FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Canobie Lake Park.
Get answers to important questions before you arrive, after you arrive and during your stay.
FAQ Categories
General Park Information
A full list of attractions that are available are located under the “Park Attractions” page with each operating schedule. During your trip with us the most current list of offering is available at Guest Services.
Many guests celebrate special occasions with us so we hope you have a great time!! Although we do not have a specific birthday party program or birthday pricing specials, we do allow you to bring in a cake. Seating throughout the Park is on a first come/first served basis.
PRESENTS: If you are bringing in presents, they must remain unwrapped or clearly visible in a gift pack for security inspection on arrival.
BALLOONS: Balloons are prohibited.
Please make sure that once you are in the Park you visit our Guest Services window for a special birthday card and birthday sticker that may be worn throughout your trip. This is free of charge to the individual celebrating his/her birthday with us.
All Guests should have a meeting time and place agreed upon before arrival at the Park. Remind all members, especially children, to ask a uniformed Team Member for assistance if a separation occurs. A message service is available at Guest Services. Unfortunately due to the large amounts of requests, we do not offer Park paging.
Ticket stubs and receipts are not valid for re-entry to the Park. Each Guest is offered a stamp as they exit the Park. This stamp must be legible by a Team Member for same day re-entry. Situations like these are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will be handled by our Guest Services team.
Yes. Upon leaving the Park, all Guests should get a stamp at the appropriately marked exit. This stamp allows guests unlimited re-entry to the park on that day until closing time.
All Guests need a valid hand stamp in order to re-enter the Park.
Canobie does not allow food or beverage to be brought into the Park. The Park offers a wide variety of foods and dining options for guests to enjoy inside the Park. Guests can also take advantage of our re-admission policy for lunch. There are no picnic tables or shaded places to sit in our parking lot. No grilling or alcohol is allowed in our Parking lot. We have prepared a Food Allergy Guide to assist in planning your visit for those with particular food allergies.
Yes, you can. Canobie Lake Park seeks to include guests of all ages and physical abilities, although it is important to note that not all attractions are wheelchair or ECV accessible. It may become necessary for a guest to transfer themselves to our ride vehicles. Our Team Members are well trained in these situations, but they may not assist in the physical transfer from chair to carrier. We will hold up ride cycles in order for members of your party to assist you in the transfer to and from your chair. Additionally, we do have a Guests Accessibillity Guide available in preparation for your trip.
Yes we do. There is a Bank of America ATM located just inside the entrance plaza, which accepts most major ATM cards.
Yes you can. All major food locations accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express.
No. All of our restaurants and food stands are seated on a first-come-first-served basis. We do not take reservations at any time.
Guests of Canobie can take advantage of local lodging found on our hotels page.
It is always a great day to visit Canobie Lake Park! This is a truly difficult question to answer as we are an outdoor facility and weather plays a major factor in our operation. As a general rule of thumb: Spring tends to be less busy than Summer. In the Spring: Weekends tend to be less busy than weekdays. In the Summer: Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends.
Screeemfest: Although anytime is a great time to visit Canobie Lake Park’s Screeemfest, our experience has been that Fridays and Sundays (non holidays) tend to be less crowded than Saturdays. We also recommend arriving before 6 PM on Saturdays or Sundays.
Canobie accepts Cash, Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. Please be advised that select food locations throughout the Park are cashless. We also accept Business Checks from Registered Groups only.
Proper dress is required for admission to Canobie Lake Park. Shirt and Shoes must be worn at all times. Dress containing profanity of any kind or otherwise deemed inappropriate will not be allowed on Park grounds.
Castaway Island: Swim attire is required and strictly enforced. Infants who wear diapers are required to wear a swim diaper in Castaway Island. Changing stalls are available inside the restrooms at Castaway Island.
Screeemfest: Guests are not permitted to attend Canobie Lake Park Screeemfest wearing costumes or character makeup. Please leave the haunting to us!
Canobie Lake Park is located at 85 North Policy Street in Salem, New Hampshire 03079. Please note that not all GPS systems have you “Arrive At Your Destination” in front of our gates. Please be sure to check our directions page to ensure that you are following the correct route off of the highway. Our parking lot gates are physically located on North Policy Street.
