Dutch Wonderful

Inspired by a friend who grew up in the Lancaster, PA, area, we planned a visit to Dutch Wonderland, an amusement park for young kids a little over an hour's drive from Gettysburg.  Situated in a compact area in Lancaster, the park is a nice place for toddlers with plenty of small rides as well as "big rides" that are as kid-friendly as practical.  For example, two-year-old Elijah was able to ride their "big size" log flume.  Other rides include old-fashioned fun rides like a giant slide and family "thrill" rides the Kingdom Coaster, a wooden ride that most coaster enthusiasts would stamp as fun. 

The park is dotted with a few throwbacks to historic Pennsylvania, including wax Amish figures and a cow statue that can be "milked."  Pleasingly, the park has a sense of its own history, creating a small climb-able exhibit of old ride vehicles.   Our guess is that a good bit of their attendance is boomerang:  parents bringing their kids to a place they remember.

If you go, expect lots of food service ads everywhere in the park.  The place seems crowded on summer Saturdays, and watch the heat on enclosed rides like the monorail.  One of our favorite rides was the out-of-the-way "riverboat;" the friendly driver even took a family picture for us.  And Elijah will tell you the park's 20-minute Thomas show was toddler-perfect!  The gift shop includes a wonderful selection of souvenir pins for trading or keeping, too.  Park coupons/deals are limited, but basic parking is free--go early for best spot selection.

In the Lancaster area, we are curious about the Turkey Hill Experience and the Biblical tabernacle reproduction.  We'll have to return!

Relevant Websites:
Dutch Wonderland

Relevant Twitter Handles:
@FunatDW