Yawgoo Valley Water Park 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 | Yawgoo Valley Water Park | Ocean Beach Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Ocean Beach Park
- beach area
- Arcade
- mini golf
- food court
- lockers
- birthday party packages
- season passes
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Yawgoo Valley Water Park
Rhode Island
Yawgoo Valley Water Park sits on the grounds of Rhode Island's historic Yawgoo Valley ski area in Exeter, making it one of the more unique seasonal water parks in New England. Don't expect a massive destination park here - this is local summer fun at its best. The water slides are the main draw, with a few different tube and body slides that wind down the natural hillside terrain. The layout takes advantage of the existing ski slopes, so you'll get some decent height and speed on the rides. The main pool area is perfect for cooling off between slide runs, and there's a dedicated shallow area where little kids can splash around safely. The whole place has a relaxed, community feel that's refreshing compared to the crowded mega-parks. Families with kids of all ages do well here, though teenagers might find it a bit tame if they're used to high-thrill water coasters. The beauty of Yawgoo is that parents can actually relax and keep an eye on their kids without feeling overwhelmed. Lines are manageable even on busy summer days, which means more time in the water and less time waiting. Pack your own snacks if you want to save money, and definitely bring water shoes since you'll be walking on concrete pool decks all day. The park typically operates seasonally from late May through early September, weather permitting. Since it's part of a ski operation, the facilities are well-maintained and the staff knows how to handle crowds. Parking…
Read the full Yawgoo Valley Water Park 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 Yawgoo Valley Water Park?