Looking for a "Local" (Within 3 Hours Driving Distance) Amusement Park

Updated on June 10, 2007
C.G. asks from Parkville, MD
9 answers

Hi Everyone, with the summer months in full swing, I am looking to find anyone out there that can recommend an amusement in the area (within 3 hours) that my husband and I can take our 16 month old to. Some people think it may be too young, but I thought I'd ask in case there are other mothers out there who have taken their children, as young as our son, to one and the child was able to enjoy him/herself. Of course he'll be free, but I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for my husband and my admission if it's not even going to be something our son can enjoy or where he can't get on the majority of the rides. Any suggestions or stories of successful outings with a 16month old at one of these places would be greatly appreciated! :)

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A.G.

answers from Washington DC on

Have you considered going to Dutch Wonderland in PA? It's outside of Lancaster, not far at all. They are devoted to little kids. It's a nice place to go to. :o) Good luck!

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C.P.

answers from Washington DC on

Sesame Place. It is outisde of Phillidelphia. Maybe about 2&1/2 hours. It is mostly a water park. Pools. Some rides might be too big but most are just right for this age. Best of all is the parade they have in the middle of the day with the sesame street characters.

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E.J.

answers from York on

There is Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA. It is an hour from Baltimore. My sister lives a few miles from there and she has taken her daughter since she was about that age. It is geared for younger children, no really big rides. There is a waterpark
too. Admission is about $28. The food is supposed to be great too. And, it is very close to great outlet shopping, if that is your thing. I am sure I will be taking my son, Jackson when he is old enough. They have a website also too.

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M.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I was talking to another mom at the park the other day, she said that Dutch Wonderland is great for younger kids. I haven't been there myself, but we plan to check it out soon. It's located somewhere in PA. (Near Lancaster).

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N.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi C.. I have the perfect place for you to go. It's called Seasame Place and it's only two hours North from here in Philadelphia, PA. It's a waterpark that is full of kid-friendly things to do. You'll have a GREAT time.
N.

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M.W.

answers from Washington DC on

Instead of an amusement park, consider taking your son to the Maryland Zoo. There used to be a train and there is a carousel there, but he would probably be more interested in the animals. In the Maryland Wilderness section, there are bird nests to climb in, there is a sliding board out of the giant tree, and a farm area where he can see chicks hatching. There are puppet shows around the zoo and various hands on educational materials. And, there is always watching the penguins being fed. This zoo has been rated as one of the best children's zoos in the US. Here is the URL for the zoo http://www.marylandzoo.org/index.aspx

I have heard people talking about the Dutch Wonderland park in Lancaster County PA as a place to take young children. I have not been there, so I can't rate it. There is the Strasburg railroad in that vicinity as well. Here is the URL for the RR http://800padutch.com/z/strasburgrailroad.htm While on the Strasburg RR, you can get off at the picnic area, then walk a very short distance to a great corn maze. It opens July 7 this year. Here's the web site for the corn maze http://www.cherrycrestfarm.com/

The zoo is the best value, and there is so much to see that you can go back often. It's close by as well.

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B.E.

answers from Washington DC on

dutch wonderland is awesome and perfect for your son's age! you can read more about it at www.dutchwonderland.com. we took our 3 kids there a few summers ago, they were 2, 5 and 6 and they all loved it. i worried there would be nothing for my 2 year old..she had JUST turned two, but there was something for everyone. it was perfect!

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S.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I don't know which area are you living in. If you are within Maryland, you can go to Dutch Wonderland. It is in Lancaster. It is 1hr and 15 min from Perry Hall in Maryland. Look it up on the internet. It is one place little ones would love. Good luck.

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E.P.

answers from Washington DC on

I would recommend going to either Hershey Park in Hershey, PA..it is really fun for all ages and lots to see and do. Even the museum is a little ride to see how chocolate is made. Or, there is a little amusement park called Dutch WOnderland also in PA, near lancaster, and it is really geared toward smaller children. Rides and a petting zoo. Even better, the Carters outlet is across the street!
Hope that helps.

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