Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce in Bristol refers to itself as America’s first family theme park. It opened in 1846 as a picnic park (carousel, rides and other attractions soon followed). Among the rides are the Thunder Rapids water raft ride; Southington Mountain Sky Ride; Zoomerang, a modern steel roller coaster; Circus World Kiddieland; and a train. A driving ride was added recently: Zoomers Gas ’n Go. The family water playground has a 60-foot high lighthouse wrapped with a water slide, and Anchor Bay, an 800-foot river with water features. Bumper cars, the Giant Ferris Wheel, and Flying Scooters are popular, as well as the Wildcat wooden coaster, the antique 1911 carousel, and the unique wooden Boulder Dash Mountain Coaster.

One-day passes are $34.99 ($25.99 for those under 52" tall, $17.99 for seniors and free for those 3 and younger); season passes are also available. There's an $8 parking fee. The park runs on an abbreviated schedule until mid-June; then it is open daily through Aug. 29. The park is open weekends in early September and there’s a Haunted Graveyard weekends in October.

Details

Take I-84 east to exit 31. North on Route 229 and follow the signs. For park information, call 860-583-3300. The Web site is www.lakecompounce.com; it’s a good place to preview rides.

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