Canobie Lake Park

About

Canobie Lake Park has been a New England family tradition since 1902, sitting on the shores of Canobie Lake in Salem, New Hampshire. What started as a trolley park has grown into a full-scale amusement destination with over 85 rides, games, and attractions spread across a beautifully landscaped lakeside setting.

Visitors can expect a mix of thrilling coasters, gentle family rides, and a full water park area called Castaway Island. The park strikes a nice balance between high-energy attractions and calmer experiences. You'll find classic amusement park staples like a carousel and bumper cars alongside modern roller coasters. Live entertainment, arcade games, and seasonal events round out the experience.

The food scene goes well beyond typical theme park fare. Multiple dining locations are scattered throughout the grounds, offering everything from pizza and burgers to funnel cakes and fried dough. Shaded picnic areas give families a chance to rest and recharge.

Canobie Lake Park runs a full schedule of seasonal events. Summer brings extended hours and water park fun, while fall features special Halloween-themed nights with haunted attractions and festive decorations. The park also hosts fireworks displays on select evenings throughout the summer season.

For planning purposes, the park is located just off Interstate 93, making it an easy day trip from Boston (about 35 miles south) or anywhere in southern New Hampshire. Parking is available on-site. The season typically runs from mid-May through late October, with varying hours depending on the time of year. Checking the park's website before your visit is a good idea, as hours and attraction availability can change.

Whether you're bringing young children for their first amusement park experience or looking for a nostalgic day out, Canobie Lake Park delivers genuine fun without the overwhelming scale of mega theme parks. It's the kind of place where you can actually do everything in a single visit.

Accessibility

Canobie Lake Park works to include guests of all ages and physical abilities. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent at the park, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs to get around the grounds.

Not all rides and attractions are wheelchair or ECV accessible. For rides that do accommodate guests with disabilities, priority boarding is available. The park offers wristbands to help make guests more visible to ride attendants, though wearing one isn't required.

Guests should be aware that some attractions may require the ability to transfer independently to ride vehicles. The park's accessibility guide identifies specific rides and their requirements, including attractions like the Sky Wheel and Mine of Lost Souls.

First Aid services are available on-site, staffed with qualified medical personnel. Guest Services, located near the main gate, is the best starting point for anyone needing information about ADA accommodations or specific accessibility questions.

For guests with autism or sensory sensitivities, stopping by Guest Services to ask about available accommodations is recommended. While the system isn't perfect, the staff can help with solutions for managing wait times and other challenges.

The Castaway Island water park area and the Boathouse Casino area are among the locations accessible to guests with disabilities. Contact Canobie Lake Park directly for the most current details on specific ride accessibility, companion policies, and any seasonal changes to accommodation options.

More accessible places in New Hampshire

• Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park (Cornish)
• Jackson (Mount Washington Valley) (Jackson)
• Currier Museum of Art (Manchester)
• McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (Concord)
• SEE Science Center (Manchester)
• Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth)