Smugglers Notch vs Clark's Bears Water 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 | Smugglers Notch | Clark's Bears Water Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Smugglers Notch
- hot tubs
Only at Clark's Bears Water Park
- lazy river
- tube rentals
- birthday party packages
- group rates
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Smugglers Notch
Vermont
Smugglers Notch might be a Vermont ski resort first, but their summer water features pack more punch than you'd expect from a mountain resort. The main attraction is their heated outdoor pool complex, which includes a substantial water slide area that'll keep kids busy for hours. The slides range from gentle spirals perfect for younger kids to faster drops that give tweens and teens the thrills they're looking for. What really sets this place apart is the mountain backdrop - you're literally swimming and sliding with views of Vermont's Green Mountains all around you. The pool water is heated, which is crucial since Vermont summers can be unpredictable. I've visited in late August when it was 65 degrees outside, and the warm water made all the difference. The kids' area features smaller slides and interactive water features that work well for toddlers and early elementary ages. There's also a separate swimming pool for serious lap swimmers or adults who want to escape the splash zone. The facility feels more like a resort amenity than a standalone water park, which means it's usually not packed like bigger commercial parks. Families staying at the resort get priority access, but day visitors are welcome when space allows. The mountain setting means you'll want to bring layers for before and after swimming - Vermont weather can change fast. Arrive early in the day for the best selection of lounge chairs and to beat any potential crowds. The snack bar keeps things simple with typical…
Read the full Smugglers Notch guide →Clark's Bears Water Park
New Hampshire
Clark's Bears Water Park sits in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, making it a perfect cool-down spot after hiking or just escaping the summer heat. This family-owned outdoor park has that classic small-town water park feel that big chains can't replicate. The main attraction is a solid collection of water slides ranging from gentle tube slides perfect for younger kids to a couple of steeper body slides that'll get your heart racing. The kiddie area is well-designed with smaller slides, water features, and shallow pools where parents can actually relax while keeping an eye on little ones. They've got a decent-sized swimming pool for actual swimming, plus a lazy river that's just the right speed for floating on tubes. The park's location in Lincoln puts you right in tourist territory, so it gets busy during peak summer months and especially on weekends when families are visiting the White Mountains. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, though this isn't a massive operation so don't expect the bells and whistles of larger parks. What makes Clark's Bears special is the personal touch you get at smaller parks - staff know regulars by name, and the owners actually walk around checking on things. The mountain backdrop doesn't hurt either. Best strategy is arriving right when they open to claim a good spot and avoid the midday rush. Bring your own snacks if you want to save money, though their concession stand covers the basics. The park works great for families with…
Read the full Clark's Bears Water Park guide →Ready to visit Smugglers Notch?