Whale's Tale Waterpark
4.5(871)google
3.7(44)yelp
SwimmingKidsYouth-FriendlySummer RetreatOutdoorThrillingCarnival
Overview
Whale's Tale Water Park is a 17-acre (6.9 ha) water park located in Lincoln, New Hampshire, United States. It has been in operation for more than 30 years.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration5-9 hours
Best TimeStrictly seasonal during peak summer from June to August. Highly recommended on midweek mornings (Tuesday to Thursday); arrive at the turnstiles by 9:45 AM to enter exactly at 10:00 AM opening. This gives you a massive advantage to tackle the signature speed slides and wave pools before the heavy regional tourist crowds swell the queues.
Getting ThereLocated in Lincoln at 481 Daniel Webster Highway. Drive from I-10 take I-93 to Exit 33 for US-3 North. Proceed north for just 1 minute; the towering colorful waterslides will be highly visible on the left side of the highway, fronted by an immense, complimentary paved open-air parking plaza designed for high-capacity event traffic.
Travel Tips
- All high slides close instantly during lightning storms; rain checks are granted only if major operations are halted continuously for over 2 consecutive hours.
- Outside fast food, catering, and hard coolers are confiscated at the main entrance; security checks all bags, permitting only factory-sealed water bottles.
- Sun-baked concrete causes severe foot burns, while slide platforms are highly slippery; specialized rubber water shoes are recommended over standard flip-flops.
Reviews
Positive
- A premier summer oasis! The water slides cater to everyone, ranging from gentle toddler splash zones to thrilling high-speed drop slides.
- The water quality is kept very clean and clear, and a large, attentive team of professional lifeguards surrounds the pools for peace of mind.
- The Lazy River's length and current speed are perfectly designed, offering a deeply relaxing drift under the sun to melt stress away.
- The park generously provides plenty of free lounge chairs and umbrellas, and allows families to set up picnic mats in designated areas.
Heads up
- Admission tickets are very pricey, and on-site locker rentals, parking, and dining are heavily marked up, making a day trip quite costly.
- Summer crowds on weekends are massive; lines for popular slides easily exceed an hour, leaving you waiting under the blistering sun.
- The food selections like burgers, hot dogs, and pizzas are mediocre at best, yet priced double what they cost outside—classic amusement food.
- The changing rooms and showers get messy and waterlogged near closing time; the cleaning crew simply can't keep up with the high traffic.