Are you craving the thrill of a high-speed coaster? Or perhaps you would prefer to slip and glide down some water slides? Washington DC and its surrounding area have a surprising number of theme parks for residents to choose from — but which one is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the top theme parks in the region, so you and your family, friends, or significant other can make the most of your time off! 🎢
King’s Dominion
Located just over an hour from DC, this amusement park is packed with family fun adventures, rides, and games. There’s even a water park area called Soak City, which is a huge hit in the summer!
King’s Dominion opened in 1975 and has continuously added new roller coasters and rides to keep people coming back to the 400-acre adventure park.
If you want an intense, action-filled ride, then the Anaconda and its 144-foot drop could be perfect for you. It features multiple twists and turns to make you feel like you’re actually in the clutches of a monster snake.
The day tickets are around $50 per person, but you may find discounts for Saturdays and special events.
📌 Location: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg
If you’d prefer to combine high-speed rollercoasters at a water park with a huge selection of food and drink, then Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the park for you.
Rollercoasters aside, one of the best things about Busch Gardens is their food and restaurant options. You can stop in for a beer at the Brauhaus Craft Bier Room, which has more than 30 beers on tap, or dig into some delectable BBQ at Trapper’s Smokehouse.
But make no mistake — this isn’t a food park! Busch Gardens is an adrenaline paradise, with coasters like the Griffon where you drop 90 degrees straight down 205 feet at 75 miles per hour — whew!
You will find this foodie theme park paradise just under three hours outside of DC. Day tickets cost around $50.
📌 Location: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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Six Flags America
If you are looking for a slightly more quaint experience, then head over to Six Flags America for a healthy dose of state fair-style food and rides.
While many people think this park is a bit outdated, we think it still offers plenty of fun for the whole family. Plus, wait times are shorter, which is a real bonus. Batman fans will love the Gotham City section of the park where you can find interesting and thrilling rides such as Joker’s Jinx.
You can expect a day pass to set you back between $25 and $40 depending on the day, makings this park a budget-friendly option. Since this theme park is only about 30 minutes from DC, you can easily take a quick day trip.
📌 Location: 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721
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Adventure Park USA
If you want to experience a wide range of indoor and outdoor games, then this park will put a smile on your face. At Adventure Park USA, you can find indoor games that are open year-round, such as laser tag, rock climbing, bumper cars, and an arcade.
In the summer, from June through August, you can enjoy outdoor games, such as mini-golf, go-karts, and bumper boats. Two roller coasters cater to younger children but are still worth a ride for adults.
You will also find an outdoor gem mining station where you can learn about geology and find precious gems to take home. They also offer a special on Super Saturday where you can find unlimited rides for $19 from 10 AM to 12 PM. A normal day ticket will run you about $45.
📌 Location: 11113 W Baldwin Rd, Monrovia, MD 21770
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Great Waves Waterpark
If you are solely looking for water rides to help beat the heat, then this is your best option. Great Waves Waterpark is only about half an hour from DC, which makes it ideal for short trips. This park features five water slides, including speed slides, two uncovered slides, and one covered.
You can also find a huge wave pool in the middle of the park where most people hang out during the day. The Kids Zone is perfect for children to run and play while parents can take a well-deserved rest on the lounge chairs.
One section of the park, called Cameron Run, has batting cages and mini-golf if you need a break from the water rides.
A single-day ticket will cost about $16, so this is a great bargain option for bringing the whole family.
📌 Location: 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
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If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Washington DC, a day trip to an adventure theme park might be just what you need. Now, the only thing to decide is if you want to ride water slides, roller coasters, or both!