If you type in “Canobie Lake” to your GPS, it will also not bring you to our gates. Please put in 85 North Policy Street in Salem, New Hampshire 03079.
Canobie Lake Park Screeemfest will reopen in the Fall of 2025. You can view our Park Hours at the link below.
Castaway Island will be open on May 24, May 25, and May 26, 2025 and will operate Saturday and Sundays only through June 15th, 2025. Castaway will then be open each operating day (weather and temperature permitting) through September 1, 2025.
Castaway Island is included with Park admission.
Depending on weather and guest volume, there may be a wait time to enter Castaway Island. This wait time will increase in more favorable conditions.
Proper bathing attire is required for Castaway Island attractions.
Groups
All tickets are pre-purchased and pre-distributed so your attendees may arrive anytime during Park Hours. If you need to leave additional tickets for your group, you may do so at Guest Services along with those Guest’s names.
The Park is not responsible for children who call their parents to come pick them up and separate from the Group. It is the responsibility of the Group Leaders and Chaperones to watch the children. If a child feels ill during the day and calls their parent on their own, the Park has no way to monitor this. Tell your students in advance that they MUST notify a chaperone if they plan to leave the Park with a parent.
Yes. We will page your group when it is time to leave. You must go to Guest Services and request the page. We will page your group to your busses or to your meeting place. Individual names will not be paged, only registered group names. Bus drivers cannot request a page; only the group leader of the group can make the request.
Lockers are available for rent inside the Park, across from the Ferris Wheel, along the fence to the parking lot. We have a limited number of lockers and they will sell out on busy days. Encourage your members to buddy up. Chaperones may choose to set up a base camp to watch over book bags and serve as a meeting place for lost students. The Park is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Unattended items may cause a security concern and could be removed by Park staff.
We have a few areas inside the Park for groups to meet and have lunch. We do not provide picnic tables. You cannot reserve these areas; they are on a first come first served basis. Please stay clear of any fenced off areas, taped off areas, and pay attention and obey any additional signage in those areas. We suggest that you place a chaperone in the area you plan to have lunch when you arrive. This can act as a meeting point for students who become separated from their group. With prior approval from the Park, we may allow groups who have registered with us to bring in lunch. Coolers, Grills and other cooking equipment are strictly prohibited.
Should a person misbehave and the matter is brought to the attention of our Security Department we will page/call the Group Leader of that group to address the issue.
When the injury is reported to the Park the person is taken to our First Aid Building for treatment. A chaperone is paged to the front gate and sent to First Aid to fill out the appropriate paperwork.
We have a First Aid building inside the Park staffed by EMT’s. This is a good place to meet up to dispense medicines. Our main First Aid is located behind the Carousel, directly to your right once you enter the Park. If a school nurse came on the field trip, it is a good idea to have them leave a contact number in the event a student goes to First Aid.
WE DO NOT PAGE FOR LOST PERSONS. Instruct your group members to find a Security Officer or to go to Guest Services inside the entrance plaza if they become lost or separated from their group. We will do our best to reunite the parties. A meeting place staffed by a chaperone helps in times like these.
In most cases the Park will remain open. Should prolonged predicted weather require the Park to close, the most accurate information will be given on the Park’s general message system at (603) 893-3506. If it rains during your visit, it is important to note that some attractions will have to close. We will attempt to reopen these attractions as soon as it is safe to do so. Guest Services can give you up-to-the minute weather forecasts and page your group should you decide to leave earlier than anticipated. There are No Rain Checks or Refunds in the case of inclement weather unless the park elects to close.
No. At the turnstiles, everyone will surrender their ticket for admission. The ticket is kept by the Gate Attendants. Once inside the Park all rides and shows are included. We issue a stamp as you exit if you wish to return later in the same day.
When your group arrives Security will greet you in our parking lot. Security Officers will direct you to the appropriate area of our parking lot. We reserve enough bus parking according to our reservations for that day. We recommend that the Group Leader travel separately from the bus to speed up the admissions process for the group. Personal vehicles are not allowed in Bus Parking. Do not drop off until you have been parked.
