Water Country, Portsmouth vs Castaway Island at Canobie Lake
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 | Water Country, Portsmouth | Castaway Island at Canobie Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Water Country, Portsmouth
- wave pool
- cabana rentals
- swimming pool
Only at Castaway Island at Canobie Lake
- splash pad
- birthday party packages
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Water Country, Portsmouth
New Hampshire
Water Country Portsmouth delivers classic New England water park fun on 35 acres, and it really does earn its title as New Hampshire's largest water park. The star attraction is definitely Geronimo, that 58-foot tower slide that gives you a serious adrenaline rush and panoramic views of the Seacoast before you plummet down. Pirates Lagoon is where families with younger kids spend most of their time - it's a massive interactive play structure with smaller slides, water cannons, and that giant tipping bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons every few minutes. The Adventure River is perfect for floating between attractions, though it's more of an active river than a lazy one with some decent currents and obstacles. Beyond the headliners, you'll find a solid collection of body slides and tube slides that range from family-friendly to pretty intense. The wave pool creates decent surf, especially during peak hours when they crank up the wave cycles. What sets Water Country apart is its New England charm and the fact that it doesn't feel overly corporate. The park has this nostalgic summer camp vibe that bigger chains sometimes lose. Lines move reasonably well, and the staff genuinely seems to care about safety and guest experience. Get there right when they open if you're visiting on weekends or during July - parking fills up fast and you'll want first dibs on the good lounge chairs. The concrete gets scorching hot by midday, so water shoes are basically mandatory. Food is typical water park…
Read the full Water Country, Portsmouth guide →Castaway Island at Canobie Lake
New Hampshire
Castaway Island at Canobie Lake brings pirate-themed water fun to New Hampshire's classic amusement park. This outdoor water park sits adjacent to the main Canobie Lake Park, making it easy to hop between dry rides and water attractions during your visit. The pirate theming runs throughout, from treasure chest decorations to nautical playground structures that make kids feel like they're exploring a real shipwreck. The centerpiece is a multi-level water playground complete with tipping buckets, smaller slides perfect for younger kids, and interactive water features. You'll find a good selection of body slides and tube slides that provide thrills without being too intense for families. The lazy river winds around the park and gives you a chance to float and relax between more active attractions. For the littlest pirates, there's a dedicated splash area with mini slides and gentle fountains. What sets Castaway Island apart is its integration with Canobie Lake Park. You can buy combination tickets and move freely between both parks, which is perfect for families with mixed interests. Some want roller coasters, others want to cool off in the water, and here you can do both. The park gets busy on hot summer weekends, so arrive early if you want to claim chairs near the action. The food options are typical amusement park fare, but you can also grab something from the main park if you want more variety. Bring reef-safe sunscreen since you'll be in the sun most of the day, and water shoes help on…
Read the full Castaway Island at Canobie Lake guide →Ready to visit Water Country, Portsmouth?