Exploring Canobie Lake Park: Family Fun, Thrilling Rides, and Local Living

Recently, my two kids, ages 9 and 11, and I had an unforgettable day at Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire. From thrilling rides to splashing fun, every moment was packed with excitement and laughter.

We started our day at Castaway Island, the park’s water area. My kids loved the water slides, racing each other down and splashing into the pools below. It was a perfect way to cool off and enjoy the sunny day. There were some parents participating but most were on the sidelines in the lounge chairs. It was definitely crowded on a Friday.

After drying off, we headed to the rides. For our first stop, we cooled off on the Log Flume, another water ride in the main park that combines scenic views with refreshing splashes. The gentle meandering turns before the final plunge made it a perfect mix of relaxation and thrill. They take your picture as you are going down that you can view and purchase. This ride has always been a favorite at other parks so we made sure we hit this one early.

For our next stop, we hopped on The Pirate Ship. Swinging back and forth, it felt like we were sailing the high seas. My kids couldn’t get enough of the weightless feeling at the peak of each swing and definitely had that "stomach drop" sensation!

The Ice Jet was another highlight, with its fast spins and cool breeze. The music and lights made it feel like a party on a ride. It goes forward and backward. I am prone to motion sickness, so I sat out on this one.

We couldn’t leave without trying the Psychodrome, an indoor scrambler that combines dark, dizzying spins with pulsating lights and sounds. It was a sensory overload and at points, I had to shut my eyes. It was the right mix of fun and scary. I was worried about motion sickness but I was okay.

Our final stop was the Boston Tea Party, a ride that promises a soaking splash – even for the spectators! We loved the anticipation as the boat climbed up before the big drop and the massive wave that drenched us all! My kids especially loved the feeling of being "in the wave" before it hit.

We skipped the two rollercoasters: Untamed, a thrilling looping thrill ride with a huge 97 degree drop and the Yankee Cannonball: a wooden rollercoaster that is almost 100 years old. Maybe we will be ready next time! 

Exploring the park worked up quite an appetite. Our favorite foods were the waffle cheese fries and the hot pretzels. The salty, cheesy goodness of the fries and the warm, soft pretzel were perfect snacks to recharge between rides. We wanted to try the fried dough but ran out of time - next visit for sure!

One of the highlights of our visit was catching the Taylor Swift impersonator: Tribute to Taylor. She was absolutely fantastic, performing all the hits with impressive accuracy. My 11-year-old, a Taylor Swift fan, was thrilled and sang along to her favorites. It definitely added a special touch to our day and was included in the admission! She offers three shows a day and offers a "meet and greet" after each show.

Having never been to the park before, I was not sure what to wear. My kids both wore bathing suits (required for Castaway Island) with clothes over them, but since I was not going in the pool, I opted for shorts and a tee shirt. If you have any dry-fit clothes, that is a great option as you will still likely get wet.

If you are considering Salem, Canobie Lake Park adds a unique charm area, making it an attractive location to live in New Hampshire. They sell season passes, so if you live nearby, it's a great option for ongoing family fun and entertainment.

Our first trip to Canobie Lake Park was everything we hoped for and more (yes, our first trip!). The combination of thrilling rides, splashing fun, tasty treats, and entertaining performances made it a perfect family outing. If you're looking for a place to create lasting memories with your kids, I highly recommend spending a day at Canobie Lake Park. We can't wait to go back!