Family Fun
Amuse Them
Monday, July 23, 2007
Summer isn't complete without a trip to an amusement park. Moms secretly abhore them but the kids can't get enough. We know who wins this battle. Here are a few suggestions:
For most of these parks buying tickets online is cheaper.
Lake Compounce
271 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
# 860-583-3300
One of New England's first amusement parks dating back to the 1800's as a family gathering place. (What would those first settlers think of their park now?)
Open May - October. The theme and water parks close after Labor Day, setting the stage for a Haunted Graveyard through Halloween.
Tickets available online @ www.lakecompounce.com or at the park. One price covers the cost of all park rides and water park entertainment. Definitely take advantage of the season pass if you plan to go frequently. This park is appropriate for all ages.
Suzy Tip: It's a Pepsi park. Free pepsi drinks all day throughout the park.
Quassy
2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT 06762
#203-758-2913 or 800-FOR-PARK
Celebrating 99 years Quassy remains the only family-owned Amusement Park left in the state, and boasts "Affordable Family Fun""
Open April-October, weekends only after Labor Day.
The park overlooks beautiful Lake Quassapaug with amusement and water park fun appropriate for all ages.
For more information and tickets www.quassy.com
Suzy Tip: Friday night's all rides are $.25 after 5PM
Saturday after 5PM $20 for a carload. Maximum 10 people.
Hershey Park
100 West Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
# 1-800-HERSHEY
2007 marks "100 years of happy" at this nostalgic yet progessive park. Voted #1 Amusement Park in the northeast by Family Fun Magazine, Hershey has something for the entire family, including East Coast Waterworks, the largest water play structure in the world. Take in the fireworks every Saturday night and Hershey Chocolate World right next door.
For ticket and lodging information www.hersheypark.com
Suzy Tip: Ride coasters and waterpark first thing in the morning when they are less crowded.
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
#215-752-7070
They grow up so fast, but they are only young once. Sesame Place is the nation's only theme park based on the award-winning television show Sesame Street. With over 14 acres of fantastic family fun - from dry rides and wet water attractions to the newest land, Elmos World. Hang out with your furry friends, and enjoy all the rides, shows, play areas and dining that make this the only place where Sesame Street comes to life! Located just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes south of New York City, Sesame Place is the place for kids and the kid in all of us. For more information,visit www.sesameplace.com
Suzy Tip: book character meals far in advance so no one is disappointed.
Six Flags New England
Route 159, 1623 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001
# 413-786-9300
This is the Barry Bonds of amusement parks if you get my drift. Not for the faint of heart and highly recommended for the tween/teen set. If colossal scary rides are your thing, hit the road for Six Flags.
Big rides, big waterpark and big entertainment.
Open April-October For ticket information visit www.sixflagsnewengland.com
Suzy Tip: Bring a coke can Monday-Friday and admission is buy one get one free. Weekends a coke can is worth $20 off admission.
For most of these parks buying tickets online is cheaper.
Lake Compounce
271 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
# 860-583-3300
One of New England's first amusement parks dating back to the 1800's as a family gathering place. (What would those first settlers think of their park now?)
Open May - October. The theme and water parks close after Labor Day, setting the stage for a Haunted Graveyard through Halloween.
Tickets available online @ www.lakecompounce.com or at the park. One price covers the cost of all park rides and water park entertainment. Definitely take advantage of the season pass if you plan to go frequently. This park is appropriate for all ages.
Suzy Tip: It's a Pepsi park. Free pepsi drinks all day throughout the park.
Quassy
2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT 06762
#203-758-2913 or 800-FOR-PARK
Celebrating 99 years Quassy remains the only family-owned Amusement Park left in the state, and boasts "Affordable Family Fun""
Open April-October, weekends only after Labor Day.
The park overlooks beautiful Lake Quassapaug with amusement and water park fun appropriate for all ages.
For more information and tickets www.quassy.com
Suzy Tip: Friday night's all rides are $.25 after 5PM
Saturday after 5PM $20 for a carload. Maximum 10 people.
Hershey Park
100 West Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
# 1-800-HERSHEY
2007 marks "100 years of happy" at this nostalgic yet progessive park. Voted #1 Amusement Park in the northeast by Family Fun Magazine, Hershey has something for the entire family, including East Coast Waterworks, the largest water play structure in the world. Take in the fireworks every Saturday night and Hershey Chocolate World right next door.
For ticket and lodging information www.hersheypark.com
Suzy Tip: Ride coasters and waterpark first thing in the morning when they are less crowded.
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
#215-752-7070
They grow up so fast, but they are only young once. Sesame Place is the nation's only theme park based on the award-winning television show Sesame Street. With over 14 acres of fantastic family fun - from dry rides and wet water attractions to the newest land, Elmos World. Hang out with your furry friends, and enjoy all the rides, shows, play areas and dining that make this the only place where Sesame Street comes to life! Located just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes south of New York City, Sesame Place is the place for kids and the kid in all of us. For more information,visit www.sesameplace.com
Suzy Tip: book character meals far in advance so no one is disappointed.
Six Flags New England
Route 159, 1623 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001
# 413-786-9300
This is the Barry Bonds of amusement parks if you get my drift. Not for the faint of heart and highly recommended for the tween/teen set. If colossal scary rides are your thing, hit the road for Six Flags.
Big rides, big waterpark and big entertainment.
Open April-October For ticket information visit www.sixflagsnewengland.com
Suzy Tip: Bring a coke can Monday-Friday and admission is buy one get one free. Weekends a coke can is worth $20 off admission.
