It is that time of year when everyone heads inside and waits for snow. If you are dreaming of a beach vacation but can’t make that happen, why not try an indoor water park instead? It is warm inside and swimming and sliding can break up the monotony of winter. Luckily, we have our share of hotels with indoor water parks near me within a few hour’s drive here in New England.
In fact, there are many ski resorts that also have hotels with waterparks so you get the best of both worlds — ski and swim! We have visited quite a few water park hotels over the years so I thought I would round up a few of our favorites.
Best Indoor Waterpark Hotels in New England
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1. Great Wolf Lodge New England, Fitchburg, MA
Of course, any list of indoor water park resorts is going to include at least one Great Wolf Lodge. The Great Wolf Lodge New England in Fitchburg, MA is an hour and a half from Boston in North Central Massachusetts.
If you do want to combine a visit to the Great Wolf Lodge with some skiing, Wachusett Mountain is just down the road. Plus, if you visit around the holidays you can enjoy Snowland at the Great Wolf Lodge.
We always have a great time at the Great Wolf Lodge because there is so much to do — and it is all inside! The wave pool, water slides, lazy river, play area, MagicQuest, indoor ropes course, bowling, mini golf, arcade, and more.
The waterpark entrance is included for hotel guests only. Guests are allowed into the water park after 1 pm on the day of arrival and can stay until the park closes on the day of departure to get the most fun for your money.
See more photos and check rates!
2. Cape Codder Resort, Hyannis, MA
We enjoy Cape Cod in the off-season, especially because some hotels like the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis have plenty of fun on the inside. A few years ago the Cape Codder went through a major renovation that included the major addition to the indoor waterpark, making it now one of the best indoor waterpark hotels.
The new indoor water park includes a couple of body slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a fun play area, plus an in-park snack bar.
The hotel also offers family-size suites and multi-bedroom rentals for lots of space to spread out. With multiple in-house dining options and a spa (that includes chocolate manis and pedis for kids!), you don’t even need to venture out into the snow.
Waterpark entrance is included for hotel guests that book directly with the hotel. Day passes are also available.
See more photos and check rates!
3. John Carver Inn, Plymouth, MA
The John Carver Inn and Spa in Plymouth, MA is one of the smaller water park hotels. However, it is especially good for younger kids. What is nice is that it makes a quick and easy weekend getaway where you can combine learning and historic attractions with a little fun.
This historic hotel also has a reputation as a haunted hotel, if you want to spook the kids. What we loved most is the Beach Plum Spa, where we had our first mother-daughter massage. Entrance is free for hotel guests and the hotel does offer day passes during school vacations.
See more photos and check rates!
4. Waterpark of New England, Danvers, MA
While not a hotel, the Waterpark of New England (formerly CoCo Key Boston North Shore) does have a Doubletree Hilton next door. The indoor water park has a play area, lazy river, zero-entry pool, outdoor splash pad, an indoor/outdoor whirlpool, and four body and raft slides.
Day passes are available and need to be booked in advance online. Hotel packages are also available.
5. Hampton Inn, North Conway, NH
The Hampton Inn in North Conway is the first Hampton Inn in the country to have an indoor water park. While small, it still features a couple of water slides and a toddler splash area.
Like the Red Jacket Resort, its location in North Conway is great for exploring New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
See more photos and check rates!
6. Jay Peak, Jay, VT
Jay Peak Ski Resort in Vermont’s “Northeast Kingdom” up by the Canadian border can get very cold. It also gets the most snow in New England. But now there is a reason to head inside when it is too cold on the slopes — the Jay Peak Pump House.
Jay Peak Pump House features a drop slide, Flowrider, lazy river, play area, multiple body slides, and indoor and outdoor hot tubs. There is also a recreational center with a movie theater, arcade, indoor ice rink, spa, and ropes gym.
Day passes are available, although it is recommended to purchase them in advance to ensure availability and that the park will be open during your stay.
7. Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, North Conway, NH (Currently Closed)
The hotel’s location is perfect for those that enjoy the mountains in the summer and the winter. Sadly it is currently closed due to a fire, but there is hope it will reopen next year. It is close to hiking trails, ski resorts, and local amusement parks like Story Land.
The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire has been a family favorite for decades. Its Kahuna Laguna indoor water park is now attracting a new generation of fans.
The water park isn’t as large as a Great Wolf Lodge, but it still has multiple body slides, a wave pool, a splash area, and even in-water basketball. There is also a cafe in the water park, as well as a restaurant and arcade in the hotel.
See more photos and check rates!
BonuS: Smugglers’ Notch, Jeffersonville, VT
While Smugglers’ Notch (or Smuggs for short) doesn’t have a full indoor water park, it does have a 26,000 square foot “Fun Zone” family entertainment complex for those that want to play inside. The Fun Zone features an arcade, laser tag, laser maze, mini-golf, inflatables, a climbing wall, and more.
There are many reasons why Smuggs has been named the best Ski Resort in New England for families and these indoor entertainment options are part of it.
Looking for more indoor water park resorts?
If you are willing to drive a bit further, there are other options in the Northeast or you can try the best indoor waterparks in Wisconsin.
- Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA
- Kalahari Resort, Poconos, PA (Hannah and I had a blast here when it first opened)
- Camelback Aquatopia, Poconos, PA (we went to a post-wedding private event here and loved it!)
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