All downloadable workbook materials is located on our Field Trips & Other Groups page under Quick Links for Educators. We may be able coordinate a smaller private presentation for your group regarding any educational topic. Reach out to Group Sales at (603) 893-3506 ext. 4854 if you are interested and did not request one in your initial registration.
The Bus Driver can purchase tickets at the same group rate for additional children. We do not provide the children of bus drivers with complimentary admission to the Park. A child may not use a bus driver ticket for admission (they will be denied access by our Gate Attendants).
The Park will issue a refund check and mail it to the address on the check usually within five business days of your trip.
All unused tickets will be need to turned in to Guest Services in order to receive a refund.
No. All tickets are dated for that day only and will not be valid on another day during the 2024 season.
Chaperone tickets depend on your outing’s total number of Guests and also the day of the week. Complimentary chaperone tickets are only available for outings on weekdays that the Park is operational.
Unfortunately, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, complimentary chaperone tickets are not available.
Otherwise, your group will receive one free chaperone ticket for every 10-group tickets purchased beyond 25. For example, if you have 72 people in your group, you will purchase 66 group tickets and receive six free chaperone tickets. Chaperone tickets are not available to be used by attendees, rather for the adult supervision attending with the group.
Additional chaperones can purchase tickets at the Group rate. Complimentary chaperone tickets are not available to groups who elect to purchase tickets individually. Chaperone tickets are dated and only valid on the date of your outing.
Absolutely! We can take payment in advance so you can distribute your tickets on the bus to make an easy entry process. Printing your group’s tickets on the date of your visit is possible, but does add time to the start of your trip. Email [email protected] or give us a call at (603) 893-3506 x4854 so we can walk you through your options.
If purchasing on arrival: You will pay for and receive your admission tickets the date of your visit.
If purchasing in advance: You can choose to have your tickets sent to you in advance (with 2 weeks notice) or elect to have your complete ticketing package ready and available for you at our Group Sales Windows on arrival. Both of these advance options will speed up your entry process.
- You will need a total head count of all the students and adult chaperones. (Do not include the Bus drivers in your final head count. Bus drivers are given complimentary admission to the park by our Security Officers in the parking lot or at Guest Services.)
- Once your group is confirmed for the date of your visit, a member of our Team will be in touch to discuss details with you. Payment can be taken over the phone when using a Credit Card (Visa, MC, Discover or American Express) or you can mail an Organizational Check. Payment needs to be made prior to Park entry, if it has not been received another form of payment will needed to enter the Park. Please note that cash may be accepted by appointment in advance or when arriving at our Group Sales Windows. Personal Checks and Purchase Orders are not valid forms of payment. We cannot bill your school.
- Once your group arrives and is inside the Park, any unused group tickets for your trip will be refunded by company check that will be mailed within a week following the date of your visit.
Rentals
We do! You can find more information about locker rentals at the link below.
We do! You can find more information about electric scooter rentals at the link below.
We do! You can find more information about wheelchair rentals at the link below.
We do! You can find more information about stroller rentals at the link below.
Rides & Attractions
It is always our goal to ensure all of our rides and attractions are operating, however there may be times throughout the day where an attraction becomes unavailable.
Please check any signage at our ticket booths, our front gate turnstiles or check in with our Guest Services Team as they have the most up to date ride information.
Any extended closures will be posted on our Park Attractions page.
Certain attraction queue lines may close earlier in some cases up to one hour prior to Park close.
All of the attractions at Canobie incorporate safety systems that are designed by the manufacturer to accommodate people of average physical stature and body proportion. These safety systems in addition to State requirements may place restrictions on the ability of an individual to experience an attraction. Extremely large or small individuals, guests who have a history of heart, back, or neck trouble or recent surgery, expectant mothers, guests with casts, braces, restrictive devices or disabilities may be affected by the requirements needed to ensure these systems operate properly. We do have a Guests with Disabilities Guide available in preparation of your trip. Height restrictions are established based on the size needed for safety restraints to function properly. These requirements are posted at the entrance of each attraction. For a detailed listing of our rides and their height restrictions please visit our rides pages.
Yes, service animals are permitted inside of Castaway Island. However, they are unable to go in or on any of our attractions such as the Tidal River, Lil Squirts Lagoon, the River Slides and the Rain Fortress.
Season Passes
If you still need your Season Pass printed you should already have a paper Season Pass voucher that you will bring to Guest Services prior to entry. Then you will receive your plastic Season Pass card that you will use to enter the Park.
Please Note: All Passholders must be present to receive their plastic card as photos may need to be taken or retaken.
Season Pass vouchers should be redeemed for your plastic card on your first visit with us on any day the Park is open at Guest Services prior to entry.
You can purchase Season Passes online here or you can purchase them at the Park before you enter at Guest Services.
Please be advised that we no longer offer In-Park specials for Season Passes.
If you are interested in upgrading your Basic Season Pass to a Platinum Pass you will need to do so at Guest Services before entering the Park pending Season Pass availability.
2025 Dates TBD
Please note: Both the Passholder and the complimentary second entry guest must arrive and enter together.
In the event you haven’t received your plastic Season Pass card for the 2024 season, you will need to visit Guest Services prior to entry to redeem your voucher. Otherwise, both you and your guest should approach our Park Entrance and enter through Security and proceed to our turnstile lines. Your complimentary guest will need to be physically with you at entry. We are not able to accommodate the Passholder’s guest if they arrive at our gates earlier or later than the Passholder.
If your ticket has NOT BEEN USED: The paid value of any unused ticket that has not been scanned for entry at the Park may be applied towards the purchase of a Season Pass prior to entry at Guest Services, or in advance via [email protected], pending upgrade availability.
If you ticket HAS BEEN USED: Once your ticket has been scanned for entry at the Park, it loses all cash value and may no longer be applied towards a Season Pass or any other product.
No, for 2025 each pass type has only one price. You may purchase your passes or passes as a gift online (highly recommended) or may purchase season passes with each person present at Guest Services on arrival.
Yes. Should a Season Passholder wish to exit the Park for any reason and hope to return the same day, a valid hand stamp must be received at our exit for same day re-entry. Your season pass is only valid for one scan per day (on days your pass is valid).
Services & Amenities
Yes we do! Parent Swap is a service available for those who have small children, but no provision for childcare while participating in height-restricted attractions at the Park. One person may wait with the child on the midway near the exit, or in the designated area on the exit side of the platform or station, while the other guests in the party enter the line. When the rest of the party has exited the ride, the person who waited with the child may enter the ride through the exit and ride. Please check with the ride operator or attendant at the particular attraction for assistance with this service.
Ease of Mind Wristbands – We offer Guests who wish to participate, the opportunity to wear a red wristband in order to make it easier for ride operators to identify them. One wristband is issued for each individual or group participating in the program with access for up to three additional Guests. Please be advised that depending on crowd levels the number of companion riders will be strictly limited.
Guests with Disabilities are NOT required to wear a red wristband to participate; however, it is recommended in order to expedite their boarding.
Nursing mothers may breastfeed their children anywhere they wish in the Park (on a bench, in a restaurant, etc.), so long as it is not a “restricted area” or “safety zone” (ride enclosures, private areas, etc.) Covering up is solely at the discretion of the mother. For those guests seeking a private alternative, our Nursing Room is located at the Main Entrance Complex. The Nursing Room key is available at our Guest Services window.
We have put together a comprehensive Food Allergy Guide available at the Guest Services office or online on the Food page. If your allergy is not covered in the guide then we ask you to contact us at 603-893-3506 and speak with one of our Food Managers for the most accurate information.
Yes we do. Lost & Found is located inside Guest Services at the Main Gate. If you should lose an item on a ride, we will search for the article as soon as practical. If you have already left the Park for the day and realized you lost an item you may call our Lost & Found at 603-893-3506 ex. 4609.
Yes we do. Drinking fountains are located on the outside of all of our restrooms (at the Boston Tea Party the bathroom buildings are separated, the fountain is located behind Boston Harbor Patrol near the Ladies room).
The Park no longer has pay phones. Should you need assistance, please visit Guest Services.
A Family restroom is located on the Ferris Wheel side of the Park Entrance Plaza. Additionally, baby changing tables are located in all of our restrooms.
For the comfort of all our Guests, smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas. These areas are highlighted on the Park Map & Guide and are conveniently located throughout the Park.
Ticketing & Specials
Good Any Day tickets can be used any one day of our operating season (including Screeemfest), no reservation necessary! Just bring your unused and valid 2025 Good Any Day ticket to our turnstiles and you’ll be good to go!
If you are holding a Good Any Day ticket from a previous year, please email [email protected] with your confirmation number and that you’d like to upgrade it to 2025. Please be advised you will be responsible for paying the difference in price of the Good Any Day ticket from year to year.
If you are unable to purchase a ticket online we have sold out for the day and you will need to choose another day to visit with us.
If you can no longer attend on a certain date please send an email to [email protected] containing your confirmation number, the name on the order and the new date you wish to attend pending ticket availability.
Please Note: If the new date you choose is a higher priced day you will be charged the difference in prices per ticket. Refunds are not issued if you choose to visit with us on a lesser priced day.
Parking is always FREE at Canobie. We have plenty of on site parking within a short walk to our admissions gate. But, sometimes you just want to be closer to the action. Entry into the Dapper Lot (Preferred Parking) is available on select dates with parking spaces reserved by the Park Entrance.
All Guests who choose to enter the Park must purchase tickets. Canobie takes great pride in being a total family entertainment facility.
All active Specials & Discounts can be viewed by clicking the button below.
Any unused tickets retain their value paid and can be used towards your purchase of tickets for the 2025 Season. Please visit our Guest Services window before entry to upgrade your past years tickets.
If tickets are available for the day, upgrades will be accepted. However, if tickets are no longer available for the day, upgrades will not be available.
All guests in wheelchairs should check in with Guest Services prior to purchasing your ticket for information on available services. Additionally, we do have a Guests with Disabilities Guide available in preparation for your trip.
All expectant mothers should check in with Guest Services prior to purchasing your ticket for information on available services.
Consignment Tickets for 2025 are valid on the date listed on your Consignment Ticket. When purchasing 2025 Consignment Tickets, you select which date you would like to attend and the discounted price will be shown. Please note that some dates (especially Saturdays during the Summer and during Screeemfest) may have no discount from typical online prices. If you need to adjust the date on your Consignment Ticket, you may do so at Guest Services on arrival on any date with availability by paying only any difference in price. If you prefer to change your tickets in advance to ensure availability, please email [email protected].
Please note: Discounted Consignment Tickets must be purchased through the link provided by your company using the provided Company Code.
Discounted Date-Specific Ticket pricing does vary depending on which day you wish to visit. Please visit our Buy Tickets page, select Discounted Date Specific Tickets, select the amount of the type of ticket you are looking to purchase, then click Select Date. There you will be able to see our pricing calendar.
If you are unable to purchase a ticket online we have sold out for the day and you will need to choose another day to visit with us.
Children 3 years old or younger are FREE and do not require an admission ticket.
Weather
Canobie Lake Park operates in most weather conditions. Some attractions may temporarily close due to weather conditions such as rain, high winds and thunder and lightning. These attractions will re-open as soon as possible. Outdoor live performances may not operate during rain. Should the Park close because of inclement weather, those guests remaining inside the Park at the adjusted closing time will be issued a comparable ticket to enjoy the Park on another day/evening. Should you decide to leave the Park of your own volition, prior to the adjusted Park closing time, no rain check will be issued.
Your park tickets will always hold the value paid so they can be applied to another day you wish to visit pending ticket availability. Please send an email to [email protected] containing your confirmation number, the name on the order and the new date you wish to attend.
Please Note: If the new date you choose is a higher priced day you will be charged the difference in prices per ticket. Refunds are not issued if you choose to visit with us on a lesser priced day.