One of our last days in the northeastern United States was spent at the nation's oldest amusement park, Lake Compounce in Bristol Connecticut. The park has an interesting history and, while it's not the biggest in the region, it sure packs in a full day of fun with a nice water park and rides for kids of all ages. The entrance fee is about half that of larger, big name parks and includes unlimited fountain sodas and water free of charge all day long. That alone accounts for a tremendous savings making Lake Compounce a great value for families trying to stretch their summer vacation dollars. We stayed from the time they opened the gates until they tossed us out.



Chillin' in the water park.


"The Pirate Ship" got us warmed up for big fun.


Everyone loves a Carousel. This is one of America's oldest with an authentic Wurlitzer piping out tunes from eras long past.


Up, up and away.....


"The Rotor"...guaranteed to make you puke!


The kids strap into "The Drop Zone"......


.....and they're off!!


Mike and Dave tried to get me on the grown up tower drop, the impressive "Down Time".


yeah...I don't think so.


Hin-dudes having fun!


Thrills on "The Arctic Express".


"The Enterprise" gave Mike and Mady some serious "G's".


"Boulder Dash", voted the best wooden roller coaster in America, was also my top pick of the day. The "Ghost Hunt", a cross between a haunted house and a laser carnival shooting gallery, was a favorite with the kids and, of course, the water park with its spiraling tube slides, lazy river and wave pool has something for everyone. My brother, the daredevil of the group, made his way through all the thrill rides. This year, both Birdie and Cole were big enough to enjoy quite a few of the more exciting rides, some alone and some accompanied by me. A great day was had by all and we look forward to a return visit next summer!