Top 9 Amusement Parks in Connecticut

By Chelsea Gonzales
Amusement Parks

Connecticut is a wonderful place to explore. The natural beauty in this state is incredible, and the museums and historic sites are pretty fantastic as well. Another thing we highly recommend doing while in the state? Visiting Connecticut amusement parks!

What are the Best Connecticut Amusement Parks?

  1. Lake Compounce Theme Park
  2. Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
  3. Brownstone Adventure Sports Park
  4. Adventure Park at Storrs
  5. Empower Adventure Park at Nomads
  6. Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park
  7. Urban Air Adventure Park
  8. The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village
  9. Ocean Beach Park — New London

What are the Best Amusement Parks in Connecticut for RVers?

Amusement ParkRV Camping NearbyRV FriendlinessBest ForKey Advantage
Lake Compounce Theme ParkMultiple RV parks and campgrounds in the Bristol and central Connecticut areaHighFamilies wanting a full amusement park and waterpark experienceCombines classic roller coasters with a large waterpark and strong regional RV access
The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art VillageRV-friendly campgrounds and extended-stay options in southeastern ConnecticutHighFamilies with younger children and outdoor-themed entertainmentPart of a larger destination complex with nature trails, splash features, and kid-focused attractions
Ocean Beach Park — New LondonSeveral RV parks and coastal campgrounds in the New London shoreline areaHighTravelers looking for a beachside amusement and recreation experienceUnique combination of beach access, boardwalk attractions, and seasonal entertainment

Lake Compounce Theme Park

Touted as “Connecticut’s Best Amusement Park & Water Park” and the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, Lake Compounce Theme Park in Bristol is definitely a good choice. Coasters, kiddie rides, a beach, and a waterpark all come together to ensure everyone has a great time. 

RV Camping Near Lake Compounce Theme Park

Lake Compounce Campground is a wonderful place to stay. This place features an excellent location, themed weekends, and awesome amenities such as a play area, sports courts, and a laundry room. 

Planning Your Trip to Lake Compounce Theme Park

  • If you stay at the onsite campground, check with the office about discounted theme park tickets.
  • To save money on admission, consider purchasing a season pass and visiting multiple times throughout the summer.
  • Be sure to budget for additional expenses, including parking fees.
  • Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a locker rental.

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

Another large park, Quassy Amusement and Waterpark is located in Middlebury. This park is one of only 11 remaining “Trolley Parks” in the country. Founded in 1908, the park is still popular today and offers guests a wide variety of attractions.

RV Camping Near Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

Branch Brook Campground is located just 20 minutes from all the fun Quassy Amusement & Waterpark has to offer. It is a great place to relax. This lovely park features a pool, community garden, game room, and more. It does book up regularly, so be sure to snag your site early!

Planning Your Trip to Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

  • Before your visit, take a look at the park map and decide which attractions and activities are priorities.
  • If you don’t think you can fit everything into one day, consider purchasing a discounted pass that allows entry after 4 p.m. on the day before or after your full-day visit.
  • Planning ahead can help you make the most of your time in the park.

Brownstone Adventure Sports Park

Brownstone Adventure Sports Park is a different kind of amusement park. Instead of rollercoasters and carousels, this park features zip lines, wakeboarding, a rope swing, water slides, opportunities to swim, and more. We highly recommend this Portland, CT park to those who want to have fun while being active. 

RV Camping Near Brownstone Adventure Sports Park

GrandView CampResort & Cottages is a beautiful little campground located just 25 minutes from Brownstone Adventure Sports Park. Full hookups are available, the staff is friendly, and the relaxing atmosphere is perfect to return to after a long day of fun. 

Planning Your Trip to Brownstone Adventure Sports Park

  • Food and equipment rentals are available onsite, so be sure to budget for both.
  • Review the available activities before your visit and decide which ones your family wants to experience before purchasing tickets.
  • Since many of the park’s attractions are water-based, visits are typically more enjoyable when the weather is warm.
  • Planning ahead can help you make the most of your time and budget at the park.

The Adventure Park at Storrs

Another adventure park that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Connecticut, The Adventure Park at Storrs is a super fun pick. As you might have guessed, this park is located in Storrs. It features attractions like rope courses and ziplines that weave you in and out of the trees. 

RV Camping Near The Adventure Park at Storrs

Wilderness Lake Campground offers easy access to the highway, which makes visiting attractions. Prefer to stay in the campground some of the time? There are plenty of great ways to pass the time in the park, including mini golf, hiking trails, a lake for swimming and boating, a game room, and more. 

