I have been to New Hampshire twice and both times, it was because of Canobie Lake Park. More specifically, it was because of Castaway Island. The park itself is an amusement park that is one of the oldest parks in New England.
Usually, when someone ask me about things to do in Massachusetts, I usually rope in Canobie Lake Park even though it is in New Hampshire, which is about an hour away from Boston, if there is no traffic.
Fun Facts About Canobie Lake Park
- There are about 85 rides and attractions in the park.
- One of it’s most famous attractions is Yankee Cannonball, which is a wooden roller coaster.
- Castaway Island, which is the water play area and my favorite part of the park, includes slides and a lazy river that is great for kids and extremely enjoyable during the summer.
- During Halloween, this park is a great choice as they host a very cool event they call Screeemfest, where people can visit haunted attractions and scare zones.
Admission and Visiting Details
A lot has changed in terms of how you obtain tickets. In the past, you could buy tickets at the gate but now you can only buy tickets online so make sure you purchase your tickets before heading out!
Admission: You can get all day tickets, night tickets, and tickets that you can use anytime the park is in season. There are also basic season passes that you can use on any day except on Saturday and Sunday in July and August, and Saturday during Screeemfest.
Hours: The Park has different hours and their hours are usually based on the day and season. It’s best to check the official website for the most current schedule.
Parking: Parking is free and that’s something you don’t see everyday especially at attractions with loads of locals and tourist visiting. With that said, there is preferred parking for those who want to be closer to the entry area.
What It’s Like to Visit
A visit to Canobie Lake Park feels like a step back into classic American amusement park fun. One of the first things you would notice is that the park is very clean and easy to get around. But what I like best is that there are so many options of what you can do and this applies to both adults and children. You can either start off with the different rides or you can head over to Castaway Island and relax around the water.
Although there are so many areas to hang around, you do have the option to rent a cabana if that’s something that appeals to you.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive Early: Especially on weekends and holidays, arriving when the park opens helps you beat the crowds.
- Bring Swimsuits and some towels: You should bring a swimsuit and also change of clothes so that you can enjoy all areas of the park. Also bring some towels for your personal use.
- Consider a Season Pass: If you plan to visit more than once, then definitely consider getting a season pass. It will save you some money.
- Bring your own snack: Food can be expensive so if you can, pack some snacks and bring a bottle of water along.
- Questions: You should also check out the Parks, FAQ section which I always find helpful to go over before each visit.
Nearby Attractions
Canobie Lake Park is close to other locations in New England including the following:
- America’s Stonehenge: An archaeological site with walking trails and ancient stone structures.
- Tuscan Village (Salem): You can have dinner here and shop as well and it is only minutes away.
- Rockingham Park Mall: You can also go shopping at this mall or grab something to eat.
- Drive to Boston, Massachusetts: If you are already in New Hampshire, you can actually do the opposite of what I do and drive to Boston and have a fun day or weekend there as well.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the full park is open. Weekdays and early mornings tend to be less crowded. Fall weekends are especially popular for Screeemfest, so arrive early if you want to avoid long lines.
