Amusement Parks

Summer in PA is a time for thrills. Whether it’s speeding around a turn on a roller coaster or streaming down a waterslide, you’re sure to have a blast at one of these best amusement in the Northeast.

Costumed characters resembling chocolate candies—Reese’s, Hershey’s, and a Hershey’s Kiss—pose in front of a fountain and roller coaster at an amusement park in Pennsylvania.

Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World

Located in Hershey, this amusement park themed around The Hershey Company flaunts 121 acres of fun for all ages. It has 76 rides in operation — including 15 roller coasters — and offers a free educational ride at the nearby Hershey's Chocolate World to allow visitors to learn how they make their signature chocolate. Hop on the 1946-built Comet roller coaster, or get your adrenaline rush on the new Wildcat's Revenge, which debuted in 2023.

A brightly colored Ferris wheel with multicolored gondolas stands against a clear blue sky at a Pennsylvania amusement park.

Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels Amusement Resort is America's largest free-admission park, providing family fun with more than 60 rides and attractions. Conveniently located in Elysburg near a golf course and campgrounds for those who want to enjoy a longer stay, Knoebels Amusement Resort has proudly served families since 1926.

Children running and playing near a small amusement ride and a blue‑topped carousel at a family-friendly park in Pennsylvania.

Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park

The Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park is the perfect place for groups of all ages to have fun and create memories. Located in Lancaster County, this amusement park features more than 35 rides, shows, and attractions. Immerse yourself in a fairytale-themed world as you travel through the park to one of many rides, like Merlin's Mayhem or the Double Splash Flume.

Children splash through the shallow end of a wave pool at a lively outdoor water park in Pennsylvania, with colorful slides and other swimmers in the background.

Kalahari Resort And Conventions

Watch your family's jaws drop when you visit the massive 220,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor water park at Kalahari Resort & Conventions. The recently expanded water park features a gigantic arcade that will entertain the kids while adults relax in one of the resort's many restaurants or lounge by the pool.

Two people stand on a water-play structure as a large splash of water pours over them at an indoor water park in Pennsylvania.

Idlewild & SoakZone

Cool off this summer at Idlewild & SoakZone. This amusement park east of Pittsburgh offers rides, games, and other attractions to entertain your whole group. Boasting seven themed areas — from the whimsical Story Book Forest to the SoakZone — this nationally recognized hangout with costume characters allows kids and adults to explore their favorite stories in life-sized settings.

A scenic outdoor water park in Pennsylvania featuring a lazy river, a large wave pool, yellow umbrellas, and mountains in the background.

DelGrosso's Park & Laguna Splash Water Park

DelGrosso's Park & Laguna Splash Water Park is the perfect place to bring your family for a day or weekend of fun. With all their attractions, including rides and games, your little ones will always have things to do. The park hosts many seasonal events, like the Italian Food Festival and the annual Easter Bunny Hunt on Easter Sunday. Explore 30 total rides like the X-Scream Tower and Super Spiral.

A large, colorful swing ride spins with riders suspended in the air at an amusement park in Pennsylvania, surrounded by tall trees and a bright sky.

Waldameer Park & Water World

Waldameer Park & Water World is the theme park in Erie to visit. Founded in the late 1800s and a community staple ever since, the park features more than 100 attractions, including rides for kids, thrill rides for adults, and everything in between. From the Ravine Flyer II to Thunder River, every moment will be a thrill at Waldameer Park & Water World!

A group of people take a selfie in front of a towering roller coaster with looping red and yellow tracks at an amusement park in Pennsylvania.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Located in the Lehigh Valley, Six Flags' Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom brings the thrills and family-fun to Pennsylvania with two great theme parks in one. Dorney Park features more than 100 rides, from seven action-packed roller coasters to the kid-friendly Planet Snoopy™ village. Attached, you'll find one of the country's best ranked waterparks at Wildwater Kingdom, home to 26 waterslides, lazy rivers, and two wave pools. Operating from late April through October every year, this Pennsylvania amusement park packs rides, slides, and fun into one easy day trip.