A few days at York Beach can feel pretty close to perfect. Mornings on the sand, afternoons by the water, and evenings walking the shoreline are the kinds of vacation memories families look forward to all year.
Then, somewhere around day three, someone says, "Can we do something different today?"
That's part of a great vacation, too. A new day might be the perfect time for roller coasters, water slides, and a little family road trip to Funtown Splashtown. Located in nearby Saco, about 40 minutes from Anchorage Inn, it's an easy day trip that adds a little variety to your Southern Maine stay.
And don’t worry. The beach will still be there tomorrow.
About 40 minutes from York, Funtown Splashtown USA combines a traditional amusement park with one of the most popular water parks in Maine. It gives families two experiences in one destination.
At about 60 acres, the park has a nice balance between variety and walkability. Families can spend the day exploring both parks, stop for lunch when everyone starts getting hungry, then head back for another ride. The grounds are clean, well-maintained, and clearly cared for, something parents tend to notice by the end of a full day.
Once everyone heads inside and is ready to go, the kids will start racing toward their favorite rides, and parents can simply enjoy the chance to have fun right along with them. Younger children have plenty to keep them busy, older siblings can chase bigger thrills, and adults don't have to feel like they're simply standing on the sidelines.
Variety is what makes this park work so well.
At the Splashtown Water Park side, the wave pool, interactive splash areas, and larger water slides give families plenty of ways to spend the day. Younger children have attractions designed with them in mind, and the older kids can head for the park's biggest slides and rides whenever they're ready. And the parents? Well, they're usually just happy to see everyone having a good time. There's a good chance they're also carrying the towels, reapplying sunscreen, and getting talked into "just one more ride."
The nice part is that you don't have to choose between the water park and the rides. Next door at the Funtown Ride Park side, the amusement park keeps the fun going with more than 50 attractions. Classic favorites like the antique carousel and Ferris wheel share the park with bigger rides like Excalibur, New England's only wooden roller coaster. Thunder Falls offers a refreshing splash on a warm afternoon, and Dragon's Descent brings another level of excitement for guests who enjoy faster rides. It's easy to see why this Maine amusement park has become a family tradition for so many visitors.
Family vacations rarely go exactly according to plan. One child wants another turn on the roller coaster. Someone else is perfectly happy going down on the water slide for the third time. That's part of what makes Funtown Splashtown in Maine such a fun place to spend the day. Everyone gets to enjoy it a little differently.
A little planning can make the day a little easier.
Park hours, admission prices, and operating schedules change throughout the season, so it's worth checking the latest information before your visit.
Parking is available on-site, so getting everyone from the car to the front gate is pretty straightforward.
A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a change of clothes usually cover the essentials. Lockers are available for anyone who would rather not carry everything around the park all day.
Summer weekends generally bring in the biggest crowds. Vacation schedules don't always leave much flexibility, but weekdays are a little more relaxed for families who have the option.
One of the nicest parts about visiting Funtown Splashtown USA is how easy it is to return to York once the day winds down.
Back in York, dinner at our own Sun & Surf Restaurant, a walk along Long Sands Beach, or a little time by the hotel pool can be the perfect way to slow things down after an action-packed day. Sometimes that's exactly what everyone needs. A different adventure to change things up.
Another beach day will be there for you tomorrow.
Every vacation collects a few stories along the way. One day, it's sandy feet, salty hair, and a sunset walk back to the hotel. The next, everyone comes back with pool-soaked towels, tired smiles, and a roller coaster story everyone is still talking about over dinner.
That's part of what makes a longer stay so much fun.
Anchorage Inn makes it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. Spend one day exploring Funtown Splashtown, then return to York for everything that brought you here in the first place.
Book your stay at Anchorage Inn and enjoy even more family adventures along the Maine coast.