Crocodile Cove vs Ocean Beach Park
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Crocodile Cove | Ocean Beach Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Crocodile Cove
- lazy river
- tube rentals
Only at Ocean Beach Park
- beach area
- Arcade
- mini golf
- group rates
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Crocodile Cove
Connecticut
Crocodile Cove brings a touch of adventure to southeastern Connecticut's water park scene. This family-friendly outdoor park captures that classic New England summer vibe with a reptilian twist that kids absolutely love. The centerpiece is a solid collection of water slides that range from gentle slopes perfect for younger swimmers to some steeper drops that'll get your heart racing. The kids' area is thoughtfully designed with smaller slides, water features, and plenty of interactive elements that keep the little ones busy for hours. You'll find a decent-sized pool area for serious swimming, plus the usual lazy river that's perfect for floating away an afternoon. The theming isn't overdone, but you'll spot crocodile touches throughout that give the park its personality without feeling gimmicky. What really sets Crocodile Cove apart is its manageable size. You're not hiking miles between attractions like at some mega-parks, and parents can actually keep track of their kids. The lines move fairly quickly, even on busy summer weekends, though I'd still recommend arriving when they open to claim your spot. The park draws mostly local families from the Connecticut River Valley area, creating a relaxed, community feel you don't get at the big tourist destinations. Bring your own snacks if you can - the food options are pretty standard water park fare. The changing facilities are clean and well-maintained, which isn't always a given at smaller parks. Parking is free and usually plentiful. The staff tends to be local teens who actually seem to enjoy their…
Read the full Crocodile Cove guide →Ocean Beach Park
Connecticut
Ocean Beach Park sits right on Long Island Sound, making it Connecticut's only beachfront water park combination. This place has been a New London staple since 1939, and it shows its age in the best possible way - think classic American summer vibes without the corporate polish of newer mega-parks. The main draw here is the massive Olympic-sized swimming pool, which is actually heated seawater pumped directly from the sound. You'll also find a solid collection of water slides that aren't the tallest or fastest you'll encounter, but they're plenty fun for families with kids ranging from toddlers to teens. The kiddie area has smaller slides and splash features that work well for the under-8 crowd. What really sets Ocean Beach apart is the actual beach access. You can literally go from riding water slides to building sandcastles on Long Island Sound within a few steps. The boardwalk runs along the water and connects to a decent-sized arcade that feels authentically retro. Food options include classic beach fare - think fried clams, pizza, and ice cream - served from multiple concession stands. The mini golf course is surprisingly well-maintained and offers good family competition. This isn't the place to come if you want massive thrill rides or Instagram-worthy amenities. But if you want a genuine Connecticut beach town experience with some water park fun mixed in, Ocean Beach delivers exactly that. Come early during peak summer days because parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Bring reef-safe sunscreen since you're…
Read the full Ocean Beach Park guide →Ready to visit Crocodile Cove?