If you don’t mind a little traveling, family fun can be had this summer

Amusement Parks and attractions may be closed in Massachusetts, but summer family fun can still be had if you are willing to travel to neighboring states and undergo safety protocols.

Canobie Lake Park, in Salem, New Hampshire, has announced that they are targeting Thursday, July 16th as opening day for 2020.

“We are spending this time preparing the Park for our new normal. Please understand this will include new policies, procedures, online reservations and health & safety protocols designed to create a safe space where families & friends may enjoy their time together in an open-air, outdoor environment.”

The Park will soon be updating information on ticketing, accessing the Park, and available attractions.

Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Mystic Aquarium in Mystic Connecticut is excited to announce the opening of indoor habitats on Saturday, June 20. Access to the entire Aquarium campus will be permitted at 50% occupancy.

“We are excited to take another step forward as we continue our efforts to benefit the region’s economy, to send a positive message to all that Connecticut is strong and recovering and that Mystic Aquarium is a safe and inspirational respite for people during this time of rebound and rediscovery,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium.

Safety protocols in place include mandatory temperature screenings for staff and guests alike, advance purchase online timed-tickets for admission and one-way pathways with clear social distance markers. Guests are required to wear face protection. Staff and volunteers are outfitted with Personal Protection Equipment. Additional disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations are located throughout the indoor and outdoor habitats. Barriers and other safety related infrastructure changes have been implemented as well.

“This phased opening has been well-received by our guests,” said Nate Fague, the Aquarium’s Director of Safety & Security. “The safety protocols that are in place are working well and have been overwhelmingly embraced by our guests. We are thrilled that it has been such a positive experience for all. We anticipate the same during Phase II.”

The Aquarium states that they have a dedicated custodial staff carrying out a continuous cleaning regime using EPA-registered disinfectants in accordance with CDC guidelines and full-time overnight deep cleaning crew.

With the safety and security of both guests and animals in mind, during the first week of Phase II reopen, touch habitats will be available for passive viewing only. This will include Ray Touch and Discover Long Island Sound. A new shark touch habitat will debut in early July. Most touch experiences will reopen at that time as well.

Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily for timed-ticket visitation.

Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, is set to open July 1 – July 5 for Season Passholders & Campground Guests Only and July 6 to everyone.

In order to comply with key health and safety measures surrounding limiting capacity, social distancing, and touch-free payment, planning a visit to Lake Compounce will look different this summer.

Guests will need to register for the date they wish to visit in advance, in addition to their regularly purchased Ticket or Season Pass. If the date you wish to visit is not listed in their online calendar, capacity limit for that date has been hit, and you will need to choose another day. All those wishing to enter Lake Compounce (Guests, Team Members, Suppliers, and Contracted Partners) will have their temperatures scanned before entering the park. Any person with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, or displaying other symptoms of COVID-19, will be denied entry. Facial coverings are also required for all entrants, except children under 3 years of age. Guests are also asked to wash hands with soap and water and to avoid touching your face.

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury, Connecticut is opening this Saturday, June 20th, under the same Connecticut COVID-19 restrictions.

A spokesperson for Connecticut tourism states that their latest guidance does not include restrictions on visitors entering the state.