How to Plan a Trip to Dutch Wonderland

Dutch wonderland knight and friend

Dutch Wonderland, a theme park designed just for kids, has been delighting families ever since it first opened in 1963. This theme park, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, takes its name from the Pennsylvania Dutch, but it does not have an Amish theme, or even a Dutch one (although there is a child-sized windmill). Instead, it takes its inspiration from fairy tales and fantasy. Costumed characters that greet the kids as they enter and interact with them throughout the park include a knight, a princess and a large, friendly dragon.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Discount tickets
• Bathing suit (in summer)
• Halloween costume (for Happy Hauntings)
• Warm jacket (for Winter Wonderland)

1. Look for a discounted ticket plan. You may find coupons at local supermarkets and drug stores, or at tourist information centers, or at hotels should you be coming from outside the area. You can even purchase special vacation packages, and the website offers combo packages where you can purchase tickets to both Dutch Wonderland and Hershey Park for a lower rate than if you purchased both tickets separately.

2. Check out all of the rides available for kids (and adults) of different sizes. There are 10 rides just for kids up to 54 inches (4 feet 6 inches), and 23 family fun rides that kids and parents can enjoy together. Some of the family rides do have lower height limits, however, as they may be unsafe for the smallest children to ride. Rides have an easy-to-understand height code, where different colored gems indicate the different height restrictions: kids under 36 inches are aquamarines, kids 36 to 42 inches are emeralds, kids 42 to 48 inches are ambers, kids 48 to 54 inches are sapphires, and kids and adults over 54 inches are rubies.

3. Pack a bathing suit if you plan a visit in the summertime. Duke's Lagoon (Duke is the name of the dragon mascot) is a waterplay area with a multi-level platform, kid-sized water slides, spray nozzles, jets, tipping cones and a great big tipping bucket.

4. Eat lunch or grab a snack at one of the restaurants or food stands. Kosher food is available, as are vegetarian options including veggie dogs, salads and fresh fruit.

5. Enjoy one of the many shows throughout the day, including "Thomas and Friends Live", a storytime with the princess and or knight and a high-diving show at the Herr's Aqua Stadium called "The Adventures of the Frog Prince."

6. Plan a visit in late October to enjoy Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland, featuring magic shows, Halloween-themed (but not too scary) rides and entertainment, and trick-or-treat fun. Return in December to enjoy Dutch Winter Wonderland, with its games, cookie decorating, holiday lights and a visit from Santa.

Tips & Warnings

• The Kosher Mart at Dutch Wonderland is closed on Saturdays.

Resources

• Dutch Wonderland