Best Amusement Parks for families near DC
One of the best summer activities to do as a family is a visit to an amusement park.
If you live in the Washington DC area, there are so many fun amusement parks, and theme park ideas to keep your summer days busy.
On the blog, I will share the best amusement parks for families near DC, including some of the best Water Parks in the DC area as well.
You can easily plan a day trip to a nearby amusement park, or spend the weekend and purchase multi-day tickets for a weekend of summer fun!
Most of the Amusement parks I share are close to DC in Virginia, and Maryland, while others are in neighboring states just a few short hours from DC!
READ NEXT: Top things to do this summer in DC with kids
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Some things to bring for your theme park visit
When planning your theme park visit this summer make sure to bring a few things to keep comfortable during those hot summer days. Here are some things we always have in our bags:
- Insulated refillable water bottles (water & ice is usually free at theme parks)
- Spray fan (we fill it with water & ice to keep cool)
- Cooling towels
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- Lots of snacks
- Wear dri-fit clothes
- Wet-dry bags (to store extra clothes)
- Portable phone chargers
Some tips to keep cool at theme parks during the summer:
- Visit early in the morning or later in the evening. We skip the hottest part of the day and usually hit the hotel pool mid-day.
- Drink lots of water!
- Wear loose dri-fit clothing
- Cool off at an indoor restaurant
- Take some time too cool off and relax at the baby care centers. Most theme parks offer special areas for nursing mothers and other family services.
- Enjoy some downtime & shade on a train ride
- Enjoy the indoor shows if available
Best Amusement Parks near Washington DC
Kings Dominion: Best Theme Park near DC
One of the best theme parks for families in the DC area that is only about an hour away is Kings Dominion.
This amusement park near DC has lots to offer for families during the summer including some of the best roller coasters, with the new Jungle X-pedition roller coaster, and Tumbili 4D Spin Coaster to look forward to in 2022.
There are also lots of kid-sized rides including a larger-than-life Ferris wheel, Apple Zapple coaster for kids, Bumper Cars, Boo Blasters on Boo Hill interactive experience, and more!
Planet Snoopy will keep the kids busy with Charlie Brown-themed rides, including the Woodstock and Great Pumpkin Roller coaster for kids, and the Charlie Brown’s Pirate Adventure show with showtimes on April 2 – September 5 (Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) at 12:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30 PM.
Don’t forget to cool off at Soak City, which is an amazing water park near DC with lots of thrilling water slides, splash pads, a wave pool, a lazy river, cabanas, and more!
Visit during Halloween for their annual Halloween Haunt. There are daytime Halloween activities for kids in the Great Pumpkin Fest which include treats, a hay maze, and more!
In the evening the park transforms into a haunted attraction for the older crowds and is a popular Halloween event where monsters take over the park!
During the holiday season, Kings Dominion transforms into a winter wonderland during the Winterfest event with millions of lights, festive shows, and more.
The Eiffel Tower also transforms into a giant Christmas tree, with ice skating on the iconic fountain on International Street. It’s a fun-filled holiday event for the whole family!
Kings Dominion offers lots of fun events year-round, which include the Memorial Day weekend fireworks show, and the Grand Carnival & International Food Festival. visit the website here for more information.
- Hours: Check operating hours here
- Tickets: starting at $39.99 for ages 3+ / $25 general parking- $35 preferred parking
- Military discounts for active and retired military personnel and veterans. Tickets start at $29.99, and you can purchase tickets here. (NOTE: You must register with ID.ME for offer)
- FREE Pre-K Pass for kids 3-5 which includes unlimited visits to the park, including Soak City the whole year!
- Location: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
One of the best amusement parks for families near DC and one of our favorites as well is Busch Gardens in Williamsburg VA.
We’re so glad to have this amusement park near me so we can visit all year and experience all the wonderful events at one of the best theme parks in Virginia.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is themed after Europe and is one of the most beautiful theme parks we’ve been to in the DC area.
There are so many thrilling roller coasters and other fun attractions and rides here for all ages including the new Pantheon which is the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster!
