Review: Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA

Each Summer since we moved to the Lancaster area, our family has visited Dutch Wonderland on a special day set aside for employees of the Lancaster General Health system and their families. This year when we went, two of my friends requested a review of the park, having never visited. So here it is!

Dutch Wonderland is located in Lancaster and is a theme park geared toward small children. I would say children older than 6 or 7 may be a bit bored, since the majority of the rides are geared towards kids under that age (although there are a handful of rides designed for older kids). The first Summer we went my children were ages 4 and 2 and they were able to ride a good 85% of the rides available.

To see a map of all rides click here.

The park is not too large and that makes it perfect for a day of fun...not too much walking and navigating. The main park area has rides as well as frequent story times (with Princesses no less), a diving show (which is truly amazing and is themed around a fairy tale) and music and other attractions besides just the rides. They have a Thomas the Tank area where kids can get a small show and meet Thomas himself. There are also ample carnival food stands and carnival games.

The park also includes a train ride, various boat rides, pony rides (for an additional fee) and small educational stations about the Amish culture as well as play houses in different themes.

Now, besides the main park there is also a great water park suited for kids and adults as well as Miniature Golf (both included in the price of admission).

Ticket Prices are $31.95 (with children 2 and under for free). They also have ticket packages and two day specials. Find more information here. You can probably do the water park and the theme park in one long day, but a two day pass would be great in order to soak in everything the park has to offer.


Our family LOVES this park. It is perfect for small children who often get swallowed up in larger theme parks. I recommend it to all families with children up to age 8. If your kids are older, you may want to try Hershey Park, which has more rides for older children and adults.

So...what do YOU think?
Have you been to Dutch Wonderland?
Do you love it as much as we do?