Ah, the tranquility of Pennsylvania Dutch Country — the slumbering livestock scattered throughout rolling fields, the horse and buggies ambling down dirt paths. . . and the shouts of delight coming from the tip-top point of a roller coaster. This year, make your trip to Amish Country a livelier excursion with a visit to Dutch Wonderland, a 43-acre amusement park located in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Since its opening in 1963, Dutch Wonderland — and its 35 rides and attractions — has been dedicated to the idea of family fun. The park’s mascots — Duke the Dragon, Princess Brooke and the Dutch Wonderland Knight — will help you and your family make memories you’ll never forget. And, with kiddie-proof rides and exceptional live entertainment, like “Funsation Celebration,” Dutch Wonderland features countless ways for the entire family to play like a kid.
Recently voted one of the Top 5 Kids’ Parks in the World by Amusement Today, the park boasts rides that are thrilling, yet not daunting, like the Kingdom Coaster, the Flying Trapeze and Lady Gay riverboat, Dutch Wonderland’s oldest ride. New in 2009 is the Twister, a 20-seat thrill that spins riders horizontally while rising and falling like a wave.
When the afternoon sun is high overhead, splash about at Duke’s Lagoon water park, a recently updated attraction that includes a 70-foot geyser, multiple pump stations, water blasters, kiddie-sized slides and rentable cabanas.
Hungry? Indulge your inner child at Turkey Hill Creamery, which serves up root beer floats, Duke’s Dragon Berry soft serve and, most deliciously, the Kids’ Cookie Kitchen.