Best amusement park within 4 hours of DC for a 5 year old (and her parents)?

Question

She's not scared of much except for fast roller coasters. She likes water rides and waterparks too.

We went to Idlewild last year (Ligonier, PA) and had a blast. We might go again, but we'd certainly consider another park. Maybe each year we'll visit a new park.

Thanks for the answers so far. I don't care if I have to drive the four hours--that's irrelevant to me. I just want the most fun for an adventurous 5-year old girl.

Answer 1

Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster PA is GREAT for that age group, plus there are lots of other interesting things to do in that area. (The lines aren't too bad, either & they let you bring in a picnic lunch if you want.)

Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg PA (think the Poconos) is awesome for any age. My small kids (ages 4-8) LOVE it there. I love it because it's a good old fashioned amusement park where you don't pay admission. You can buy an all day ride pass or tickets if you only like to ride a few rides (like me.) They have a picnic grove available if you want to bring your own food, but theirs isn't outrageous either. The wait time for rides is fantastic - sometimes the kids can get off & get right back on - or only have to wait 1 or 2 rounds before their turn again. If you go there once, guaranteed you'll go there every year.

Answer 2

Although I'm a big fan of Kings Dominion, I think your daughter will enjoy Hershey Park a lot. If shes into Nick, however, like Dora the Explorer and stuff, you should probably take her to Kings Dominion. Six Flags America has an excellent waterpark, however, in my opinion, does not have the best environment for young children so I would refrain from taking her there.

Answer 3

Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA or Paramounts Kings Dominion isnt there a Six Flags Great Adventures in maryland also theres ocean city maryland

Answer 4

I would say Paramount's Kings Dominion. It is really fun. They have lots of kiddie rides and Big Thrill rides, like The Volcano! They also have WaterWorks, which is like a whole different park with tons of water rides! I think she would love it! Its only like 1hour and 30 minutes from DC! In Hanover County! Hope this works! Bye!

Answer 5

try local water parks and like wave pools are fun too. but just drive the extra hours and go to disney world it will be worth it but i am sure there are water rides at busch gardens and other places isn't there a six flags there or is that in georgia and umm that one park what is it you could win a day alone there uhh ummm oh yah!!! hershey's park that is it it looks fun and i heard there are water rides there and go to sea world if you are ever in that area or maybe universal studios but not most rides are scary for young ones there

Answer 6

the very best place to go is a bit of a distance for you,but still drivable. Check out DutchWonderland in Lancaster Pa. Its filled with family rides, meaning parents and kids can play!! While your out that way, check out hershey and even the dutch country. its really a nice time.

Answer 7

Bush Gardens, VA , They have a separate Water park, 2 for 1 tickets

Answer 8

Kings Domin is in Virgina and has a free water park. Bush Gardens is in Virgina also but cost extra to get into. I think there is a Six Flags park in New Jersey.

Answer 9

Try Dutch Wonderland

Answer 10

My first thought when I read your question was that I'm glad that you don't expect the 5-year-old to go by herself :-), and I just couldn't resist. Your daughter is very fortunate that you care enough to make the vacation fun for her. There are too many parents who drag their kids around to places that are of no interest to kids.