I hope you’re not afraid of heights!
School is out and summer is here in full swing. What better way to spend the day than at an amusement park! There are quite a few exciting ones around Philadelphia, we have gathered them in a guide for you to choose your favorite one to visit!
1. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
Offering “a unique mix of fun for the entire family”, this is the place to go if half of you’re group are adrenaline junkies and the other half don’t like big roller coasters. They have tall roller coasters and large waterslides as well as smaller, slower rides and water park attractions for younger visitors. About an hour and a half drive from Philly, this is also one of the closest parks from the city that would make a super fun summer day trip.
Where: 4000 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 1810
2. Six Flags Great Adventure
One of America’s most thrilling amusement parks is located only an hour and a half drive outside of Philadelphia in New Jersey. A brand new roller coaster called the Jersey Devil Coaster opened in June 2021, and is the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest single rail roller coaster, according to their website. Do you think you can handle it? Tickets start at $29.99 for a day pass.
Where: 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
3. Hershey Park
Of course, Hershey Park is located in Hershey, PA! Another one of America’s most well-known amusement parks is not too far from Philly. With sweet rides for all ages and the brand new Chocolatetown, there are going to be so many things to discover for everyone! Along with the grand opening of Chocolatetown, came the inauguration of their 15th roller coaster, now the tallest, fastest, and longest of the park; Candymonium. The water park is also open for the season and has huge water slides. Want to give these coasters a ride? Reserve your tickets here!
Where: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
4. Dutch Wonderland
If you are looking for something for a younger crowd this is the theme park for you. Targeted more towards children, teens, and families, these rides are less intense, smaller, and slower. They have over 35 rides and attractions, so there are many options of where to go and a lot of rides to try out. Only an hour and a half drive from Philly, this would be a very exciting day trip for the kiddos who are out of school and getting restless from the long summer days.
Where: 2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602
5. Knoebels
With a large waterpark, rides that are big and small, Knoebels has fun for all ages! If you buy your tickets in advance, visitors are able to save $5 on walk-in admissions. They also have a Sundown Special where you can ride the coasters in the evening for a discounted price compared to the Ride All Day passes. Located two hours and a half drive from the city, this day trip will absolutely be worth it!
Where: 391 Knoebels Boulevard, PA-487, Elysburg, PA 17824
6.Funplex
Only a 25 minute drive away from Philly, Funplex is the summer getaway we can get behind! With all sorts of attractions from mini-golf, bowling, bumper boats, to bigger coasters, no matter how old you are, you will have a good time! Their big water park is now open to cool off during these hot summer days. The rides, bowling, and arcade are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the waterpark from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. so the whole day will be enjoyed outdoors in the summer sun.
Where: 3320-24 NJ-38, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
[Featured image: @hersheypark / Instagram]