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Water Fun in Boston | Fun Water themed Activities for Kids

From boating and sightseeing to swimming and fishing, you can find water fun all over New England. Many water activities are seasonal and are only available from May-September. Water fun means anything and everything water: Boating, Sailing, Swimming, Splashing, Paddling, Wading and more. For more information on outdoor waterparks near Boston, visit our handy photo guide to splashy summer fun.


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Wingaersheek BeachGloucester, $$$
Wingaersheek Beach has white sands, crystal clear waters, and huge rocks in the water that you can climb around at low tide. The beach goes on forever at low tide and the water stays shallow for a long time - plenty of...
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Beaver Brook Reservation Spray Deck & PlaygroundBelmont, Free
Ideal for toddlers through age 5 years. There are swings, slides and climbing structures, as well as a nifty Spray Pool that includes boulders for kids to climb over.
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Crane BeachIpswich, $$$
Four miles of white sand and gentle surf, voted 'Best Beach' of Boston three years running. Bathhouses, lifeguards, and concession stand onsite and ample parking.
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Frog Pond Spray Pool & FountainBoston, Free
Kids love to keep cool at the Frog Pond at the Boston Common. Splash around in the a giant wading pool a stay cool in the fun fountains.
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Good Harbor BeachGloucester, $$$
Good Harbor Beach is a beautiful beach with lovely, white sand, and great waves facing the Atlantic. There is a concession stand, rest rooms, and showers.
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Duck Boats Boston Tours3 Locations, $$$
Tour Boston in an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle with Boston Duck Tours. The DUCK tours the city by both land and water. Great for kids and visitors.
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Great Wolf Lodge MA (Formerly CoCo Key Water Park)Fitchburg, $$$$
Great Wolf Lodge resort in Central MA, (about an hour from Boston), offers an indoor oasis of family fun including a wide variety of water park rides, as well as non-water activities like rock walls and mini-golf.
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Rings Fountain on the GreenwayBoston, Free
Cool off on a hot summer day at the Rings Fountain in the Wharf District Parks. You can count 64 nozzles that shoot up in the air and create circles of vertical water.
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Salisbury Beach State ReservationSalisbury, $
Salisbury Beach is a popular northern Massachusetts beach destination stretching 3.8 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming, boating, fishing and camping.
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Swan BoatsBack Bay, $
The Boston Public Garden is oldest public park in the country, with relaxing swan-boat rides in the park's lake. The Swan Boat ride lasts about 12-15 minutes while the driver pedals you around the Public Garden lagoon.
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Artesani Park & Wading PoolBrighton, Free
Artesani Park & Wading Pool has lifeguards on duty, showers, changing rooms, picnic area, ice cream truck comes often, awesome playground for toddlers and older kids and plenty of parking. Truly is a gem.
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Boston Harbor Cruise Lighthouse ToursBoston, $$
This two-hour adventure takes visitors through the Boston Harbor Islands, where you will experience the rich maritime history of the islands with a park ranger. The tour features close-up views of Long Island Light,...
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Boston Harbor CruisesBoston, $$$
From whale watching cruises, harbor sightseeing tours, and fast ferries to functions, private charters, and entertainment, you'll find it aboard Boston Harbor Cruises.
Boston Outrigger Canoe ClubBoston, $
Boston Outrigger is dedicated to expanding the sport of Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe racing along the East Coast. We are laways looking for people who want to join us in our 4 and 6 man ocean going canoes.
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Breezy Picnic WaterslidesDouglas, $$$
A family-owned recreational water facility complete with sandy beaches, alpine water slides, picnic areas and a snack bar. Fun for all ages.
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Cape Cod National SeashoreCape Cod, $$
The Cape Cod Seashore offers six swimming beaches, eleven self-guiding nature trails, and a variety of picnic areas and scenic overlooks.
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Castaway Island at Canobie Lake ParkNew Hampshire, $$$
Cool off at Canobie Lake Park's Castaway Island's water slides, water canons, zero depth entry pools and more. As for drying off, the Xtreme Frisbee can handle the job.
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Charles River AquaticsWellesley, $$
Conveniently located off of Commonwealth Avenue, Charles River Aquatics is dedicated to introducing children ages 3 and up to the thrill of learning how to swim. The dedicated staff are committed to helping children...
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Codzilla High-Speed Boat RidesBoston, $$
Codzilla is Boston's first and only high-speed thrill boat ride featuring two turbo-charged diesel engines generating 2,800 horsepower and speeds of approximately 40 miles an hour.
