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This time of year, one of the best ways to escape the summer heat and long, boring summer days is a day at a theme park. One of our semi-local favorites is Dutch Wonderland, home to Duke the Dragon (whom my son loves). Located in Amish County, Lancaster PA, it’s a great place to spend a vacation, too.
Dutch Wonderland has tons of rides and games, as well as many food and drink stands. Some favorites are the “Panda Party”, which is an adorable ride in which the kids ride in Panda Bears and go around the beehive in circles, the Leapin’ Frogs, which bounce around causing the kids to erupt in giggles until the ride hops to a stop, and the Double Splash Flume, a classic ride with two drops (but not too scary or steep that would frighten the kids).
We were there on a very wet and stormy day, where much of the park was closed due to severe thunderstorms in the area. It did eventually clear up and we were able to get on rides again- it just took about 2 hours. The good news is 2 rides were open, as were most of the games and some of the food stands as well. When they opened back up, the lines were almost non-existent, which was great.
Last year they opened Exploration Island, where you can walk among more then 20 dinosaurs the roar and move as you view them. We had hoped to visit again this year, but they remained closed. We did get to see the dinosaurs last year, and it was a lot of fun- my son really enjoyed it.
“Exploration Island is a rediscovered island of adventure and fun where guests will have the opportunity to walk with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs, dig for fossil remains, take a spin on the newly relocated and lengthened Turnpike ride and travel the Island canals on the classic Gondola Cruise.
This once under-utilized area of the Park has been re-purposed to house not only our dinosaur families, but our Turnpike ride as well. The Turnpike was one of the four original rides at Dutch Wonderland when it opened in 1963. We have moved this classic ride to Exploration Island and more then doubled the ride length in the process giving guests more spectacular views of dinos and the surrounding farm landscape.
We’ve also discovered dinosaur fossil remains and set up a permanent archeological dig at Dino Dig, where young explorers can unearth the fossil remains of dinosaurs. Brushes, buckets and diggers are available for use.”
Floating thought Duke’s Lagoon
There are many live shows offered at the park, including water shows. Choose from shows like “Really Royal, the story of Princess Brooke”, “Adventures of the Frog Prince” a show that combines the high dive and fairly tale, and “Dutch Wonderland’s Royal Friends”, where you can meet and greet costumed performers of the park’s mascots. There are more to choose from- go to https://www.dutchwonderland.com to see more options, times, and rides.
Bring your bathing suit and visit Duke’s Lagoon, sure to be everyone’s favorite on hot summer days. With several different play areas (and larger water slides nearby) including one for the smallest park goers, there will be a place for everyone to enjoy. Even mom and dad- they provide plenty of lounge chairs and tables to relax at- if you are really lucky, you might even score an umbrella.
Duke’s Lagoon was the perfect way to end our day, although we did hit up a few more rides on our walk back to the car. There are changing rooms provided, so you can swap your suits for dry clothes- just remember to bring a plastic bag for the wet stuff!
Enjoy your day, and get your tickets soon at the park or at https://www.dutchwonderland.com . Unlike previous years, there is no more free parking, I’m sad to say- so just be aware of that. There is a lot to do in the area, so if you want to do more then one day at the park, or visit some other attractions, grab a hotel (there are plenty to choose from) and spend a few days- Lancaster is a great place for families.
Follow Dutch Wonderland on Social Media! Twitter: @FunatDW
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DutchWonderlandPA
Instagram: @DutchWonderland
The rides look like so much fun! My grandsons would enjoy this place!
This looks like a wonderfully fun place to go. It’s too bad everything was initially closed for rain and that it took so long to get it opened back up. For me, the short lines would have made that a sweet victory. All amusement parks have lines that only kids are willing to wait in! It does look like a really fun place to go.
SO MUCH FUN AND SO LOCAL TOO.
we love dutch wonderland
this looks like a great time 🙂
Dutch Wonderland looks so adventurous and beautiful anyone would have a blast there.