Play, Ride and Get Excited!
Hot new attractions & cool entertainment at area amusement parks.
For updates on the latest rides and attractions at area favorite amusement parks in 2014, click here.
Kiddie Superstars
“Kid kingdom” Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA welcomes popular children’s characters including Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Max from Nick Jr.’s “Max & Ruby” during the summer Superstar Funfest, one of three new live shows debuting this season.
Sesame Place brings back its popular special event series for 2012. The line-up includes Strawberry Shortcake, Dan Zanes & Friends and a live animal show with Jack Hanna.
Making Waves
Morey’s Piers and Clementon Park & Splash World in New Jersey unveil major renovations to their waterparks this year. At Morey’s in Wildwood, the former Lazy River is now River Adventure. It features geysers and waterfalls, while the new Wipeout! six-lane slide takes swimmers headfirst down slopes.
The beach comes to Clementon with the opening of Big Wave Bay on Memorial Day weekend. The giant wave pool and surrounding lounge area — including shade structures and a Tiki Bar — mark the biggest expansion in the waterpark’s history.
Sky-High Thrills
Skyrush debuts Memorial Day weekend at Hersheypark, joining 11 other ’coasters. It will be the tallest (200 ft.), fastest (more than 75 mph) and longest (3,600 ft.) rollercoaster ever at Hershey.
Stinger at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA puts you face-to-face with other riders as you travel up a hill, then come down at highway speeds, twisting through forward and backward inversions. At ground level, Dinosaurs Alive! is the closest you’ll get to a real life Jurassic Park, with animatronic dinosaurs roaming this new park within Dorney Park.
Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ introduces SkyScreamer, a 24-story tower ride that swings riders high above the new Adventure Alley family zone. The Alley includes low-key rides like bumper cars and a flying elephant.
Stephanie Halinski is the former calendar editor of MetroKids.
