A Day Trip to Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is the total package. True to its slogan, it really is “A Kingdom for Kids!” There are so many things to do at Dutch Wonderland that when you reminisce about your day trip with your family you’ll wonder how you really did all of it in one day. From a variety of entertaining shows to a mix of over 30 exciting rides and a large water area; Dutch Wonderland is one of the best theme parks for kids out there.

Why should you take your family to Dutch Wonderland? You only have the smallest timeframe until they grow up. Dutch Wonderland is one of the top things to do in Pennsylvania that the kids will absolutely adore.

5 Iconic American Road Trips

Hit the road on one of these amazing routes to get a real feel for all America has to offer.

Download Now!

Dutch Wonderland is located on 2249 Lincoln Highway in Lancaster, Pa. It is surrounded by the gorgeous Pennsylvania Dutch Country, otherwise known as the “Amish Country.” It’s about a three-hour drive from New York City, and a two-hour drive from New Jersey. If you live in the surrounding Northeast states you are looking at anywhere between a two to four hour drive, depending on your location.

You can visit AAA.com/Travel to find hotels, car rentals, directions and more.

Top theme park attractions for kids at Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland couldn’t possibly be more family-friendly. They have a system denoted by height to distinguish which rides are best suited for your children. As for the rides, they are separated into two groups: just for kids and family rides.

Just for kids

Let’s be honest, sometimes Mommy and Daddy have spun one too many times on the teacups. Dutch Wonderland offers an entire division of rides that are the best parts of theme parks for kids. Kids can race around on the Wiggle Riders, whip and zip around on the Wonder Whip and become a mini-astronaut on Sky Fighter! Be sure to have your cameras ready to capture super-size smiles as your children go around the beehive on the Panda Party.

Family rides

Let’s start off with the classic rides: the Merry-Go-Round and the Bumper Cars. Dutch Wonderland has every essential family theme park ride. Get ready to go up, down and all around on the Merry-Go-Round filled with an assortment of colorful horses guaranteed to catch your child’s eye. If you want to have some family-friendly competition, be sure to get your race on at the Bumper Cars.

If your children are mini thrill-seekers, be sure to check out Dutch Wonderland’s roller coasters. The Joust Family Coaster is the perfect option for younger kids and the Kingdom Coaster is ideal for older kids. Keep an eye out for Merlin’s Mayhem, the newest coaster coming to Dutch Wonderland in 2017.

Looking to take flight? Take the more scenic route on the Sky Ride, swing through the air on the Flying Trapeze, or ride a hot air balloon on the Balloon Chase.

After a morning filled with plenty of fun rides a break is definitely earned. Enjoy a relaxing ride on the Wonderland Special train or the Monorail for the perfect birds-eye view of Dutch Wonderland. Let your children discover their inner archaeologist as they dig up fossils in the Dino Dig. Or take a walk at your own speed down the Prehistoric Path to see over 20 naturalistic dinosaurs.

Ready to make a splash with your family? Dutch Wonderland also offers water rides and a water area. Who doesn’t love a good log flume? That look on your children’s faces in those few seconds right as you drop is priceless. Create that moment on the Double Splash Flume. Or embark on one of the most interesting and unique rides at Dutch Wonderland: the Gondola Cruise. It’s exactly what you are thinking. Cruise down the canal in a gondola on a picturesque ride around Exploration Island.

An amazing attraction for a hot day at Dutch Wonderland is Duke’s Lagoon. Duke’s Lagoon is a tropical theme water-play paradise. Equipped with tons of spray nozzles, kiddie slides, tipping cones, and one huge tipping bucket; your children are sure to have a blast! And for parents, there is also an area filled with palm trees, umbrellas and a lot of seats. Duke’s Lagoon is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

The shows at Dutch Wonderland are not to be missed. Show times do vary throughout the day. It is best to plan out the shows you want to see before you arrive so you plan your day accordingly. Dutch Wonderland offers a variety of shows, from the country singalong “Bubba Bear & the Badland Band” to the high dive show “A Dragon’s Tale.” The perfect way to end your day trip is seeing either “A Royal Fiasco” at 6:30 p.m. or the “Kingdom Celebration” at 5 p.m.! Don’t forget to stop at the castle for the perfect family photo-op!

What’s your favorite thing to do at Dutch Wonderland? Let us know in the comments below!

Get tips, tricks and discounts on theme parks near you.