AMUSEMENT PARKS > MAINE

AQUABOGGAN
Rte 1 (Exit 5 off I-95), Saco, ME (map)
207.282.3112
http://www.aquaboggan.com

The many attractions at this water park include the Totally Tubular ride, which sends passengers through winding tunnels before spitting them out, and the Stealth 5, a 45-foot-tall hydro halfpipe. For those who just want to swim, there's a large wave pool and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Or, if you want to stay dry, try the go-carts, skid cars, or pedal-boats. The Splash 'N' Play caters to toddlers. From mid June through Labor Day, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission $19, $15 for visitors under four feet tall, $10 for seniors, $5 for use of toddler areas only.

B.I.G. Adventure Center
12 North Road, Bethel ME (map)
(207) 824-0929
http://www.bigadventure.com/

Check out the rock climbing, high-tech laser tag, bowling, and mini-golf facilities. When it's time to cool off, discover the Tempest Lagoon Water Park with its waterslides and pools. Includes daily specials on certain activities. Open Mon. through Sat from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Sun until 9 pm. Prices vary by activity. Day passes offered. Check Web site for more details.

FUNTOWN SPLASHTOWN USA
Rte 1 (Exit 5 off I-95), Saco, ME (map)
207.284.5139
http://www.funtownsplashtownusa.com

This is an amusement park of relatively recent vintage that prides itself on cleanliness. Attractions include 28 rides and slides, an arcade, mini golf, go-carts, and a family play area. The Excalibur, Northern New England's largest wooden roller coaster, takes up 4.5 acres of space. Food is abundant, with American, Mexican, and seafood stands, plus cotton candy, candy apples, fried dough, ice cream, and shaved ice. Funtown is open through Labor Day and Sept 9, 10, 16, and 17. Splashtown is open through Labor Day. Specific dates and hours vary. Call or visit Web site for details. Funtown ride pass costs $25 for visitors 48 inches tall and up, $17 for those under 48 inches tall; night special (after 5 pm) $18, $12; Splashtown slide pass $17, $14; combination pass $32, $23; mini golf $4, $3.50; walk-around pass $10; free for those under 38 inches.

PALACE PLAYLAND
Rte 5 (Exit 5 off I-95), Old Orchard Beach, ME (map)
207.934.2001
fun@palaceplayland.com
http://www.palaceplayland.com

Located near the shore of the Atlantic, Palace Playland is a four-acre amusement park featuring more than 25 rides and attractions. Check out the 40-foot Euro Slide, the Galaxi and Orient Express roller coasters, an adult thrill ride called Crazy Dance, Skee-Ball, the arcade, and the Ferris wheel. Fireworks display every Thurs at 9:45 pm. Open for full-time season from June 16 (at 5 pm) through Sept 4. Arcade open daily from 10 am to late night, rides open on weekdays from noon to late night, on weekends from 11 am to late night, and from Aug 28 through 31 from 2:30 pm to late night. Visit Web site for all other dates. Free admission. Single tickets $1 each; 20-ticket books $19; 50-ticket books $45. Unlimited pass $24.95, kiddie pass $17.95. Two-day unlimited pass $34.95, $24.95 for kids. Season pass $90.95.

YORK'S WILD KINGDOM
Rte 1 (Exit 4 off I-95), York Beach, ME (map)
207.363.4911
ykingdom@aol.com
http://www.yorkzoo.com

York's Wild Kingdom is the largest amusement park & zoo in the York Beach area. The zoo houses elephants, lions, bears, llamas, and other exotic creatures. The amusement park has an arcade, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, a haunted house, pedal-boats, and miniature golf. York Beach is within walking distance. Through Labor Day, the zoo is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. From June 24 through Sept 3, the amusement park is open daily from noon to 9:30 pm, except Aug 28 through 31 and on Labor Day, when it is open from noon to 6 pm. Zoo-and-ride package $18.25, $14.25 for children four through 10, $4 for children three and younger. Zoo-only $14, $9, $1. Go-cart and animal rides sold separately.