Day trips to the amusement parks are full of rides, greasy foods, and great memories with family and friends. Hear the roar of the coasters and the laughs from your kids as they take on the rides. This summer take your family to some of the great amusement parks that are close to New York City!
Hershey Park (Hershey, PA)
As soon as you step into the park, it is a candy wonderland! Your height is based off different types of candies, deciphering between which rides are appropriate for you and your family. Start your journey into Hershey Park with Chocolate World. You will get to experience the art of making the delicious candy! The park includes roller coasters for the daredevils of the family, entertainment, and rides for the kids. Hershey Park is packed with games, rides, and of course, candy! Approximately 3 hours from New York City; hersheypark.com
Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)
Just outside of New York, Six Flags Great Adventure is a perfect place for a day of family fun. Watch as your children ride around the Bugs Bunny Camp Carousel or ride on Daffy’s Hot Air Balloons. For those who enjoy thrillers, take flight on Superman’s Ultimate Flight or ride on El Toro. Six Flags also holds character meet and greets, and character dance parties! Approximately 1 hour from New York City; sixflags.com/greatadventure
Dorney Park (Allentown, PA)
A day spent with family is priceless! Dorney Park has many attractions suitable for all different riders. Take a family ride on Cedar Creek Cannonball, an old steam engine, or make your way over to Planet Snoopy. Planet Snoopy is specifically for children. Woodstock’s Wagon Wheel is a miniature Ferris Wheel. There is a ride for everyone over at Dorney Park. Approximately an hour and a half from New York City; dorneypark.com
Adventureland (Farmingdale, NY)
Enjoy a day at Long Island’s amusement park. The Haunted House, flying high into the sky on the swings, and playing in the arcade all mix together to create a day of family fun. Approximately 1 hour from New York City; adventureland.us
Sesame Place (Langhorne, PA)
Sesame Street characters come to life at Sesame Place creating an experience your children will not forget. Watch your children spin in Cookie Monster’s cookie, fly on Elmo’s fish, and slide down Snuffy’s slide. Sesame Place offers a neighborhood street party with characters and a concert that includes Elmo, Bert and Ernie, Zoe, and Cookie Monster! Approximately an hour and a half from New York City; sesameplace.com/langhorne
Quassy Amusement Park
With over 20 rides, how can you not have fun? Quassay covers all the basics, kiddie, family, thrillers, and water rides. If the Wooden Roller coaster is too intimidating, take on the little dipper with your little one! Quassay Park has been around for decades creating a historic site to enjoy with your family. Approximately 2 hours from New York City; quassy.com
Luna Park (Coney Island, NY)
Home of the iconic wooden Cyclone, Coney Island’s Luna Park is filled with rides, games, and food. Children can enjoy the Big Top Express and the Mermaid Parade. Soar through the sky like an Eagle on the Soarin’ Eagle and drop from the Coney Tower freefall. The historic Nathan’s is just down the block too famous for its hot dogs! Approximately 25 minutes from New York City; lunaparknyc.com
Lake Compounce (Bristol, CT)
Much has changed since first opening in 1846. Spending millions on rides and attractions, this park has come a long way! A miniature pirate ship for the kiddies along with an antique carousel and flying elephants will give a joy to everyone. Enjoy the day riding the Boulder Dash and the Wild Cat for those seeking thrills. There is enough here to keep you and your family busy all day! Approximately 2 hours from New York City; lakecompounce.com
Playland (Rye, NY)
There are an abundance of rides and attractions at Playland. Children will love the rides in Kiddyland! The House of Mirrors and the Music Express are rides that your whole family can enjoy together! The Dragon Coaster attracts the thrill seekers with a 128-foot drop. Enjoy all that this park has to offer this summer! Approximately 1 hour from New York City; ryeplayland.org
Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster,PA)
Take your family into space with Astroliner! Dutch Wonderland has story time with Princess Brooke and an adventure show of A Dragon’s Tale. Designed for young children, this park will keep you and your little ones busy! Approximately 3 hours from New York City; dutchwonderland.com
