Winters are long here in the Pine Tree State, and once the frost thaws and the sun comes out, it can only mean one thing: time to cool down and enjoy the water. There are lots of options, ranging from incredible beaches to rivers and lakes. But, my favorites are always the best waterparks in Maine! At the first sign of sunshine, you’ll certainly find us Mainers ready to rock and roll at one of the state’s many amazing waterparks. From lazy rivers to epic water slides, amusement park attractions to cool wave pools, you’ll find it all — and more — at these epic waterparks in Maine.

1. Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach
sandwich / Flickr
Management / TripAdvisor
Palace Playland Amusement Park / Facebook
While not entirely a water park, Palace Playland is a Maine institution. Located in Old Orchard Beach, the park covers four acres right next to the beach. In fact, it's the only park in New England located right on the beach. Rides, including the Galaxi Coaster and Cascade Falls, officially open on Memorial Day Weekend. Without a doubt, this is something Mainers look forward to all year. Classic rides, beautiful beach scenery, and an epic waterpark? What more could you ever want?
2. Seacoast Adventure, Windham
Seacoast Adventure / Facebook
Seacoast Adventure / TripAdvisor
Seacoast Adventure, 930 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062, USA
Seacoast Adventure / Facebook
You may know Seacoast Adventure as a place to enjoy dry rides and winter tubing, but they also offer some of the coolest ways to get through the summer! In addition to a Great Apes Adventure Park and a variety of other dry activities, little ones will enjoy "Shipwreck Cove." With options like Palace Playland, this spot is sometimes overlooked. But, it's worth adding to your list because it's certainly fun for the whole family.
3. Aquaboggan Water Park, Saco
antastic / TripAdvisor
Aquaboggan Water Park, 980 Portland Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Kim Morin Hauschild / Facebook
A nostalgic favorite in the Pine Tree State, Aquaboggan has been entertaining Maine families young and old for over 35 years. Grab a tube and zip across the Stealth 5 if you're adventurous or stay closer to ground in the Giant Wave Pool. Either way, everyone in the family will find something to enjoy. We like this Maine waterpark because it's a bit simpler to enjoy compared to some of the other larger options.
4. Funtown Splashtown USA, Saco
SharonS1959 / TripAdvisor
Christina / TripAdvisor
Funtown Splashtown USA, 774 Portland Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Sharons1959 / TripAdvisor
Funtown Spashtown has been a Southern Maine institution (in one form or another) since 1967, and over 50 years later, it's still the coolest waterpark in the state! The park gives visitors the best of both worlds. Funtown Ridepark offers dry family-friendly rides, kiddie rides, and thrill rides. These include the awesome Excalibur Wooden Rollercoaster and the Sock It To 'Em Bumper Cars. Splashtown Water Park is a must-visit for hot, summer days. From family-friendly areas like Pirates Paradise AquaPlay to the thrilling Poseiden's Plunge, everyone will find something to do here. If you're looking for good, old-fashioned family fun in Maine, this is it!
5. Wild Acadia Fun Park, Trenton (Bar Harbor Area)
Wild Acadia Camping Resort / Facebook
Wild Acadia Camping Resort/ Facebook
Wild Acadia Camping Resort, 233 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605, USA
Jeanine C. / TripAdvisor
In addition to water slides, Wild Acadia Camping Resort boasts an aerial adventure park, go-karts, mini-golf, a climbing wall, and more. The park is the only water slide destination in this area of Maine. It's a great option when in the Acadia National Park area if the family is looking for something structured and contained, but still fun and exciting.

Looking for more fun in Acadia? Check out these family-friendly hikes and hit the trails!

Have you been to any of the parks on this list? What are your favorite waterparks in Maine to visit when temps heat up? If you’ve visited these, share your tips and tricks for making a visit the best it can be. And, you can always share your thoughts with us on the Only in Maine Facebook page!

Another great way to cool down is by visiting our 3,500+ miles of incredible coastline. You’ll find them from southern Maine to Downeast, but some of the best offers the ability to camp right on the beach!

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Waterparks in Maine

Michelle S. | May 31, 2023

What are some family-friendly summer activities in Maine?

There are plenty of family-friendly summer activities in Maine to enjoy. A few of the best include:

  • Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park, Kittery: This place is so large and impressive that it can be seen right from the road. So, there's a good chance you've already seen it and wondered what it was. The park offers a huge adventure course with more than 65 activities including catwalks, lots of things that swing, and more than a dozen cargo nets, so everyone in your party is sure to have a good time.
  • Popham State Park, Phippsburg: This state park offers everything a family might need to keep everyone of all ages entertained. Come to enjoy the beach, the picnic areas, and the hiking trails for a full day of fun in the sun.
  • Tubing on a lazy river: There are many rivers to enjoy in Maine and quite a few are perfect for easy tubing. You can bring your own tube or find an outfitter that will provide both tubes and transportation to and from the water.

 

What are some fun things to do in the summer in Maine?

There are quite a few fun things to do in the summer in Maine. A few of the most popular ideas include:

  • Beach hikes: Head to The Wells Reserve at Laudholm for a leisurely stroll through the woods, towards the water, and ultimately to the beach.
  • Natural waterfall slides: Waterparks are always a good time but Maine is full of naturally occurring places to cool down. Step Falls Preserve, located near the New Hampshire border, is a great example.
  • Check out the local tidal pools: There's a lot of coast here in Maine, which means plenty of spots to enjoy the water. Some of our favorite attractions are the tide pools that exist up and down the coastline.
  • Take a dip in a swimming hole: Take a dip in a natural pool to cool down. Many can be reached by taking a hike on a lovely trail. But, be prepared! These are often quite cold.

 

What are the most beautiful beaches in Maine?

There are quite a few beautiful beaches in Maine located throughout the state. Some local favorites are:

  • Laudholm Beach, Wells: Located within the Well Reserve at Laudholm, this beach can be reached by taking the Knight Trail to Barrier Beach Trail leading to Laudholm Beach.
  • Jasper Beach, Machiasport: While perhaps not great for laying out in the sun, the unique thing about this beach is the presence of perfectly smooth, colorful stones.
  • Old Orchard Beach, York County: A Maine favorite, this incredible beach offers seven miles of sand and lots of fun along the pier. If you want to make a vacation out of your visit, choose one of the many hotels, motels, and vacation rentals in the area.
  • Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth: Small, but mighty, this beautiful beach has it all. A long sandy beach offers space to spread out and the snack bar means sweet treats throughout the day. There's also plenty of parking so you don't need to worry about walking terribly far to bring the shovels and boards.

 

If you just can't choose one favorite beach to visit, you might want to consider taking a road trip to some of the most wonderful hidden beaches located throughout the state.

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