Water Country opened on June 20, 1984, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and has grown into New England’s largest water park. Spread across roughly 26 acres just off Interstate 95, the park draws families from across the Seacoast region and beyond each summer with a lineup of slides, pools, and a lazy river.
The park has changed hands over the decades, starting under the Samuels family before being acquired by Festival Fun Parks in 2000 and later by Herschend Family Entertainment. Despite the ownership changes, Water Country has kept its reputation as a go-to summer destination in the Portsmouth area, hiring around 300 seasonal staff each year to keep its slides, pools, and guest services running.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Opened: June 20, 1984
- Size: About 26 acres
- Attractions: 18 water attractions
- Wave Pool: Giant Wave Pool, about 700,000 gallons
- Owner: Herschend Family Entertainment
- Distinction: New England’s largest water park
Slides and Attractions
Water Country’s slide lineup includes Dragon’s Den, Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror, Hyperlight, Racing Rapids, and The Plunge, offering everything from twisting enclosed tubes to high-speed racing mats. The Adventure River lazy river and family-oriented zones like Tahiti Treehouse and Pirate’s Lagoon round out the park for younger visitors and those looking for a slower pace.
At the center of the park sits the Giant Wave Pool, billed as New England’s largest, generating rolling surf for guests to bob and splash in. Between the wave pool, the lazy river, and the mix of thrill and family slides, the park is designed to give visitors of nearly every age group something to do.
History and Ownership
Water Country was founded by the Samuels family and opened its gates in 1984, quickly becoming a fixture of summer life on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. In 2000, the park was sold to Festival Fun Parks, aligning it with a broader network of regional attractions.
In 2025, Herschend Family Entertainment took over ownership. Along the way, the park refreshed its branding, retiring its original polar bear mascot Patches (who moved on to sister park Lake Compounce) in favor of a new mascot, Spruce the Moose, introduced in 2024.
Explore more: Explore more Water Parks.
Water Country FAQs
When did Water Country open?
Water Country opened on June 20, 1984, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Who owns Water Country now?
Water Country is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, which acquired the park in 2025 after it was previously owned by Festival Fun Parks starting in 2000.
How big is Water Country?
The park covers about 26 acres and features 18 water attractions, including slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, making it New England’s largest water park.
Get More from Water Country
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Water Country, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.