Water Country Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Our Family Day At New England’s Largest Water Park, Water Country

Mom’s Lifesavers was invited to visit Water Country in Portsmouth, NH for the day. Our visit included passes for the family, parking and a standard cabana. The views and opinions are our own.

We had an amazing day at Water Country. The ages of our kids were 3, 7, 8, and 12 and ALL of them had a great time AND each one had their favorites – there is truly something for everyone at Water Country. Our family favorite was the Dragon’s Den and Wave Pool – we could have stayed on AND in them ALL day …  oh wait, we did!

Mom’s Lifesavers 10 Things You Need to Know When Planning Your Trip to Water Country

1. Plan for a  Full Day
2. Purchase Preferred Parking
3. Pack a Cooler
4. Wear Flipflops
5. Bring or Rent a Life Jacket
6. Need a Homebase? Rent a Cabana
7. Bathrooms – Check the Map
8. Dress properly – Swimwear
9. Sunscreen – Apply and Reapply
10. Drink Plenty of Water – Hydrate!

Here are the Full Detail on Everything You Need to Know When Planning Your Trip to Water Country – Have Fun!

1. Plan a Full Day. To make the most of your stay and minimize your own stress, plan an entire day for you and your family at Water Country. The park is spread out over a large area and if you have the day you can move around the park and enjoy what each area has to offer. From kiddie dedicated slides and pool area to every water slide imaginable, Water Country has something for everyone in your family.

2. Parking. On a hot, busy, summer day the parking lot can be expansive – there are acres dedicated to parking at Water Country. Standard parking is $5 and could be pretty close to the entrance. TIP – spend the $15 for Preferred Parking and take advantage of being right up near the ticket counters and entrance. Why? Well the obvious, when you are schlepping in all your gear and cooler you are closer, but for the off chance that the weather changes you are much closer to your car than the standard parking areas. Water Country suggests that guests ride out storms and inclement weather in their vehicles (a hand stamp allows for re-entry into the park).

3. Pack a Cooler. Water Country has a full range of food options that will be a wonderful supplement to anything you bring. Pack your water bottles, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks (no glass containers please) bring a lunch or dinner but know that Water Country offers everything from pizza and subs to fried dough and ice cream. Water Country staff members will inspect your cooler upon your arrival and before the ticket counter. Ice is also available for purchase in the park.

4. Wear Flip Flops. Yes, you need to wear flip flops – really no exceptions on this one from this mom. OK, water shoes will work too. The park is the largest water park in New England and you are going to want to explore the entire park – that’s going to require walking, and the paved and painted walkways can get pretty warm on a hot summer day. Protect your feet and your family’s with an inexpensive pair of flip flops. Each water attraction has a place where you can leave your sandals without worry.

5. Life Jackets. If you or a guest is shorter than 48″ you are going to want to bring your own lifejacket. Lifejackets are mandatory for the wave pool for guests under the height of 48″ regardless of their swimming ability. Certain rides and swimming areas also require lifevests. Water Country has a rental area for lifejackets for all ages and sizes. Lifejackets can be rented for a $10 (refundable upon return) fee. If you are using a credit card be sure to have a photo ID with you.  The wave pool offers lifejackets, but just for that attraction and are available only on a first come first serve basis.

6. Cabana Rental. If you have family members that can go off on their own and explore or require a quieter napping place for a younger guest – a cabana rental is the way to go! Water Country offers 3 size cabanas for rental, King, Standard and Mini. These cabanas ensure you a semi private area (you need a wristband to enter), shade, seating and cabanas serve as a great meeting place for meals and snacks and a place to relax. To ensure a cabana is available, call ahead or make an advance reservation online.

7. Bathrooms. There are 4 public bathroom areas in the park. They are spread out over the park so chances are there is one near you. Familiarize yourself with the map – the closest bathroom might still be a bit of a walk for a young guest, plan ahead if you can. Also, if renting a cabana, look at a map and select one closer to a bathroom if it makes sense for your family.

8. Swimwear. Water Country requires that guest are wearing appropriate swimwear. Swimwear cannot contain plastic pieces, metal rivets, buckles, belts, zippers, snaps or ornaments. Additionally, cut off shorts or denim shorts are not permitted. Guests that need to wear diapers are required to wear swim diapers in the water attractions.

9. Sunscreen. Again, obvious right? Well, we did a great job making sure we reapplied and kept the kids lotioned up but forgot about ourselves and left with some serious sunkissed shoulders and backs. Be certain to reapply and bring extra sunscreen.

10. Hydrate. It is so important to take time for water breaks during a busy day in and out of the water and sun. Drink plenty of water! There are water fountains located in the park, and water for purchase. Staying hydrated will ensure your family members stay well during their Water Country adventure. Water Country also has a First Aid station located at the end of the building across from Adventure River and is clearly marked on the Water Country map.

Most of all have fun!

Discount Code for Our Readers

Water Country provided us with a unique promo code for our readers. Use promo code Blog30 and save $3.00 off the $38.99 admission price.

Stay Connected with Water Country

• Online: WaterCountry
• Twitter: @WaterCountry
• Facebook:www.facebook.com/WaterCountry
• Instagram: @WaterCountryWP

Water Country