Planning Your Trip to The Adventure Park at Storrs

  • The Adventure Park at Storrs features attractions that involve climbing and other physical activities.
  • Visitors should be in reasonably good physical condition to fully enjoy the park and its attractions.
  • If The Adventure Park at Storrs sounds appealing but isn’t in a convenient location for you, consider visiting The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum.
  • The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum offers a similar experience and is operated by the same team.

Empower Adventure Park at Nomads

Yet another fantastic adventure park, Empower Adventure Park at Nomads offers guests hours of fun in the treetops. Six adventure courses feature over 80 different obstacles, meaning you can easily fill a day exploring this South Windsor park. 

RV Camping Near Empower Adventure Park at Nomads

Although it is a 35-minute drive from Empower Adventure Park, we simply have to recommend that you stay at Nelson’s Family Campground. This place is chock-full of fun. Exciting themed weekends fill the summer, the staff is beyond welcoming, and a game room, pool, and playground are all available.

Planning Your Trip to Empower Adventure Park at Nomads

  • Because Empower Adventure Park at Nomads is a popular attraction, making a climbing reservation in advance is highly recommended.
  • Many of the activities require a moderate level of physical strength and endurance.
  • While the park is designed to challenge and empower visitors, your ability to complete every attraction may depend on your fitness level.
  • Planning ahead and choosing activities that match your abilities can help ensure an enjoyable experience.

Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park

The ideal amusement park during cold or rainy weather, Danbury’s Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park is completely indoors. The main attraction here is the soft, fun, and challenging obstacle course. That said, there are plenty of other attractions as well. These include an arcade, VR roller coasters, axe throwing, and laser tag. 

RV Camping Near Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park

Whether you prefer traditional activities such as fishing and swimming or something unique like laser tag or archery, there’s something for you at Cozy Hills Campground. Themed weekends add to the fun, and although you’ll have to drive 45 minutes to get to Thrillz Adventure Park, we think it’s worth the drive. 

Planning Your Trip to Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park

  • Children under 48 inches are not permitted in the obstacle course at Thrillz.
  • Children under 48 inches are allowed in the Jumpz trampoline park located next door.
  • Most participants are tweens and teens.
  • All minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian before entering.

Urban Air Adventure Park

Another fantastic indoor option for those chilly winter days, Urban Air Adventure Park is found in Orange and offers fun for the whole family. Attractions at this park include climbing spots, a huge airbag for jumping onto, trampolines, a tumble runway, a ropes course, a warrior course, bumper cars, bowling, and more. 

RV Camping Near Urban Air Adventure Park

An absolutely beautiful spot, Hammonasset Beach State Park is located right on the beach, meaning beautiful views and water fun. Water and electric hookups are available, and camping fees are very affordable. 

Planning Your Trip to Urban Air Adventure Park

  • Some attractions in the park have height minimums and restrictions.
  • To avoid disappointment, it’s important to review these requirements before your visit.
  • Completing an online waiver in advance is recommended to save time upon arrival.

The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village

Do you have a dinosaur enthusiast on your hands? If so, The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village is a must-see Connecticut attraction. This Oakdale park features life-size dinosaur replicas that are placed along a peaceful nature trail. Other activities include a splash pad, mini golf, pedal cars, a maze, and more. 

RV Camping Near The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village

Aces High RV Park is a luxury camping resort that has received many awards. Planned activities happen all season long, and a pool, lake, and playground all ensure your family stays active and happy during their time there. 

Planning Your Trip to The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village

  • Be sure to check the park calendar before your visit, as it is not open year-round.
  • Even during operating season, some attractions may not be available at the start or end of the season.
  • If the splash pad is open during your trip, bring a swimsuit.
  • Plan to set aside extra time to explore Nature’s Art Village while you are in the area.

Ocean Beach Park 

Last but not least, we must mention Ocean Beach Park in New London. If you’re looking for quintessential beachside amusement park fun, this is the spot for you. Not only will you have the opportunity to check out New England’s best sugar sand beach, you’ll also get to check out the playground, sprayground, water slide, arcade, mini golf course, and old-school rides offered here. 

RV Camping Near Ocean Beach Park 

Another beautiful RV park, Sun Outdoors Mystic is definitely a top-notch spot to park your rig. Not only will you be just a few minutes from Ocean Beach Park, you’ll also have water and electric hookups, Wi-Fi access, and easy access to a number of other attractions. 

Planning Your Trip to Ocean Beach Park 

  • Performances, dance nights, and other events are held regularly at Ocean Beach Park.
  • It is recommended to check the park’s schedule in advance.
  • Planning your visit around scheduled events can help you take advantage of special entertainment opportunities.

Planning an RV Vacation in Connecticut

Looking for more things to see and do in Connecticut? Make sure to see the top waterfalls and the top beaches. You may also want to add some of these bucket list destinations to your itinerary.