Welcome, vacation time! If you’re planning a trip to the Washington, D.C. area with kids, you’ll want to add some fun activities to your itinerary. And what’s more fun than a visit to a theme park?
The good news is that there are plenty of great options for family-friendly theme parks near D.C. Here are five of the best Washington DC Theme Parks :
Washington DC Theme Parks To Visit
1. SIX FLAGS AMERICA
Six Flags America is perfect for families with kids of all ages. With over 200 rides, shows and attractions, you’re guaranteed to find something everyone will enjoy.
Some of the highlights include big roller coasters like The Great American Scream Machine and The Joker, water slides like Apocalypse Falls or Brain Drain, and a special Kids’ Zone full of rides and activities, especially for younger children.
If you get hungry during your visit, there are plenty of places to eat, too – from fast food joints to more sit-down restaurants.
2. BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG
Busch Gardens is a great place for families to visit while in the D.C. area as it features rides, shows, and attractions from different countries around the world.
With plenty of dining options available, including quick-service and sit-down restaurants, there’s something for everyone at this park!
Some of the must-do attractions include Verbolten (a roller coaster that goes through a dark forest), Griffon (a dive coaster with a 205-foot drop), and Tempesto (a looping coaster that reaches speeds of up to 60 mph).
3. KINGS DOMINION
If you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out, look no further than Kings Dominion! With more than 80 different rides and attractions, there’s something to suit everyone.
From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to gentle water rides and live shows, you won’t be short on things to do. And when it comes to food, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from fast food joints to sit-down restaurants.
Highlights of the park include The Intimidator 305 – a thrilling roller coaster with a 205ft drop; Volcano: The Blast Coaster – reaching speeds of up 70mph; and Wet ‘n Wild Plunge – a six-story water coaster sure to get your heart racing!
4. HERSHEYPARK
Hersheypark is a top pick for families who want a theme park experience with a unique twist. The rides, shows, and attractions are all Hershey-themed, making it feel like you’re truly in the city of chocolate.
The food options include quick-service and sit-down restaurants so that everyone can find something they’ll love. At Hersheypark, some of the restaurants offer Hershey’s chocolate as a topping!
And, of course, there are many must-do attractions like The Hershey’s Kisses Plunge (a water coaster with a six-story drop), Great Bear (a looping coaster that reaches speeds up to 55 mph), and Chocolate World Ride (a 4D ride).
5. Dollywood
Dollywood is a fantastic choice for families who want to enjoy a fun theme park. It is situated in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and has an array of rides related to the Smoky Mountains’ history and culture.
The grounds also provide multiple eating areas, with both fast-food chain restaurants as well as sit-down establishments. Dollywood is home to some of the best roller coasters in the country, including Thunderhead, a wooden coaster with a 100-foot drop;
Blazing Fury, a firefighting-themed coaster that reaches speeds of up to 35 mph; and The Great American Scream Machine, a steel looping coaster that reaches speeds of up to 55 mph.
It is hard to cover everything that DC has to offer in one article, but we hope this helped with your decision on where to take your family for a fun-filled vacation. We also have some tips on how to organise your trip to make sure everyone has a great time:
1. Choose the right time to visit: Avoid the crowded summer months if possible, and aim for weekdays instead of weekends.
2. Get your tickets in advance: This will save you time queuing up at the ticket booth on the day.
3. Plan your route around the park: Map out which rides you want to do and in what order to make the most of your day.
4. Make use of the FastPass system: If available, this will help you skip the lines for some of the most popular rides.
5. Dress for comfort: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. And remember to pack sunscreen!
6. Book a local Washington DC car service to get to and from the park: This will save you the hassle of parking and driving in the city.
7. Check the park’s website for special events: Some parks offer extra activities or entertainment at certain times of the year.
8. Have fun! This is the most important thing – make sure you and your family enjoy yourselves!
No matter which theme park you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a great time on your vacation. So get out there and explore all the D.C. area has to offer!