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Community Boating & SailingBoston, $
Community sailing & lessons for beginner and advanced sailors in a variety of boats, kids sail all summer for next to nothing. May-Oct. Charles River.
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Community Canoeing In MassachusettsBoston
Rediscover the incredible public resources that are available all around Massachusetts. There are facilities for canoeing, swimming, camping, hiking, walking and bike riding at Massachusetts Parks, and much more...
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Concord Playground & Spray FountainConcord, Free
Great open playground, better for preschool age, but toddlers can climb too with supervision. Features a great spray fountain for those hot summer days.
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Constitution BeachBoston, Free
Constitution Beach has swimming areas with lifeguards, a bathhouse with concessions, a relatively new, large playground, and tennis courts.
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Courageous Sailing Center2 Locations, $$
Whether it's your first time on a boat or you have years of experience under your belt, when it comes to sailing there's always more to learn. Courageous offers a wide range of courses, led by expert, US...
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Crab Apple Whitewater RaftingWestern Mass
Learn the ropes of white water rafting. At Crab Apple Whitewater, chose from six different whitewater rafting adventures. River rafting trips range from mild to WILD, full or half-day.
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DCR Pools & Spray DecksMassachusetts, Free
Beat the heat this summer at a number of great pools & spray decks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Swimming pools have a water depth of at least two feet. Showers are required before entering the pools.
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Front BeachRockport, $$
Sandy Bay acts as the beautiful backdrop for Front Beach, the perfect beach for the swimmer in your group! There is a floating dock that you can swim out to - and at low tide, you can hunt for seaglass and small ocean...
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Gloucester BeachesGloucester, $$
Gloucester boats several great family-friendly beaches that make the perfect day trip from Boston and environs. Swim, sun, walk, wade, or just relax. Bring a book and enjoy a day at the beach.
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Goldfish Swim School11 Locations, $$
Goldfish Swim School offers swim lessons for children ages 4 months and up, as well as family swim times, a rec team and birthday parties.
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Great Wolf Lodge MA / New EnglandFitchburg, $$
Your Great Wolf Lodge New England adventure will begin in our massive, 84-degree indoor water park with over 68,000 square feet of water-packed excitement.
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Horseneck State BeachWestport, $
A gorgeous 3 mile stretch of sandy beach. Features a bathhouse, snack bar, picnic tables, hiking, swimming and a campground next to the beach.
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Jamaica Pond Boating & SailingBoston, $$
Jamaica Pond is a good place to learn rowing and sailing. You can also fish there, and it is a fun place to go all year round. No swimming though.
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Kahuna Laguna at the Red Jacket Mountain View ResortNew Hampshire, $$$
Dive into a tropical adventure at Kahuna Laguna, northern New England’s first indoor water park at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort & Spa in North Conway, NH. With 40,000 square feet of activities and a constant...
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Lake BoonStow, $
Lake Boon in Stow has a quiet, family friendly beach (Stow Town Beach) with a playground and bathrooms. The beach is located at the north end of the lake, off of Sudbury Road.
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Liquid Planet Water ParkNew Hampshire, $$$
Liquid Planet Water Park is a locally-owned and family-run, inspired by New Hampshire's great outdoors. Enjoy slides, a lake with a beach, mini golf, a zip-line, and more.
Lobster Tales Harbor CruisePlymouth, $$$
Hands-on lobstering cruise, pirate adventures and/or scenic tour of Plymouth Harbor.
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McCrehan Memorial Swimming and Wading PoolCambridge, Free
You'll find lots of splashy fun at McCrehan Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool. Within the DCR pool system, swimming pools have a water depth of at least two feet. Wading pools have a water depth between one inch and...
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Nahant Beach ReservationNahant, $
Nahant's 'Long Beach' is an easy drive from most spots around Boston. You'll find ample parking and tons of space on the beach. More importantly, the sand is soft, the water is very shallow for a great distance, and...
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Nara Park & Swim AreaActon, $$
NARA Park is a relatively new park which was opened just six years ago off Rt. 27 in Acton, MA. NARA Park is open to the public year round. This is a beautiful place to your family.
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Nelson Park Splash Pad (under construction)Plymouth, Free
The 5,000-square-foot splash pad at Nelson Park is a refreshing place to cool off in the heat, and features motion and push-button activated jets of water shooting in different directions off a cool rubberized surface.
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Pool Plaza: One Stop FunWestford, $$
For summer fun enjoy the huge outdoor pool equipped with giant slides. Water level ranges from 1.5 feet to 6 feet, so kids of all ages can have a blast here.
