The Ultimate Guide to Funtown Splashtown USA
Wooden coasters, massive water slides, and the tallest log flume in New England. Here is how to tackle Maine's biggest theme park.
Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco is the largest amusement park in Northern New England, and for Maine families, a summer trip here is a rite of passage. With 45 rides and attractions spread across two interconnected parks, it delivers everything from heart-pounding roller coasters to lazy river relaxation.
The park is actually two parks in one: Funtown (the dry ride amusement park) and Splashtown (the water park). You can buy tickets for one or a combo pass for both—and the combo is almost always worth it on a hot summer day.
2025 Season Information
Funtown USA Opening: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Splashtown USA Opening: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Typical Hours:
- Funtown: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Splashtown: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Hours vary throughout the season, with extended hours on peak summer days. Always check the official website before your visit.
The Big Thrills
Excalibur
The crown jewel of the park. Excalibur is the tallest and longest wooden roller coaster in Northern New England.
- The Experience: It’s fast, loud, and aggressive in the way only a wooden coaster can be. The classic clickety-clack of the chain lift, the howl of the wind, and the satisfying rumble of wood beneath you create an experience steel coasters simply can’t match.
- Stats: 82 feet tall, reaching speeds of 55 mph
- Tip: The back row offers the most “airtime” (that floating sensation), while the front row is smoother with better views. Either way, you’re in for a ride.
Dragon’s Descent
A 220-foot turbo drop tower—one of the tallest structures in Maine. You’re lifted slowly to the top, held there for a few agonizing seconds while you take in a panoramic view of Saco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and then dropped in a heart-stopping free fall.
- The View: On a clear day, you can see Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford Pool, and miles of coastline.
- The Drop: Pure adrenaline. Not for the faint of heart.
Thunder Falls Log Flume
The tallest log flume ride in New England. The slow climb builds anticipation before the splashdown that soaks everyone in the boat—and often spectators on the bridge below.
- Warning: You will get wet. On a hot day, you’ll be grateful.
- Lines: Can stretch to an hour on peak days. Go early or late to minimize wait time.
Astrosphere
A park classic and cult favorite. This indoor Scrambler features a state-of-the-art laser and light show synchronized to ELO’s “Fire on High.” It’s disorienting, loud, and strangely hypnotic.
- The Vibe: Part carnival ride, part rave, all fun.
- Tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, maybe skip this one.
Wild Mouse
A compact coaster that tests riders with sharp, unexpected turns. It’s more intense than it looks—the hairpin corners come fast.
Thunderbolt
A classic steel coaster with loops and corkscrews. Great for riders working up to the intensity of Excalibur.
New for 2025: Interactive Dark Ride
The park’s newest attraction takes you on a journey through the Whispering Pines Hotel, where a witch’s curse has set the stage for an interactive adventure. Armed with a “curse eradicator,” guests become part of the spell-breaking story, exploring 14 uniquely themed rooms.
- Easter Egg: One room pays homage to the iconic carpet pattern from “The Shining.”
- Family Friendly: Despite the spooky theme, it’s appropriate for all ages.
Splashtown Water Park
When the heat of a Maine summer day becomes too much, Splashtown provides relief with 16 waterslides and various water attractions.
Mammoth
One of the largest water slides in Maine. Your family piles into a massive raft and plunges through a dark, twisting course. Screaming is encouraged.
Tornado
The signature thrill ride of Splashtown. Your raft drops into a giant funnel where you’re swept up the walls before being flushed down the drain. The sensation of weightlessness at the top of the funnel is unforgettable.
Mount Olympus Complex
The tallest and largest water slide attractions in Maine. Multiple slides of varying intensity cater to thrill-seekers of all levels.
Portland Pirates Paradise
A multi-level interactive water play structure perfect for younger kids. Features 8 waterslides for children plus the famous 500-gallon bucket that dumps every two minutes—time your approach carefully (or not, if you want a soaking).
Wading Pool and Lagoon
Gentle areas for the youngest visitors to splash safely while parents keep watch.
Tips for Families
The Split Ticket Strategy
Not everyone in your family wants the same experience:
- Small kids: The Splashtown-only pass may be all you need. Pirates Paradise and the wading areas will keep them happy for hours.
- Tweens and teens: They’ll want the combo pass to hit both Excalibur and the big water slides.
- Adults with little ones: Consider having one parent stay at Splashtown while the other takes older kids to Funtown, then switch.
The Cooler Policy
Unlike many major parks (looking at you, Disney and Universal), Funtown allows you to bring your own food and coolers into the picnic area outside the gates. This is a massive money saver for families. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, and take a lunch break at the picnic tables.
Height Requirements
Check height requirements online before you go. Nothing ruins a day faster than a kid who is 1 inch too short for the ride they’ve been talking about all week. Measure at home, be honest with yourself, and manage expectations accordingly.
Sunscreen Strategy
Splashtown has very little shade. Apply before arriving, reapply every two hours, and don’t forget ears, feet, and the back of necks. Water intensifies sun exposure. Bring it with you—park prices for sunscreen are steep.
Timing Your Visit
- Best Days: Weekdays in June or late August are typically less crowded than July weekends.
- Arrive Early: Gates open at 10:30 AM. Being there when the park opens means shorter lines for popular rides.
- Stay Late: Lines tend to thin out in the last hour or two of operation.
Special Events
Funtown All Grown Up
An exclusive 21+ after-hours takeover for adults who want to relive their childhood without, well, children. Features all the rides, cold canned drinks, and late-night vibes. Check the calendar for scheduled dates.
Logistics
Location: 774 Portland Road (Route 1), Saco, Maine—just minutes from Old Orchard Beach.
Parking: Free! This alone saves a family $20-30 compared to most major parks.
Season: Mid-June through Labor Day for full operations. Funtown often opens weekends in May and September.
Tickets: General admission typically ranges from $50-60 per person for combo passes. Single-park tickets and season passes are available. Check the official website for current pricing and online discounts.
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit and towel (for Splashtown)
- Change of clothes
- Sunscreen
- Cooler with lunch (for the picnic area)
- Cash for games and extras
The Verdict
Funtown Splashtown USA isn’t trying to be Disney World, and that’s exactly why Maine families love it. It’s a classic, loud, sun-drenched American summer amusement park—the kind where the wooden coaster rattles your teeth, the log flume soaks your shorts, and the memories last a lifetime.
For generations of Mainers, the annual trip to Funtown has been a summer tradition. The park continues to evolve—adding new rides like the 2025 dark ride while maintaining the classics that parents remember from their own childhoods. It’s nostalgia and novelty, thrills and lazy rivers, all rolled into one unforgettable summer day.
Location: 774 Portland Road, Saco, Maine Website: funtownsplashtownusa.com