A fun family-friendly day trip in New England is a visit to Lake Compounce in Connecticut. Here is everything you need to know if you are planning a day trip to Lake Compounce.
A New England Family Summer Tradition: Lake Compounce
One of my family’s favorite summer traditions is a day trip to Lake Compounce. The New England amusement park holds a special place in my heart, as it is filled with so many fun childhood memories. I’m so excited my family has started our own annual adventure to America’s First amusement park where the rides and water slides make me feel like a little kid again.
Plan Ahead for a Day Trip to Lake Compounce
If you are planning an excursion to Lake Compounce Amusement & Water Park, I highly recommend first visiting Lake Compounce online before showing up in person. The park isn’t unmanagable for a day but there is so much to do and see! Before we set out on our annual Lake Compounce adventure, we choose our top priority rides. Then I create a flexible family schedule with plenty of time to ride the rides, eat lunch, and visit Crocodile Cove Water Park.
Somehow we always visit the park on the hottest day of the summer – so be prepared with sunscreen and reusable water bottles! There are areas with shade, as well as water bottle filling stations all over the park. Guests can bring a backpack, tote bag, or soft side cooler with food and non-alcoholic beverages (see here for full details). Worried about rain? Lake Compounce offers a Rainy Day Guarantee so you can get a free ticket to return another day.
Lake Compounce Tickets vs. Season Passes
I recommend to save time upon arrival, buy your tickets online! Do you plan to visit the amusement park for one day or all season long? Lake Compounce offers a single day ticket or a variety of season passes for purchase online. For example, the 2023 Platinum Pass includes unlimited admission during the 2023 season (including seasonal events), free preferred parking, discounted bring-a-friend days and free friend tickets, plus so many discounts on food, cabanas, lodging, etc. Check out ticket prices here and look for seasonal discounts/specials. Many of the season passes pay for themselves in less than two visits!
The Speedy Pass is a MUST buy for thrill-seeking riders at Lake Compounce.
No one enjoys waiting in long lines at the amusement park – especially on a hot day. New this year, Lake Compounce is offering a Speedy Pass add-on to your ticket which reduces your virtual wait time for the most popular attractions by up to 90%. I highly recommend purchasing a Speedy Pass (online or at the park) if you want to ride the top attractions, like Boulder Dash, Ghost Hunt, Saw Mill Plunge, or Storm Surge. Note: Check height requirements for rides before your visit!
All About Crocodile Cove – Lake Compounce Water Park
During the hot summer, Crocodile Cove is THE place to play for all ages at Lake Compounce. We visited the water park first during our trip before it became too crowded. We also used our Speedy Pass to jump ahead of the long lines which formed quickly outside the top rides.
My timid daughter, Ailey, enjoyed the Anchor Bay wave pool, while my fearless daughter, Annabelle, raced back and forth between Riptide Racers and Storm Surge with her Dad. Storm Surge is the newest water slide experience at Lake Compounce set at the top of a lighthouse overlooking the lake. It sends you flying fast feet first through an enclosed tube filled with pulsing lights and dynamic music.
I faced my own fears when I took my daughters on Venus Vortex – which wasn’t as scary as it looks. It is a thrilling experience for up to 4 people set high above the Lake. We hopped on a raft and were sent twisting and turning through tunnels before dropping off into a swirling vortex of water. It was SO much fun!
Note: Crocodile Cove has free beach loungers scattered around the area, but they fill up quickly. Guests can rent a cabana or reserve an Island Lounger ahead of time if you plan to spend the day in the water park.
Are there rides for all ages at Lake Compounce?
One of the best things about Lake Compounce is that there are rides and attractions for all ages. My daughters love to measure their height before we enter the park to check which rides they are tall enough to ride. The kiddie rides are suitable for children at least 36” tall and most roller coasters start at 48” tall. We love the kiddie area for easy (but fun) rides!
The Carousel (Ailey’s favorite and one of America’s oldest carousels) is accessible to all ages with an adult companion if the child is under 46.” We would ride the carousel all day if it were up to Ailey! She also enjoys American Flyers and Rainbow Riders.
Annabelle did not hesitate to jump on the Zoomerang when she learned she was finally tall enough to ride. The Zoomerang propels you forwards, backwards, and upside down at an incredible speed. She also loves Wildcat (which is closed for renovations during the 2023 season) and hopes to ride the Phobia Phear Coaster and Boulder Dash next visit.
Note: Every attraction has a clear sign of the access limitations at the entrance.
What are the dining options at Lake Compounce?
There is something so amazing about a cheeseburger and fries at an amusement park, but not everyone wants a heavy meal when they are riding roller coasters. Lake Compounce has a variety of dining options scattered around the park, but you can also bring in your own food. There are also adult beverages at the Beachfront Bar, coffee at Dunkin, and multiple ice cream/slushie stands.
Summer Concert Series
The new floating stage at Lake Compounce is hard to miss if you visit Crocodile Cove! The Summer Concert Series, featuring national bands and local favorites, is free with valid admission to the park every Saturday night through Labor Day
Visiting Lake Compounce is a timeless family tradition I hope my daughters carry on into their own adult lives. From the anticipation of our annual trip to the memories we make each visit, summer vacation is not the same without Lake Compounce!
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