The kids will love Sesame Street Forest of Fun featuring Sesame Street-themed kiddie rides and shows for kids.
Our little one’s favorite rides here are Grover’s Alpine Express Coaster, and Prince Elmo’s Spire kid-sized shot-n-drop tower.
READ NEXT: Top things to do in Williamsburg with kids
There are also animal encounters to look forward to including a photo-op with a Clydesdale, and a chance to feed the Lorikeets.
Don’t miss spotting the Scottish Highland Cattle, the Gray Wolves, and the American Bald Eagles at the park.
The Land of the Dragons play area is definitely our favorite spot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg with the climbing nets, a treehouse, splash pad, play areas, and kiddies rides perfect for the littlest thrill seekers!
Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest water park and is the perfect place to cool down during the summer with lots of water slides, a wave pool, splash pads, and more.
A new water amusement park ride to look forward to in 2022 is the Aquazoid Amped raft ride. This immersive ride experience includes special effects show, music, and dynamic lighting effects.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg also hosts a fun Halloween event for the little kids during The Counts Spectacular which features a not too spooky event for the littlest ones.
The kids can look forward to a costume parade, dance parties, a festive hay maze, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. For the older kids, Howl-O-Scream features sinister shows, haunted houses, and more.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of our favorite times to visit with millions of twinkly lights to get you into the holiday spirit, holiday shows, and holiday-themed foods and drinks.
You can always look forward to fun events here all year round, including Bier Fest, the Food and Wine Festival, and more. Visit the website here for more information.
Recommended Hotel:
- Hours: Check the 2022 operating hours here
- Tickets: Ticket prices vary throughout the year-check online prices here. Date specific tickets start at $54.99
- Active Military and up to three direct dependents receive one complimentary admission per year to either Busch Gardens, Seaworld, and Sesame Place Philadelphia. You must verify eligibility online here. (NOTE: You must register with ID.ME for offer)
- Preschool Pass: FREE admission to two parks for children ages 3-5 thru Oct. 31, 2022. You must register your pass online here, and redeem at the park.
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
HersheyPark: Best theme park for kids
For all you chocolate lovers, HersheyPark is one of the best amusement parks near Washington DC for families with their candy-themed rides and roller coasters!
There are two new amusement park rides to look forward to in 2022 including the Jolly Rancher Remix coaster, and the Mix’d Flavored By Jolly Rancher family ride.
There are also lots of rides and attractions for kids of all ages including a giant Ferris wheel, the Mini Himalaya mini coaster, and Mini Pirate swinging ship ride (including a bigger Pirate Ship ride for older kids) and more!
READ NEXT: Weekend in Hershey Pennsylvania
Don’t miss seeing the animals at ZooAmerica which comes with your admission ticket. This 11-acre zoo is home to more than 200 animals including black bears, the gray wolf, mountain lions, Ocelots, and more.
You can also do a behind-the-scenes tour at the Zoo, and get up-close with the animals which costs an additional $75 per person for ages 3 years and older, which you have to pre-register for here.
During the summer, head on over to the Boardwalk, which is one of the best water parks near DC that features water slides, wave pools, splash pads, and water play areas for the littlest ones.
There are so many new dining options at Hersheypark as well including the newly opened Chocolatier restaurant bar & patio that serves classic fare with chocolate-inspired treats! Just make sure to reserve a seat!
Some events to look forward to at HersheyPark are HersheyPark in the Dark Halloween event which features trick or treating and other fun events.
Christmas Candylane is a fun holiday event at Hersheypark during the Christmas season and features twinkly lights, a visit with Santa, and other fun holiday events. Visit the website here for more information.
Recommended Hotel:
- Hours: April-December 2022 is
- Tickets: starting at $47.95
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: 100 Hersheypark Dr. Hershey, PA 17033
Sesame Place: Best theme park for toddlers
One of the best amusement parks for toddlers near DC is Sesame Place just outside of Philadelphia.
