The oldest water park in NH opened over 40 years ago. How to go this summer

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?

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.

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.

The water park is located at 2300 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth.