Quassy
2132 Middlebury Road, Route 64
Middlebury, CT
Located on the shores of Lake Quassapaug
Our return to Quassy this year was much anticipated by the boys. We thoroughly enjoyed last year’s visits, and this year there was even more to do. Believe it or not, I was even comfortable bringing the 5yo, 3yo, and 9mo all by myself this time. Some of the mid-sized rides the 5yo was unable to ride because of height restrictions without an adult (I obviously wasn’t going to bring Siobhan onto the Warrior Rollercoaster or leave her behind! Haha!), but Sean’s mood remained upbeat as he dragged his brother tirelessly from one ride to the other.
There are many reasons I felt comfortable bringing three little kids to Quassy alone. First, it’s only 35 minutes from Brewster (less with my driving, but anyway). Second, is the nearby parking. Though there is an additional $6 cost to parking (free for season pass holders), your car is so nearby that you can track back and forth without an issue. Forgot your diapers, wipes, or need a change of clothes? No problem. Another reason is the close proximity of the rides. There are PLENTY of rides and they’re spaced so we can quickly zip between them (yet our friends were there, too, and surprisingly we didn’t cross paths once!). There are even little sections for the small rides where I could sit with the baby in her stroller, and watch the two boys go from ride to ride without worrying. Yet another reason I enjoyed Quassy are the ride operators who have always been very helpful getting the kids on and off the rides. Plus they have a kind disposition, which makes the children enjoy their experience even more.
Finally, the lack of long ride lines are always great. We were there on a “busy” day this year (per one ride operator), and the kids were still hopping onto rides without more than a couple minute wait. If you have little children, you know how excruciating waiting in lines can be, so this was great.
The cost of Quassy is reasonable, in my opinion. For $250 you can have a season pass covering 4 family members and parking. This includes both the wet and dry sides of the park. If you’re more cost conscience, you could purchase a day-pass for your child only and still walk around with him/her without having to go onto the age/height appropriate rides yourself. Individual ride tickets can be purchased if there is a ride or two you would like to go on. You can also bring in your own food/drinks to help keep the costs down for yourself.
The boys remained on the dry side (I’m not crazy enough bring the boys to the wet side without help!), and there was plenty for them to go on for their size. Though they went on the same ride repeatedly, once we moved onto the next ride, we did not need to return. There were that many rides to keep them happy! If I’d been able go on with them, they would have gone on even more.
Last year the wet side was great, with plenty of water slides, a small beach for the lake, a waterpad for the itty-bitties (larger kids are not allowed here, so your itty-bitties are safe), and large water play structures such as you see indoors at some hotels.
Keep an eye out on their website (www.quassy.com) for fun events throughout the summer. There are plenty going on for any variety of age ranges, plus there are listing for discount tickets (Carload Fridays are only $35 per carload of people). We look forward to seeing you there!
Season passes are on sale now (only $250 for a family of four!!) at the park office and through the Quassy Web site at www.quassy.com. Company picnics, school fieldtrips and other catered events are also being scheduled through the park office at 203-758-2913.
For more information visit www.quassy.com or call 1-800-FOR-PARK.
UPDATE: I returned to Quassy WITH my husband and children. The entire family stayed for ELEVEN hours. No major meltdowns for the kids or parents, just go, go, go fun on the 'dry' rides (we did get wet on their version of the log flume ride, which helped to cool us off along with the water mister). And the kids begged the next day to return. There's just no way to lose! Affordable. Close. Way too much fun. Join us!