This Sesame Street-themed park is perfect for kids ages 3-10 and features over 28 rides and attractions, shows, games, and fun activities for all ages, including character meet and greets with Sesame Street characters.
This theme park for little kids also features a seasonal water park with a kid-sized wave pool, lazy river, a splash pad, water slides, and more.
Sesame Place is also one of the first theme parks in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center with Team Members specialized in training to cater to all children, including those with special needs.
Some features include access to quiet rooms, noise-canceling headphones, low sensory areas & parade viewing, and more!
READ NEXT: Fun day trips from Philadelphia
You can even dine with Elmo & Friends for a fun-filled feast with a kid-friendly menu that costs an additional $44.99 for ages 10+ / $24.99 for kids 2-9, and free for kids under 23 months.
Don’t miss the exciting parades and shows including Elmo the Musical Live!, Furry Friends Dance Party, Abby Cadabby’s The Magic of Art Show, and the Sesame Street Parade.
Sesame Place hosts some fun events year-round such as Elmo’s Eggstravaganza in the spring and more. Visit the website here for more information.
Recommended Hotel:
- Hours: March-December 2022
- Tickets: General admission starts at $62.99 for dated tickets / starting at $89.99 for non-dated tickets (valid any operating day during the 2022 season)
- Active Military gets one complimentary admission per year to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Sesame Place Philadelphia. You get one Free single day admission for active duty member and up to 3 dependents. Purchase tickets here. (NOTE: You must register with ID.ME for offer)
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: 100 Sesame Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047
Legoland New York: Best theme park for Lego lovers
Lego land New York is one of the newest theme parks on the East Coast located in Goshen NY and is the best amusement park for families near DC.
There are seven themed lands, with over 30 million bricks throughout the park, including a Lego-themed hotel for families to enjoy.
For the 2022 season, there are lots of new amusement park rides to look forward to including the LEGO® City Water Playground where you can beat the summer heat.
Legoland New York also hosts some fun year-round events which include the Brick or Treat Halloween event, the fourth of July Red, White, and Boom with a unique firework spectacular, and the Holiday Bricktacular during the holidays. Visit the website here for more information.
Recommended Hotel:
- Hours: Opens on April 8-December 2022
- Tickets: One day tickets starting at $67.99 Purchase tickets here
- Military discounts available as well. Purchase tickets here. (NOTE: You must register with ID.ME for offer)
- Location: One Legoland Blvd. Goshen, NY 10924
Legoland Discovery Center
Another fun indoor amusement park for kids near DC is the Legoland Discovery Center in Philadelphia.
Your entry into the Lego play area starts on the Imagination Express, which is an interactive ride where you collect points with your magic wand.
Some activities you can expect to find at Legoland Discovery Center include a Philadelphia Mini-land, a Pirate Ship play structure, the Ninjago Training Camp, Lego 4D Movies, Lego Brick play areas, indoor creative workshops, and more!
Legoland Discovery Center also features the Brick or Treat Halloween event and the Holiday Bricktacular for the holidays. Visit the website here for more information.
Recommended Hotel:
- Hours: 11am-5pm
- Tickets: General Admission starts at $22.99
- Military gets $10 off standard walk-up admission for up to 5 guests
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: Plymouth Meeting Mall 500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
READ NEXT: How to spend the weekend in Philadelphia with kids
More Amusement Parks for families near DC
- Six Flags America: Amusement park near Washington DC in Maryland featuring thrilling rollercoasters, shows, family rides and attractions for all ages.
- For Halloween Six Flags America features the BOO! Family-Friendly Halloween Experience which includes a trick-or-treat trail and a corn maze, as well as Halloween kids crafts.
- Visit the website here for more fun events at Six Flags America.
- Hours: Opening March 19, 2022
- Tickets: One day tickets start at $29.99
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: 13710 Central Ave. Bowie, MD 20721
- Dutch Wonderland: Another fun Amusement Park for toddlers, this theme park in Lancaster PA is perfect for families, and just a short drive from Washington DC. The Park features over 35 rides, attractions, and shows.
