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A group of people on the wooden roller coaster at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA.
Must-Visit Amusement Parks Near Northeastern PA
From indoor adventures to classic wooden coasters, these 9 amusements parks are just a short drive from NEPA and perfect for a thrilling day of family fun.
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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.

Amusement Parks In & Around NEPA
A rollercoaster full of people smiling and yelling at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

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

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A girl with her arm around a large bunny character at Dutch Wonderland in New Jersey.
Dutch Wonderland

Lancaster, 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

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A wide view of people on a yellow and blue roller coaster at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pa.
Hersheypark

Hershey, 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

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A photo of Satellite and Impulse at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA.
Knoebels Amusement Resort

Elysburg, 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

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People looking at the pond at Legoland New York Resort in Goshen, NY.
LEGOLAND

Goshen, 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

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The indoor Nickelodeon Universe amusement park at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ.
Nickelodeon Universe

East 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

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An aerial view of Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park in Jackson, NJ.
Six Flags Great Adventure

Jackson, 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

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Storybook Land image
Storybook Land

Egg 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

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Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park  image
Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park

King 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

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People zipping through the trees on an orange roller coaster at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pa.
Explore More Easily Accessible Fun

From 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.