Learn essential water safety tips to ensure a fun and safe summer for the whole family.
Looking for a way to beat the heat with the kids this summer?
Luckily, New Hampshire has plenty of beaches, water attractions and water parks fit for a perfect family summer day. But which of the state’s water parks is the oldest?
Advertisement
While historic New Hampshire theme parks like Santa’s Village, Story Land and Canobie Lake Park – the oldest theme park in the state – have all opened water parks in the last 20 years, the oldest standalone water park in the state dates back to over 40 years ago. Water Country, located right here in Portsmouth, first opened in 1984.
Here’s a brief history of the New Hampshire water park, as well as how to cool off there this summer.
History of Water Country
Water Country was first opened in 1984 by Dick Samuels, just five years after he opened his first water slide at Weirs Beach. The park was owned by the Samuels family for many years before being passed down through various theme park operators.
Today, many of the water park’s original attractions are still open, including the Giant Wave Pool and the Adventure River. However, Water Country has also made various upgrades that have earned it the title of the largest water park in New England, standing today with various waterslides, tube slides, pools and splash areas of all intensity levels.
Advertisement
Water Country news: Story Land among group of New Hampshire attractions sold to new owner. What to know
How to go to Water Country
Daily admission to Water Country typically costs $59.99, but a current Fourth of July sale is offering tickets online for as low as $44.99 for one person or $34.99 for groups of four or more. Parking costs $20 per day in an unpaved lot, and preferred parking in paved lots costs $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends.
Water Country is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the park will extend its hours in July and August. A full calendar with hours can be found online.
Advertisement
The water park is located at 2300 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
Advertisement
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
Advertisement
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
Advertisement
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
Advertisement
At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox
