In the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA is where the state of Maryland is situated. It has a total of 23 counties, 16 of which are located near Chesapeake Bay, which makes it a great destination for its many water activities. Having a land area of only 12,406.68 miles (32,133.2 km2), Maryland is considered one of the smallest states in America, albeit a melting pot of cultures and traditions from all places of the country. Different spots in Maryland have different types of weather due to the state’s topographical features, earning it the name America in Miniature. Some of the places of interest that tourists visit here are Baltimore Inner Harbor, The Walters Art Museum, and Antietam National Battlefield. But if you’re specifically looking for theme parks, we’ll definitely be able to help! Read on to learn about some of the best theme parks and amusement parks in Maryland, USA!
1. Adventure Park USA, Ijamsville
Adventure Park USA is a one-stop theme park for the whole family. It features indoor attractions such as wall climbing, laser tag, bumper cars, and rope course, along with outdoor attractions like a mini-golf, WildCat, bumper boats, and Wild West Express. The place also has arcades for kids who prefer to play video games. While these attractions are fun, they will certainly make you hungry, which is why the on-site Chuckwagon Cafe is there to rescue your weary tummies!
Adventure Park USA, Ijamsville
Address: 11113 Baldwin Rd, Monrovia, MD 21770, United States
Website: Adventure Park USA
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 6.30pm; Fri: 11am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7.30pm
Price: 29 USD
2. Enchanted Forest, Ellicott City
Back in the day, Enchanted Forest was one of the most famous theme parks in Maryland. It was first opened in the mid-1950s, and the park’s nursery rhyme theme became very appealing to kids. With its popularity and success, the 20-acre (8 ha) park expanded to a 52-acre (21 ha) entertainment center. Sadly, newer theme parks with more modern rides and features started appearing here and there, which led to Enchanted Forest’s closure in 1995. Fortunately, Friends of Enchanted Forest was formed in 1999, which aimed to revive the park. Though many structures were already demolished, there were several that have been preserved and transferred to Clark’s Elioak Farm for display and can still be visited by tourists.
Enchanted Forest
Address: 10000 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042, United States
Website: Enchanted Forest
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
3. Six Flags America, Bowie
Six Flags America has so many options that you wouldn’t even know where to start as soon as you enter the premises! From thrill rides to kiddie rides, you’ll find here almost every ride a theme park is supposed to have! Aside from the traditional rides, Six Flags America has taken it a bit further by incorporating different kinds of entertainment for kids, such as having mascots roam around the park for children to take pictures with and world-class events that are great for family bonding! And the place also has an on-site waterpark if you feel like exchanging water splashes with your kiddos!
Six Flags America
Address: 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721, United States
Website: Six Flags America
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 73 USD
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4. Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Ocean City
Jolly Roger Amusement Park is divided into several theme parks, each with its own highlights. Splash Mountain Waterpark has several water-themed features, such as Aqualoop, Eye of the Hurricane, and Splash Mountain Mermaids; meanwhile, SpeedWorld is a racing-themed park where you can experience being a racecar driver even just for a day. The venue also has traditional rides, such as the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel, and there’s a mini-golf course too! Whether you’d like to get wet, be a speed demon for a day, or just enjoy the rides, Jolly Roger Amusement Park promises each and every visitor a fun-filled stay! The opening hours of the park are subject to change, and it would be best to call the office for updated hours of operation. In addition, the price of tickets depends on which part of the park you’d like to tour.
Jolly Roger Amusement Park
Address: 2901 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States
Website: Jolly Roger Amusement Park
Price: From 8 USD
5. Trimper's Rides, Ocean City
Trimper’s Rides is one of the oldest amusement parks in Maryland. First opened in the early 1900s, it has been keeping children happy and entertained for a long time. The historic park’s rides include a merry-go-round, airplanes, big and small bumper cars that are called Dodgems, and more. There are also traditional games to indulge in, such as Whac-A-Mole, Pop a Balloon, and other carnival classics. If you want to be part of Trimper’s Rides’ 100 years of history, then visiting is a must!
Trimper's Rides
Address: 700 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States
Website: Trimper’s Rides
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 12am
Price: 28 USD
6. Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo
Glen Echo Park is one of the most frequented parks in Maryland. With over 400,000 visitors every year, it can easily be argued that it’s one of the most popular parks in the state too! In addition, it is one of the oldest theme parks in Maryland that is still operational until today. The entrance to this park for a picnic and use of its playground is free, with the exception of the carousel, which can be rented for a small fee. The carousel is currently under maintenance, but it is expected to become available again in April 2020. If you want to ride a carousel with over 100 years of history, then be at Glen Echo Park at this time!
Glen Echo Park
Address: 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812, United States
Website: Glen Echo Park
Opening hours: 6am - 1am (daily)
Price: 1.25 USD
7. Gwynn Oak Park, Lochearn
Back in the day, Gwynn Oak Park was once home to one of the most successful theme parks in Maryland. It had three rollercoaster rides—The Wild Mouse, The Big Dipper, and The Little Dipper—and other typical amusement park rides. The park was closed in 1973 because of the damage Hurricane Agnes made. A carousel was one of the surviving rides Gwyn Oak Park had, and it was relocated to National Mall in Washington DC. Today, the site is used by the residents of Maryland and even tourists from other parts of the world as a picnic ground. Another feature of the park is its lake, which can be used as an ice-skating spot during winter. Though there are no more rides here, you can still visit the place to bond with your family and remember fond memories you’ve had in Gwynn Oak Parl back in the day.
Gwynn Oak Park
Address: 6010 Gwynn Oak Ave, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207, United States
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 8am - 8.30pm; Thu: 8am - 6pm
Have a great fam-jam in Maryland!
Amusement parks are great places to spend some quality time with your family. And because you want nothing but the best for your loved ones, remember to visit these best theme parks and amusement parks in Maryland, USA! Some of them even boast a rich history!
History
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