Lake Compounce, CT-Any thoughts?

[happily single]

We are planning our annual trip to Canobie Lake Park in NH, but the kids are asking to go to Lake Compounce. Has anyone been and can offer a comparsion between the two? I read that Lake Compounce offers free beverages (Pepsi products). Do you give you those little rinky dinky plastic cups or something reasonable? How are the lines and the prices for the food? Are they strict about checking bags or could I bring a soft sided cooler with snacks?

 

[Youarehere]

Our family loves the place- we all have fun there ages 5-75. The free pepsi's are a perfect size (~10 oz), just enough so you are ready to throw it away empty before you get on the next ride and soda stations are plentiful. The food prices are better than most amusement parks, but are still jacked. I don't think you can bring food into the park, but if you leave it in a cooler in your car, there is a shady picnic area with tables between the park entrance and the parking lot. The water park is fun and included in admission so be prepared for that. You will have to rent a locker if needed. They do check bags- not sure about the snacks. any other questions- feel free to ask.

FYI- This park is very family friendly, not rowdy.

What ages are going on this trip?

 

[goofy4tink]

I've been to Canobie many times. My dd, now almost 15, has been to CLP many times as well. And we like it there a lot. But, she has gone to Compounce twice now. She goes with her camp. She went last year and was just there last weekend. She says she likes it at Lake Compounce much better than at CLP, but I can't tell you why.
I'm thinking we may have to go as a family at some point this summer. The kid really loves it there.

 

[sandy6879]

We are planning our annual trip to Canobie Lake Park in NH, but the kids are asking to go to Lake Compounce. Has anyone been and can offer a comparsion between the two? I read that Lake Compounce offers free beverages (Pepsi products). Do you give you those little rinky dinky plastic cups or something reasonable? How are the lines and the prices for the food? Are they strict about checking bags or could I bring a soft sided cooler with snacks?

I go to Lake Compounce all the time since we live about 3 miles away. In terms of free beverages, they have soda fountains set up with cups stacked next to them so you can get as much soda as you'd like. I think they are 12 oz cups, but you can go up as many times as you'd like to get more. Lines were good this week - I think the longest we waited was 20 minutes for bumper cars. They do check bags but there is a picnic area off the parking lot so you could put the cooler in your car and come back to it at lunch times. It's not that far of a walk at all to the parking area from the park. hope that helped!

 

[ahoff]

Lake Compounce is a nice place, and Boulderdash is a great coaster. And closer to me than Great Adventure. Though GA has El Toro.

 

[Kimberle]

We love Lake Compounce! We have season passes. The water park is small, but fun. (They are planning a 7 acre expansion to be ready for the 2010 season.) There are lockers you can rent to store your stuff. W/ends get busy, so go during the week if you can.

I don't think the food prices are bad. I love the bbq pork at the Crock Pot. It also has nice fresh salads and wraps if you don't want anything "greasy". You can get a whole large cheese pizza for about $20. The pepsi is free. The cups are 12 oz, but you can refill as often as you like.

No, you can't take your own food in. There are picnic tables at the edge of the parking lot if you wish to leave your food in your car and come out to eat.

 

[mrsboz]

Does anyone have any ideas on where to stay? Any other local places to go?

 

[Nie0214]

I haven't been to Lake Compounce since I was in high school, but I liked it. The wooden roller coaster they have there is awesome! It's about equal to Canobie Lake imo, maybe a little bit better. I used to go to Canobie yearly as well, but you outgrow it very quickly. Canobie seems to be better for the younger ages to me.

They are different but quite alike. If you go to Canobie every year, you should try something new anyway! It will feel like a fresh vacation. The scenery around Lake Compounce is just gorgeous too.