Washington DC is the capital city of the United States of America. A meaningful visit to this place is easy to plan. Expect a capital city to have monuments and historical sites that attract millions of tourists every year. Yet, being a prominent place, Washington DC also has plenty to offer in terms of fun and entertainment. It can easily be your favorite destination for carnivals and theme parks. Every adrenaline junkie answers to the clarion call of an exciting ride that freezes your face in a soundless scream of delight. Washington DC’s roller coasters are theme park icons. For children who find happiness in parks and playgrounds with slides and swings and an ice cream truck nearby, America’s capital city should not disappoint. Scroll down for our top theme parks and amusement parks in Washington DC, the USA.
1. Westminster Park
According to reviews, the positive vibe at Westminster Park is undeniable. In the summer, there are fun water options. For the rest of the year, toddlers and older children alike will no doubt enjoy the well-maintained toys and equipment. A colorful mural is a welcoming sign, and it’s never overcrowded. They say Westminster Park is a neighborhood secret that is gradually becoming a Washington DC destination. The trees offer adequate shade, and there is a protective fencing that separates the park from the streets. Young mavericks can satisfy their need for speed with little cars and bikes that anyone can use. It’s about time your family discovered Westminster Park’s secrets!
Westminster Park
Address: 934 Westminster St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, United States
2. Magic Ground
If you can find Washington Sports Club on the map, then Magic Ground is right next door to it. The Playground, Toddler’s Cave, and Show Hall are some of the features of the indoor kids’ zone. When the children have had enough of the ball pit and climbing maze they can proceed to the ace painting nook. It’s free of charge! If you didn’t have enough time to prepare snacks, don’t fret. The second-level snack bar is fully stocked with kiddie favorites. Your kids can also visit Magic Ground, where wizardry happens every day.
Magic Ground
Address: 3100 14th St NW 3rd level, Washington, DC 20010, United States
Website: Magic Ground
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 9pm
Price: 5 - 18 USD
Nearby Theme Parks & Amusement Parks
3. Six Flags America
Here’s a must-do list for the thrill-seekers out there: Wild One, Mind Eraser, Roar, the Great Chase, Joker’s Jinx (which is green and purple), Superman: Ride of Steel, Batwing, Ragin Cajun, and Firebird. One of them is the only floorless roller coaster in America. That’s the Firebird, folks! The roller coasters of Six Flags America wait quietly to test your mettle. Make time for Gotham City and Looney Tunes Movie Town as well. Located in Prince George’s County, Maryland and still within the Washington DC metropolitan area, Six Flags is a great destination for children and adults alike.
Six Flags America
Address: 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721, United States
Website: Six Flags America
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Adventure Park USA
Larry and Angie Stottlemyer started a new exploit in 2003 and called it Adventure Park USA. The couple put in their heart and soul to offer Maryland the biggest family entertainment center, and it’s been well received. Outdoor and indoor entertainment options welcome visitors year-round. The facility has a Wild West theme but also features Go-Kart and Skycoaster. Give them a holler and ask how to avail of a VIP membership, which would ensure non-stop amusement for the entire family.
Adventure Park USA
Address: 11113 Baldwin Rd, Monrovia, MD 21770, United States
Website: Adventure Park USA
Opening hours: Mon- Thu: 11am - 6:30pm; Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7:30 pm
5. Cameron Run Regional Park
Are you open to suggestions? Consider this itinerary at Cameron Run Regional Park in Northern Virginia. A picnic, the batting cages, or miniature golf would be a good start to the day. Pencil in an hour or two for lunch, then allot an entire carefree afternoon at Great Waves Waterpark. This water escapade is way cool - there is a kiddie lagoon, a wading area, as well as big slides and small slides for kids big and small. A wave pool is available for the courageous ones, and lifeguards are always around to ensure their safety. There are plenty of places for Instagram-worthy photo opportunities too.
Cameron Run Regional Park
Address: 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, United States
Website: Cameron Run Regional Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
6. City of Gaithersburg Water Park at Bohrer Park
Lovely out here
Posted by Akua Afoah on Sunday, 25 August 2019
The mini-golf is nice, but the double water slide that spools out into the main pool is great, particularly for children. If you are a child and you get into a slide that is 250 feet (76 meters) long, you’d probably want to live in Gaithersburg, Maryland so that you can visit the water park at Bohrer Park every day. Gaithersburg manages the outdoor entertainment features, and they go out of their way to keep it interesting and safe for the 80,000 patrons who arrive every year. It’s not just a favorite but also a prime destination for Washington residents.
City of Gaithersburg Water Park at Bohrer Park
Address: 512 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Website: City of Gaithersburg Water Park
7. Volcano Island Waterpark
Posted by Volcano Island Waterpark on Thursday, 20 June 2019
You better believe there’s a Volcano Island in Sterling, Virginia. It’s man-made and sits serenely within Algonkian Regional Park. There’s more to Volcano Island Waterpark than wading pools and waterslides. There’s a 500-gallon (1,892-liter) dumping bucket and for many, that is a singular experience in itself! Though designed particularly for the enjoyment of children, adults will find the place great for splashing around. The tropical-themed park encourages rest and relaxation for everyone. Now, head off to have fun at Volcano Island!
Volcano Island Waterpark
Address: 20015 Volcano Island Dr, Sterling, VA 20165, United States
Website: Volcano Island Waterpark
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
8. The Carousel at National Harbor
Posted by DJ Glisson II on Sunday, 22 September 2019
They say that a carousel symbolizes innocence, memory, and infinity. The classic forms and bright colors of the rotating marvel at National Harbor is the epitome of all these qualities. “Theme park American at its best” - this is a typical description for the carousel here in Maryland. It is near the sandy beach and, oftentimes, you have to line up for your turn. The park has a children’s playground, and a Ferris wheel called ‘Capital Wheel’ is in the vicinity.
The Carousel at National Harbor
Address: 137 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, United States
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm
9. SplashDown Waterpark
Are you going for the Tropical Twister slide or the Lazy River? That is one of the decisions you have to make at SplashDown Waterpark in Manassas, Virginia. Then there is Pipeline Tower to consider. No matter where you decide to go first, expect your kids to want to try out everything. The bigger rides can be a bit overwhelming, but the younger ones will have a grand time giggling their way around zero-depth waterways and gentle fountains. SplashDown is the largest summer destination of its kind in Northern Virginia, so expect lots of people there cooling off.
SplashDown Waterpark
Address: 7500 Ben Lomond Park Rd, Old Town Manassas, VA 20109, United States
10. Ocean Dunes Waterpark
The water is crystal clear, the sun is shining, and the waterpark is calling your name! Don't miss out!
Posted by Upton Hill Regional Park / Ocean Dunes Waterpark on Friday, 2 September 2016
Arlington’s Upton Hill Regional Park has a beach-themed open space full of tube slides, fountains, water slides, and a dumping bucket. If you can reach Ocean Dunes Waterpark in half an hour, then you don’t have to drive all the way to the ocean. You will also find waterpark favorites like a closed slide and a dumping bucket. They have a “Senior Swim Week” promo for visitors 55 years and older who want to spend the day around the water. This park definitely has it all, with plenty of fun and relaxation for kids and adults alike.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Address: 6060 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205, United States
Website: Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Sun: 11am - 7pm; Wed: 1pm - 7pm
Summer is just around the corner
The potential thrill or novelty of experiencing an amusement park ride is a huge motivation for theme park fans. For children, it may be enough to have an open playground and a variety of outdoor equipment to explore for the first time. This summer, outdoor playgrounds, theme parks, and water parks will be loaded with children and adults wanting to get away from their usual routine even just for a day. Make a list of where your family wants to go and check out discounts and passes to enjoy awesome rides and slides for half the price!
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