Jay Peak ski resort is home to the Pump House, an indoor water park that offers year-round fun. Jay Peak visitors seeking a relaxing experience can try out the Big River, the water park's lazy river that winds around the park. There are a few spots with rapids to add a little excitement to the river experience. The Pump House also water slides, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and Mill Pond Kids Play Area. Pump House also has an arcade, surf shop, and snack bar.