Water Wizz of Cape Cod

There isn't exactly a shortage of water-based fun on Cape Cod. With some of the world's best beaches, vacationers flock to the popular Massachusetts destination for swimming, fishing, boating, and romantic walks among the seaside dunes, to name but a few of the area's H2O activities. Those seeking some thrills to go along with the watery fun can often find decent waves for body and boogie-board surfing at the ocean-facing National Seashore beaches. But if you crave speed slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and other water park thrills for your Cape vacation, there's really only one place to get your fix: Water Wizz. (The Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis offers a small indoor water park that is open to registered guests as well as day guests based on availability.)

Officially known as Water Wizz of Cape Cod (the same company also operates a small water park in Rhode Island, Water Wizz at Misquamicut Beach), the park isn't actually on Cape Cod. It is located a few miles on the other side of the Cape Cod Canal. It's not particularly huge or loaded with the latest, greatest slides and attractions such as a water coaster, funnel ride, or half-pipe slide. But the medium-sized facility does offer many water park staples and would provide an enjoyable half-day excursion as part of a summer vacation.

If you are looking for a larger water park in Massachusetts, the park that is included with admission to Six Flags New England in Agawam, Hurricane Harbor, is quite big and packed with rides. Another major New England park is Water Country in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, just over the Massachusetts border.

Perhaps the most thrilling ride is Pirate's Plunge, a speed slide that includes a partial lights-out descent inside a covered section of the tube. The Hurricane Hill water slide tower offers two less-daring speed slides as well as three twisting slides that all start at the 50+-foot level. Another tower, Squid Row (clever name!), delivers two additional twisting slides, one of which is open and one of which is enclosed. The Canal tube slide tones down the thrills for a milder ride.

For the thrill-averse, the Herring Run River provides a more-or-less lazy river experience. The leisurely ride through the park includes a few gotcha sprays and a section with mildly bobbing waves. The Mussel Beach wave pool is the primary place to cool down. Smaller visitors would enjoy the activities designed especially for them, including Captain Kid's Island, an interactive water play center with a tipping bucket.

Unlike many water parks, Water Wizz does allow guests to bring in their own food and drinks. (Note that no glass containers are permitted, however.) Typical park food, including hamburgers, chicken fingers, and fried dough is available for purchase. Another nice way in which it is unlike other parks: Parking is free.

508-295-3255

Location

East Wareham, Massachusetts

Operating Schedule

Weather permitting, the park is open approximately from early June through Labor Day. Call the park or visit its Web site to confirm hours.

Discounts for children under 48" and seniors 65 and older. Also, reduce prices for late afternoon arrivals. Visitors 2 and under are free. Reduced-price tickets available for afternoon visits. Group rates are available.

The actual address is 3031 Cranberry Highway in East Wareham, Massachusetts. The park is located on Routes 6 and 28.

From Hyannis (about 40 minutes by car) and other points on Cape Cod: US-6W towards Sagamore Bridge and Buzzards Bay. Continue to Bourne Rotary and stay on US-6W and MA-28. Park is on the left.

From Plymouth (about 35 minutes) and points north: MA-3S to Exit 1A, US-6W towards Buzzards Bay. Continue to Bourne Rotary and stay on US-6W and MA-28. Park is on the left.

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A decent collection of slides and rides is offered including tube slides, body slides, speed slides, lazy river, wave pool, interactive water play structure, and kiddie play areas.