- Dutch Wonderland also host some fun events year round like the Happy Hauntings Halloween event featuring themed rides, special entertainment, tasty treats, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail.
- During the holidays you can look forward to the Dutch Winter Wonderland.
- Visit the website here for more information.
- Hours: Opens April 2022
- Tickets: Starting at $49.99
- Family 4 pack tickets $44.99 per ticket
- Military / First Responder Admission $39.99
- 2 and under FREE
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602
- Diggerland USA: Construction theme and water park for kids in West Berlin NJ where you can operate and ride real machinery.
- Hours: Opens March 2022
- Tickets: Single day tickets start at $46.95
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: 100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091
- Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park: Biggest Indoor Family Theme park close to NYC with one of a kind Nickelodeon themed rides, indoor roller coasters, attractions and experiences.
- Hours: Check operating hours here
- Tickets: $79 ages 10+ / $74 ages 3-9 / $67.15 Military tickets / $68 Seniors
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
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Best Water Parks near DC for families
- Water Country USA: Fun Water park in Busch Gardens Williamsburg which is the largest water park in the Mid- Atlantic featuring water rides, wave pool, live entertainment, shops and restaurants, and other family attractions, with a 1950s or 1960s surf theme.
- Hours: Open May-September
- Tickets: Admission is separate from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and tickets start at $50.99 / 2 day-2 park tickets start at $59.49
- Location: 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185
- Massanutten Indoor & Outdoor WaterPark: Best Water Park near DC that’s open year round with a heated indoor water park with slides, a lazy River, water fortress, and the Flowrider surf simulator. The seasonal outdoor Waterpark also features water slides, wave pool, and more!
- Hours: Open year round
- Tickets: Rates vary by season, check rates here
- Location: 1200 Adventure Drive McGaheysville, VA 22840
- Great Waves Waterpark: Family friendly Water Park in Northern Virginia with water slides, giant wave pool, Kids Zone splash pad, and more! This park is located at the Cameron Run Regional Park with batting cages, mini-golf, play areas and more!
- Hours: Usually opens from 11am-7pm
- Tickets: tickets vary by season, check prices here
- Location: 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
- Splash Down Waterpark: Seasonal family Water Park near DC in Manassas VA featuring an interactive children’s play area, a Lily Pad Walk, Activity pool, 70-foot tall waterslides, a Lazy River, Cannonball and Tropical Twister slides, and a leisure pool.
- Hours: Opens April 2022-Wed-Sun from Noon-6pm
- Tickets: $16 for 48in. & above / $12.25 under 48in.
- Location: 7500 Ben Lomond Park Rd, Manassas, VA 20109
- Pirates Cove Waterpark: Fun pirate themed water park in Northern Virginia featuring a Pirate-themed play structure, kid friendly waterslides, water spraying palm trees, swimming pools, and a sand play area for kids.
- Hours: usually opens 11am-7pm
- Tickets: Ticket prices vary by season, check prices here
- Location: 6501 Pohick Bay Drive Lorton VA 22079
- Great Wolf Lodge: Family friendly Resort in Williamsburg VA with a huge indoor water park featuring a four-story interactive water fort treehouse, wave pool, lazy river, kiddie swimming pool and more. The Resort also offers mini-golf, a spa, and a gym.
- Your resort package includes water park passes with access from 1pm on your arrival day until closing time on your departure day. Check room rates here
- You can also purchase water park day passes. Day pass prices vary by day and cost more on weekends. Check prices here. Passes are FREE for kids ages 2 years and under.
- Location: 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188
- Atlantis Water Park at Bull Run: Fun Atlantis themed Water Park located within Bull Run Regional Park featuring waterslides, pools, and a 500 gallon dumping bucket. There’s also a baby pool and sand area for the littlest ones.
- Hours: May 28-Sept. 5
- Tickets: Tickets purchased onsite Weekdays $10.50 over 48in. / $8.50 under 48in.
- Weekends-$13 over 48in. / $11 under 48in.
- FREE for kids under 2
- Location: 7700 Bull Run Drive Centreville VA 20121
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