Travel Guides Family Friendly Amusement Parks
Kylie McCreary
There is something so whimsical and fun about the medieval era. Well, of course, we mean this in theory. When you look at the nitty-gritty of politics and medical technology of that period, most of us would very much prefer to stay right here in the modern world. But, the fairytales and dreamy pastoral folklore make it the perfect setting for the imagination. When you’re a kiddo, this imagination soars beyond what we adults can achieve. Dragons, armor, royalty, and castles provide the perfect setting and characters for young dreams to run wild.
If you’re looking for family fun, buying a ticket to the medieval theme park Dutch Wonderland is a sure route for everyone to have a fantastic day. In fact, in 2022, the park was given the title of “Best Family Park” by Amusement Today. Seated in the beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the park is an exciting trip for everyone.
The history of Dutch Wonderland
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In the ’50s, a potato farmer named Earl Clark opened up a hotel along Route 30 and began his career in tourism. Soon enough, Clark learned that Lancaster County’s tourism scene lacked a reach to one demographic — kids. And so, Clark allegedly dreamed up the Dutch Wonderland design. He immediately went to work, building its iconic castle and opening its gates on May 20, 1963. For the past 60 years, it has remained one of Lancaster County’s most beloved tourist stops.
The name “Dutch Wonderland” was inspired by Lancaster County’s influx of German immigrants in the 1700s. This is the same reason Lancaster County is commonly referred to as “Pennsylvania Dutch Country.” You’re probably still wondering, “Why ‘Dutch’ though?” Well, in the German language, “Deutsch” is the word for “German.” And so, in English writing and pronunciation, this word is spelled “Dutch.” Beyond the extra-large pretzels and hot dogs, there aren’t a ton of German-specific features. However, medieval elements like “Duke’s Lagoon,” the Gondola cruise, and the castle all draw on an old European style.
Planning your trip to Dutch Wonderland
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If you decide to take a day trip to Dutch Wonderland, you may find that the kids love the adventure-filled park just as much as you love its convenience and prices. The park is close enough to major East Coast cities, making the modest drive worth the ride. If you have a car and are driving in New York City, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware, Baltimore, or Washington D.C., heading to Lancaster County for a day at this park is an excellent, easy addition to the itinerary.
Depending on the time of year, you can get your Dutch Wonderland ticket for as low as $44.99. But you’ll definitely want to check out the park’s calendar and hours to ensure it’s open on the exact date you plan to visit. In addition, you’ll want to note that the park’s attractions and rides vary from season to season. For instance, the mini-water park, Duke’s Lagoon, is typically only open between May and September. In addition, Dutch Wonderland has seasonal events like the Halloween-themed “Happy Hauntings,” the holiday festivities of “Dutch Winter Wonderland,” and the springtime “Eggcellent Easter Celebration.” Whatever time of year you visit, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll have a good time.
