Add Excitement to Your Summer with Amusement Parks Near Northeastern PA
Looking to turn up the fun this summer? Whether you crave high-speed coasters, wild water rides or kid-friendly attractions, these nine amusement parks near Northeastern Pennsylvania deliver unforgettable thrills just a short drive away. Perfect for a spontaneous day trip or a planned weekend adventure, these destinations offer something for every age and energy level.
From classic wooden roller coasters and sprawling water parks to interactive shows and midway games, each park on this list brings its own flavor of excitement. Whether you’re cooling off with a lazy river float or screaming your way down a vertical drop, you’re guaranteed a break from the ordinary and a boost of summer fun.
So load up the car, grab your crew, and make some memories. We’ve rounded up everything you need to plan your visit—park highlights, ride details, operating dates, and more.
Visitors Tip: Be sure to check each park’s website before heading out for the most up-to-date info on hours, ticket pricing, height restrictions, and special events. Approximate travel times were calculated using Pittston, PA, as the starting point.
Allentown, PA | May-September
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom delivers classic coaster thrills with family-friendly fun. Home to more than 60 rides—including the iconic Steel Force—and a full-scale water park, it’s two destinations in one. Planet Snoopy is perfect for little ones, while older kids will love Hydra and Possessed.
Travel time: 90 minutes
Learn MoreLancaster, PA | April–December
Known as “A Kingdom for Kids,” Dutch Wonderland is a favorite for families with little ones. The park offers over 35 kid-friendly rides, live entertainment, and a water play area called Duke’s Lagoon. The gentle coasters and themed attractions are perfect for a first amusement park experience.
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Learn MoreHershey, PA | April–December
Known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” Hersheypark mixes chocolatey charm with top-tier roller coasters and a amusement park fun. The park features over 70 rides, including the all-new Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid coaster. Plus, Hershey’s Chocolate World is just steps away for a sugar fix.
Travel time: 2 hours
Learn MoreElysburg, PA | April–October
A NEPA favorite, Knoebels Amusement Resort is America’s largest free-admission amusement park. Pay as you go for classic rides like the Phoenix roller coaster and the Grand Carousel, or just enjoy the food, free shows, and vintage charm. It’s affordable, nostalgic, and beloved by locals.
Travel time: 75 minutes
Learn MoreGoshen, NY | Open Year-Round
Awesome awaits at LEGOLAND® New York Resort, a 150-acre theme park and 250-room hotel. This ultimate LEGO® theme park destination is just outside New York City in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Kids ages 2 through 12 and their families can ride, climb, splash, and build their way through seven themed lands!
Travel time: 90 minutes
Learn MoreEast Rutherford, NJ | Open Year-Round
Located inside the American Dream Mall, Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere. With themed rides featuring SpongeBob, Paw Patrol, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it’s a dream come true for kids—and climate-controlled for parents. There’s also an indoor water park, ski slope, and shopping galore right next door.
Travel time: 2 hours
Learn MoreJackson, NJ | April–December
Buckle up for high-speed thrills! Six Flags Great Adventure, located in Jackson, NJ, is home to record-breaking roller coasters like Kingda Ka and El Toro. The park also includes a wild safari drive-thru and water rides to cool off in the hot weather.
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Learn MoreEgg Harbor Township, NJ | April–December
Perfect for the preschool crowd, Storybook Land brings fairy tales to life. Enjoy gentle rides themed around Mother Goose rhymes, visit Santa during the holidays, or hop aboard the Old Tyme Train. The park is small enough for a half-day visit, but packed with wonder.
Travel time: 3.5 hours
Learn MoreKing of Prussia, PA | Open Year-Round
If your family prefers bouncing over coasters, Thrillz is your spot. Just outside Philadelphia in King of Prussia, this massive indoor adventure park features zip lines, ropes courses, obstacle challenges, and trampoline arenas. It’s like a video game in real life—and yes, adults can join in too.
Travel time: 2 hours
Learn MoreFrom big city streets to idyllic small towns, adventure is just a drive away from our region's central location. No matter your travel style, unforgettable experiences await just beyond NEPA.