Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania, and is America’s sixth most populated city. It’s one of the nation’s oldest city, having been founded by the English Quaker, William Penn, in 1682. It is also the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It’s no surprise that visitors flock to the city to experience some of this history. With amazing accommodations like themed hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals, this city welcomes plenty of travelers from afar who wish to visit the famed tourist attractions. You can check out the famous Liberty Bell or head to Independence Hall, where the Declaration was signed. There are also museums and parks to enjoy. But if you’re a thrill-seeker, you might be looking for something that will get your heart racing. And we’ve got just the thing. We’ve compiled a list of the best theme parks and amusement parks near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, so keep on reading and check out the options.
1. Legoland Discovery Center (from USD 27.0)
Our list starts off with the Legoland Discovery Center, an excellent place to visit if you’re travelling with kids. This family-friendly theme park offers plenty of activities to enjoy, including rides and an opportunity to build their own Lego model. If your kids love pirates, they’ll have a blast at Pirate Island Adventure, or head to LEGO Racers where kids can build their own race cars. There’s even a 4D cinema, a cafe, and a gift shop filled with plenty of Lego sets, so you can come away with some unique souvenirs.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
2. Hersheypark
Hersheypark dates back to 1906 when it was opened for employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company. It didn’t get its first roller coaster until 1923 and boasts a whopping 76 attractions, including 14 roller coasters and 16 water rides. There are rides for everyone to enjoy, from kids to adults. There are also venues where you can catch seasonal live shows, and plenty of restaurants to whet your appetite. If you’re craving a sweet chocolate bar at the end, you’ll be pleased to know Hershey’s Chocolate World sits adjacent to the theme park, which offers a tour as well as a shop where you can indulge your sweet tooth.
Hersheypark
Address: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
Website: Hersheypark
Opening hours: Varies by season, check website
Price: 31 USD
3. Diggerland
For a real interactive experience with the kids, why not head to Diggerland? It’s the country’s only park with a construction theme where kids and adults can try their hand at operating construction machinery. There are more than 30 attractions to try out, and of course, they are checked for safety. Kids can learn to operate a digger of course, as well as a backhoe and farm tractor. There’s even a section of the park designated as adults-only, so anyone over 18 can learn how to operate life-size machinery one-on-one with a foreman. And there are plenty of food options when your tummy starts to rumble.
Diggerland
Address: 100 Pinedge Dr, West Berlin, NJ 08091, United States
Website: Diggerland
Opening hours: Varies by season, check website
Price: 37 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Arnold's Family Fun Center
Arnold’s Family Fun Center is a huge space—more than 250,000 square feet (76,200 square meters) - offering a wide range of activities for all age groups. You can go bowling, take part in go-kart racing, play laser tag, and try the rock climbing wall, just to name a few of the options. It’s free to enter, but each activity will cost you either money or points. It’s a great spot for a birthday party, or an excellent way to spend a day having fun.
Arnold's Family Fun Center
Address: 100 Station Ave, Phoenixville, PA 19460, United States
Website: Arnold’s Family Fun Center
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 12pm - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm
Price: from 40 USD
5. The Funplex
Another great option for a day of fun is The Funplex. There are loads to enjoy here, including bowling, arcade games, and bumper cars. You can also get a thrill from rides like the Air Shot and the Drop N Twist. But that’s not all. Try out a Virtual Reality game, play a game of mini-golf, or laser tag. And if it’s a hot day, there’s a water park to cool off in. And there are a plethora of restaurant and cafe options when you get hungry. With so much to do, you can easily spend the day here with the family.
The Funplex
Address: 182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936, United States
Website: The Funplex
Opening hours: Varies by attraction, check website
Price: from 25 USD
6. Six Flags Great Adventure
Next up, we have Six Flags Great Adventure, owned by the well-known Six Flags company. This amusement park contains nearly 60 attractions, including 13 roller coasters and a water park, and is the world’s second-largest theme park. Your entry to the park starts with Main Street, which is modelled after an 18th-century American town. There, you can do some shopping or grab a bite to eat. There are also plenty of themed areas to explore, including Fantasy Forest and Adventure Alley. In addition to the multitude of rides and attractions to enjoy, the park also puts on special events during holidays. So, for example, you can check out their Holiday Wonderland around Christmas. There’s no shortage of rides and attractions to enjoy at this large park, so plan to spend the whole day having fun.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527, United States
Website: Six Flags Great Adventure
Opening hours: Varies by season, check website
Price: from 25 USD
7. Dutch Wonderland
Spread across 48 acres (19.4 ha), Dutch Wonderland is a kid-friendly amusement park. It’s been open since 1963, and today has more than 35 rides and attractions. You’ll enter through a castle facade, where you can ride a roller coaster, play on the bumper cars, or get dizzy on the tilt-a-whirl ride. If it’s a warm day, kids can cool off in Duke’s Lagoon, which is a water park. And if your kids are into dinosaurs, there’s an Exploration Island, where they can check out animatronic dinosaurs. There are also live shows to watch, and plenty of eateries where you can grab a quick bite.
Dutch Wonderland
Address: 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602, United States
Website: Dutch Wonderland
Opening hours: Varies by season, check website
Price: from 36 USD
8. Sesame Place (from USD 65.0)
Another great option for the kids is Sesame Place. If your kids are a fan of the beloved Sesame Street TV show, then you must bring them to this theme park which brings the show to life. Kids can enjoy plenty of rides, including water rides and rides that will whirl and twirl them around. There’s also live entertainment to enjoy, so they can watch their favourite characters on stage. There’s even a Neighborhood Street Party. You’ll get a kick out of watching your kids have a great time with their friends from Sesame Street.
Sesame Place Entry Ticket, with Rides and Water Slides
Duration: 8 hours
Plenty of thrills in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia area has plenty of theme parks and amusement parks to entertain you. Whether you’re looking for something kid-friendly, or you’ll be travelling with adults looking for an exciting ride on a roller coaster, there’s a little something for everyone. So pick your favourite, book your tickets, and prepare to have some fun! While you’re here, be sure to check out the best shopping malls and waterfront dining spots as well to make the most of your vacation.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×