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Revere BeachRevere
The 3-mile crescent will be packed with Boston-area sunbathers and breeze-seekers on sweltering summer days, even in the middle of the week.
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Schooner Fame SailingSalem, $$$
Sail on the schooner Fame of Salem, an authentic replica of the successful privateer from the War of 1812. FAME sails every day -- 2 hour trips.
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Singing BeachManchester-by-the-Sea, $
Singing Beach, Manchester is one of the best beaches in MA and includes a beautiful sandy beach, restrooms and a nice concession stand. Limited Parking.
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Six Flags New England & Hurricane HarborWestern Mass, $$$
Six Flags New England is the Northeast's largest theme park. Eight mega coasters twist and turn throughout the park including the Superman ride of steel, one of the tallest and fastest
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South Bridge Boat HouseConcord, $$
The South Bridge Boat House provides canoe, kayak, motor boat rentals for use on the Concord River. Life vests and seat cushions are provided at no extra cost.
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Splash Fountain at Christian Science PlazaBoston, Free
Each summer The First Church of Christ, Scientist opens its beloved fountain to the public. On hot summer days you're sure to cool off at this famous landmark.
Splash Park at Borggaard BeachWinchester, $
The Splash Park is a Winchester water attraction with 19 above and below ground elements for children to play in and is a great alternative when the pond is not an option. It also serves as a great supplement to a fun day at the beach. The splash park is a zero depth park...
Springs Brook Park: Swim Facility and Spray ParkBedford, $
Summer swim facility and spray park. Enjoy this Man-made filtered, swim facility in a beautiful wooded setting. Sandy beaches, bathhouse, concession, spray park, waterslide, dock, grass and shaded picnic areas with charcoal grills, playground, basketball and volleyball...
Still River Fall Foliage CanoeingBolton, $
Fall foliage canoeing and picnic on the Deerfield River. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Berkshires in the full fall colors from a canoe.
Still River Family PaddlingBolton, $
Canoeing or Kayaking for the Whole Family. We'll paddle the scenic Nashua River at a leisurely pace and break midway for a snack (provided).
Sudbury Atkinson PoolSudbury, $
The Atkinson Pool is a year round aquatic facility. Check out tiny tot and family swim times for only $4 per family. Contact the pool for schedules.
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Veterans Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool (Magazine Beach)Cambridge, Free
Veterans Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool is a great summer cooling spot with plenty of parking. Open 7 days a week from 11:30-5:30 in the summer. Change rooms/showers are available and lifeguards on duty. Playground...
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Water CountryNew Hampshire, $$$
Water Country is New England's largest, cleanest waterpark, featuring lots of family-friendly water rides. Cool off this summer and enjoy the thrills and chills of Water Country's super slides, giant wave pool,...
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Water WizzWareham, $$$
Fun for the whole family, Water Wizz has something for everyone, including a giant wave pool, toddler areas, super slides, and a relaxing river float.
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Waterpark of New England (formerly CoCo Key Indoor Water ResDanvers, $$$$
Key West moves to Massachusetts at Waterpark of New England in Danvers! New England’s first indoor waterpark resort, it’s a great anytime getaway for the whole family.
Waterplace ParkRhode Island, Free
Waterplace Park is a unique urban park and river walk in the heart of downtown Providence. Romantic Venetian-style footbridges, cobblestone walkways, and an amphitheater encircling a tidal pond set the tone at this 4-acre tract.
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Wayland Town BeachWayland
Wayland Town Beach is one of the many facilities operated by the Park and Recreation Department in Wayland.
Wayside Swim & Raquet ClubMarlborough
Wayside Racquet & Swim Club has long been known to the surrounding communities as the area's premier club for outdoor summer enjoyment.
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Where to Fish in MassachusettsMassachusetts, Free
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) stocks rivers, lakes and ponds with trout for recreational fishing.
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Wollaston BeachQuincy, Free
Wollaston Beach is the largest Boston Harbor beach, providing more than one and a half miles of shoreline access. This urban beach features a continuous walkway, seawall, and concession stands on the land side of Quincy...
Zoar Outdoor AdventuresWestern Mass, $$$
Zoar Outdoors offers a huge variety of guided 'human-powered' outdoor adventures in Western Mass. and beyond. Learn a new skill or find a new thrill! Equipment rentals are also available seasonally.
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Summer months are fleeting so Bostonians should definitely make the most of the season with lots of outdoor fun at waterparks, beaches and pools. Greater Boston has many free places to cool off and enjoy the sunshine.