Dutch Wonderland provides right-sized thrills for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of the park 

Pennsylvania Amusement Parks

Hersheypark — Hershey

With 121 acres of attractions, Hersheypark includes not only traditional roller coasters, thrills rides, and kiddie rides, but also a separate water park. Little ones will enjoy the Dry Gulch Railroad, the free Chocolate World tour, and Sandcastle Cove at the water park. Plus, there are tons of attractions for older kids, teens, and adults. Since there's so much to see and do, consider making a weekend of it, buying a two-day ticket to save nearly $20 per ticket. In addition, the Fast Track program can get you through the ride lines much faster.

Sesame Place — Langhorne

Geared towards younger children, Sesame Place allows kids to experience rides and attractions based on the colorful, friendly world of "Sesame Street." Meet the characters, watch the daily parade, enjoy kid-friendly rides, or fuel up at one of the eateries. Sesame Place Philadelphia is a Certified Autism Center, as well, offering specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom — Allentown

Since 1884, Dorney Park has been bringing smiles to the Lehigh Valley and to anyone within driving distance. In addition to the more than 60 rides, there is also a water park, live entertainment, and other attractions. Thrill rides like Hydra will appeal to older members of the family, while kids' rides like the Cedar Creek Cannonball train ride will keep little ones happy.

Dutch Wonderland — Lancaster

Dutch Wonderland provides right-sized thrills for kids of all ages, with bigger kids enjoying coasters like Merlin's Mayhem, and pint-sized guests taking a ride on boats, trucks, frogs, and teacups. The park's fantasy theme includes the grand entrance through a gigantic castle, and a chance to encounter characters like Duke the Dragon and Princess Brooke. In the summer months, Dutch Wonderland also has incredible diving shows that the whole family will enjoy watching!

Knoebels Amusement Resort — Elysburg

America's largest free-admission amusement park, Knoebels features over 60 rides and attractions. Each ride costs a certain amount of tickets, or thrill-seekers can purchase all-day passes. Special pass prices are also available on specific days, such as Mother's Day. Rides range from the famous wooden roller-coaster, the Phoenix, to a Kiddieland crammed full of rides geared to smaller guests. On a hot day, save some time to cool off in Crystal Pool, with its exciting water rides. Food throughout the park ranges from fast food and snacks to a food court and even a sit-down restaurant.

During the holidays Lakemont Park offers a drive-through light festival, Holiday Lights on the Lake.

Lakemont Park — Altoona

Located in Altoona, Lakemont Park is small but full of family fun options. While it's a four-hour drive from Philadelphia, it's worth remembering when vacationing nearby or visiting anyone at Penn State's main campus, which is just 45 minutes away. Admission is free, and rides are ticketed. Or pay a small amount for an all-day pass. The Skyliner coaster will appeal to older kids, while younger visitors can enjoy the merry-go-round, pony carts, water bumper boats, and more. Near Christmastime, Lakemont Park offers a drive-through light festival, Holiday Lights on the Lake, with an impressive indoor model train exhibit as part of the experience.

DelGrosso's Park and Laguna is a tropical paradise for families. 

DelGrosso's Park and Laguna — Tipton

During hot weather, cool off at DelGrosso's, where the all-day fun pass includes rides and admission to the Italian-themed water park. Splash in the Lazy River, experience the Wave Pool, or take toddlers to the Bambini Cove. Most of the rides are geared towards younger riders and are variations on such classic attractions as a carousel, train, helicopters, fire trucks, super spiral, and more. Famous for food deals like Spaghetti Wednesdays, DelGrosso's offers a range of homemade meals. 

Kennywood Park — West Mifflin

Located near Pittsburgh, Kennywood has been open for more than 125 years. While the five hour drive from Philadelphia is a bit too far for a day trip, Kennywood is a must-visit for those vacationing nearby. Kennywood boasts eight roller coasters, plus milder rides in Kiddieland, and a Thomas & Friends-themed area.

Waldameer and Water World — Erie

At the opposite corner of the state from Philadelphia, Waldameer and Water World can be a fun day trip while vacationing in Northwest PA. With a range of rides for the youngest to the most adventurous. Thrill rides include classics like a wooden roller coaster and the Mega Vortex with a 50-foot half-pipe track. Tykes will love the Balloon Race, Lil' Toot handcars, the Frogg Hopper, and many more. The Water World water park includes a Kidz Zone, a multi-level play structure, a wave pool, and several types of slides.

New Jersey Amusement Parks

Six Flags Great Adventure — Jackson

About an hour from Philadelphia, Six Flags Great Adventure includes tons of thrill rides for older guests, as well as kids' rides for little adventurers. Little ones will also enjoy meeting characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. In addition, the park abounds with eateries and restaurants. 

Diggerland — West Berlin

The go-to theme park for fans of trucks and bulldozers, Diggerland focuses on letting kids experience hands-on fun. The park works best for guests who are at least 36 inches tall. The larger pieces of machinery require guests to be at least 42 inches tall. The Water Main waterpark includes a massive wave pool, a water obstacle course, a splash playground, and more. 

Storybook Land — Egg Harbor Township

A family theme park founded in 1955, Storybook Land is about an hour from Philadelphia. The park combines classic storybook favorites with more than 15 rides and dozens of themed attractions. Because of the focus on younger kids, ages 1 through 8 will enjoy the park most. Much of the park is shaded, and on especially hot days, bring a bathing suit for little ones to enjoy the water play area, Storybook Seaport.

Maryland Amusement Parks

Six Flags America — Bowie

Much like its sister park in New Jersey, Six Flags America provides family rides, thrill rides, water rides, and kids rides, as well as live shows and entertainment. At two and a half hours away, it's close enough for a day trip, especially for those who want to try out a new place. In 2024, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Six Flags America is opening a newly-themed SteamTown, where the past meets the future.

Trimper's Rides and Amusement Park — Ocean City

Take a break from the beach and visit Trimper's Rides for kids' rides like fire engines, and the fun slide, and classic rides for all ages, like the OC Big Wheel. Play video games for prizes at Marty's Playland, and sample boardwalk fare like walking tacos, cotton candy, fresh lemonade, and ice cream.

Jolly Roger Amusement Park — Ocean City

For those who want more thrills, Jolly Roger Amusement Park is the beach-side choice. Not only does it include roller coasters, games, and rides, but there's also a go-kart facility and a water park with rides for all ages. Or play a family game of mini golf, selecting either Treasure Golf or Jungle Golf-themed courses.

Unless noted, photos by the author