Date of Latest Visit: July 1, 2023
“It’s a kingdom for kids.” That’s the familiar refrain of the Dutch Wonderland commercial jingle. I’ve been hearing it since…well…I was a kid.
It had been 30 years since I last stepped through the castle along Route 30 in Lancaster, but with our son almost turning three, it was finally time for a return to Dutch Wonderland.
The amusement park is unique in that it caters exclusively to children (and their families). The rides are tame, and most of them are designed to be enjoyed by all ages.
Walking through the front gates, guests are greeted by friendly whistle of the Wonderland Special. One of the park’s original rides, the miniature railroad winds its way between attractions, across the pedestrian paths and through a covered bridge on its round-trip journey.
The train is seemingly ever-present throughout the park. It loops around the Merry-Go-Round, the park’s classic carousel ride which overlooks a small pond.
Also curving around the Merry-Go-Round is Merlin’s Mayhem, the park’s suspended steel roller coaster. While many rides appeal to the youngest members of the family, Merlin’s Mayhem is one of two large coasters that help keep the older brothers and sisters entertained during their visit.
The Kingdom Coaster is the older of the two roller coasters. The wooden coaster’s blue supports can be seen far in the distance. It’s not the largest or fastest coaster around, but it seems like the perfect fit for the park.
(There is also a third “coaster,” the Joust Family Coaster, which is designed for the preschool crowd – with adult accompaniment).
Parents of young children will find plenty for them to do throughout the park, like a ride on Choo-Choo Charlie where the kids use hand cranks to power a miniature train around a short track. And if they can’t quite get it on their own, mom and dad can walk along behind them and give them a gentle “nudge.”
Kids can also get behind the wheel on several rides throughout the park. The Off-Road Rally lets kids take the wheel – or at least pretend – of a monster truck for a couple laps around a short track.
Across a bridge on Exploration Island, the Antique Cars also give kids the chance to feel what it’s like behind the wheel. (Though the younger crowd may need mom or dad to reach the gas pedal for them).
Exploration Island feels quiet compared to the rest of the park, that is until you hear the roar of dinosaurs along the wooded path. A series of animatronic dinosaurs line the walking path. Heads bob, tails wag, tongues stick out. A baby T-Rex even pops out of an egg near the entrance.
The dinosaurs are made to look real and life-like, the opposite of the park’s mascot Duke the Dragon, a purple and yellow dragon who lends his name to Duke’s Lagoon, Dutch Wonderland’s water park and splash area.
In all, the park boasts 33 rides, 14 eateries and two stages – an aqua stadium featuring a high dive show and an amphitheater featuring Bubba Bear and his band.
There’s no better way to see all of the park than with a ride on the Monorail. From the moment he saw it pass overhead, our toddler wanted nothing more than to take a ride on the Monorail. It’s worth the climb up the stairs for the seven-minute ride around the park.
We spent about four hours in the park and could have easily spent longer if we weren’t already past our son’s nap time.
One thing the visit confirmed for us, Dutch Wonderland truly is a kingdom for kids.
When You Go
- In addition to admission, guests pay a parking fee – $5 for general admission and $15 for preferred parking.
- Located on the property are two options for spending the night: The Cartoon Network Hotel (which features its own mini water park) and the Old Mill Stream Campground.
- Food is reasonably priced for an amusement park. We had lunch for $24 at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs stand, which included two hot dogs, a chicken sandwich, two orders of fries and two lemonades.
- Because of its location at the front gate, the Wonderland Special is a popular first stop. If you arrive with the crowds when the park opens, consider visiting other parts of the park first – like the Antique Cars. That’s where we stood in the longest line during our visit.
- Dutch Wonderland is owned by the same company that owns Idlewild & Soakzone and Kennywood in western Pennsylvania and other parks across the US. Premium Season Pass holders can enjoy free admission to Idlewild and discounted rates to other Palace Entertainment parks.
More Amusement Parks in PA…
Delgrosso’s Amusement Park
