Located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Water Country provides a day long fun in the sun (and water) experience for families, kids of all ages and adults looking to revive their inner child. An hour North of Boston and an hour South of Portland, Maine, Water Country is conveniently located in New England and is within easy driving distance of most cities in the area.
There are several areas and attractions designed specifically for very young children and toddlers. These include a pirate ship play area, an octopus slide area and a tree house play area. Water Country also lays claim to the largest sand box in New England.
The massive wave pool (over 700,000 gallons!) is on a continuous cycle of about 8 minutes of waves, 10 minutes of calm. Anybody under 4 feet tall is required to wear a life jacket here, as the depth of the water reaches 7 feet in the deep end and can swell to over 10 feet with the crest of a wave. Recommended for the wave pool is the rental of a tube. The rental tube can be used for all other rides requiring a tube; however the wave pool is the only attraction where you need the rental if you wish to be on a tube. Another typical water park feature located here is the lazy river.
For the biggest thrill seekers, the Double Geronimo slides should be your most enjoyable destination. Here, you race down a 60 foot, nearly vertical slide. Located in the same immediate area, and using the same staircase for entrance to the attraction, are the only other tube-free slides. This set of three slides (green, yellow and pink), while not as high or steep as Geronimo, last much longer and feature exciting curves and drops before shooting you off into a pool of water below. The slides are all different from each other, and the general consensus among both staffers and guests is that the excitement/speed level for the slides is yellow, pink and then finally green.
There are many tube slides that allow for both one person tubing and two person tubing. Often these slides come in sets of two, one being enclosed completely in a covered slide, one being open to the air. For those traveling in a larger group, Thunder Falls and Wild Canyon can carry up to 5 people in their massive tubes.
The most unique ride in Water Country is the Dragon’s Den. On this ride you go quickly down a dark, enclosed slide into a bucket type area. You shoot off into this bowl and then circle around several times before going out a drain in the bottom center of the bucket. Although you may have to wait for over a half an hour to go on this ride (most other rides the lines move rather quickly and rarely exceed 10 minutes), the wait will be well worth it.
For parents looking for a relaxing setting while their children play, Water Country offers day long cabana rentals. These shaded tents can comfortably hold six, with tables and chairs and are located over and adjacent to the wave pool. Admission to the park is $33, and there is both paid and free parking available. Be prepared to spend more money on locker rentals and possible tube rentals once inside. Season passes will set you back $70. Remember to bring your sunscreen to the park! Despite the tree coverage and shade, the sun is very strong in the park on a nice day. Finally, buying or bringing water shoes is a good idea as the pavement between rides is not smooth and can get hot in the sun.
Visit www.watercountry.com for directions and more information and enjoy your day at the park. Water Country would also make a great destination for a child’s birthday or a camp field trip. Whether you want a relaxing day away from responsibility or an exhilarating day of thrills, Water Country offers something for everyone.
