Whales Tale Waterpark, Lincoln vs Smugglers Notch
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 | Whales Tale Waterpark, Lincoln | Smugglers Notch |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Whales Tale Waterpark, Lincoln
- wave pool
- tube rentals
- birthday party packages
- group rates
- season passes
Only at Smugglers Notch
- hot tubs
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Whales Tale Waterpark, Lincoln
New Hampshire
Whale's Tale sits right in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, making it one of the most scenic water park settings you'll find anywhere. The mountain backdrop alone is worth the trip, but the park delivers on the fun factor too. The wave pool is the main attraction here, generating some solid waves that actually feel like you're at the beach rather than just bobbing around in chlorinated water. Kids go absolutely nuts for it, and parents can relax on the surrounding deck chairs while keeping an eye on the action. The slide selection covers all the bases without being overwhelming. You've got your standard body slides for the speed demons, tube slides for families who want to ride together, and some twisty enclosed slides that'll give you that stomach-drop feeling. Nothing too extreme, but solid fun for most ages. The kiddie area is actually well thought out, with mini slides, fountains, and a shallow play pool that keeps the little ones entertained while older siblings hit the bigger attractions. What really sets Whale's Tale apart is the vibe. It feels like a classic American water park from the 80s and 90s, but maintained well. No corporate theme park sterility here. The staff tends to be local high school and college kids who actually seem to enjoy working there. Food is typical water park fare, but portions are decent and prices won't completely destroy your wallet. Pro tips: arrive right when they open to snag the best lounge chairs…
Read the full Whales Tale Waterpark, Lincoln guide →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 →Ready to visit Whales Tale Waterpark, Lincoln?