Summer Guide 2015: Must-Visit Amusement Parks

Want to take a day trip full of fun, adventure and games with your family this summer? We’ve rounded up six must-visit amusement parks this summer, all within two hours of New York City!

Dorney Park
Allentown, PA
With a brand new family ride and barbecue dining experience, get ready to pack your bags and head down to Dorney Park for a guaranteed day of fun. Step into a time machine at the Dinosaurs Alive park, featuring more than 30 life-sized dinosaurs, or cool off at one of the many waterslides at Wildwater Kingdom. Dorney also boasts its very own kids park, Planet Snoopy, catered to family friendly fun with over 15 rides and the opportunity to take pictures with your favorite Peanut! 4000 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA, dorneypark.com

Land of Make Believe
Hope, NJ
Travel to the Land of Make Believe for an array of rides, games and water parks so incredible you still might not believe it! The pirate-themed park prides itself on its family friendly rides and encourages parents to jump in on the fun at the Pirates Plunge waterslide or Blackbeard’s Action River Ride. This season, new features include the Rockin’ Tug family ride, Free Fallin’ ride for thrill seekers and many more at the top-rated New Jersey amusement park. 354 Great Meadows Road – Rt. 611, Hope, NJ, lomb.com

Luna Park
Brooklyn, NY
Luna Park, located in Brooklyn’s own Coney Island, offers an enormous assortment of rides and games for children of all ages to dive into this summer. Just a quick train ride away, the beachside amusement park comes equipped with everything from the epochal Coney Island Cyclone to the brand new Thunderbolt rollercoaster. After winning a prize at one of Luna Park’s 15 lively games, take a quick break to indulge in the best hotdog New York City has to offer at Nathan’s Famous on the boardwalk. 1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, lunaparknyc.com

Rye Playland
Rye, NY
Rye Playland is the ideal setting for kids and parents of all ages to enjoy a summer day in the sun with a large range of kiddyland, family and thrill rides next to the beachy Long Island Sound. Just an hour outside of New York City, enter a new world of outrageous entertainment at the House of Mirrors or try to dodge dancing skeletons in the spookily fun Zombie Castle. In addition to its regular features, Rye Playland offers a jam-packed schedule of daily entertainment like Erik’s Reptile Edventures or New York Days! Broadway Nights! 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY  ryeplayland.org

Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson, NJ
For a classic amusement park experience, head out to Six Flags Great Adventure and buckle up for a full day of electrifying rollercoasters, games and entertainment. Rollercoaster lovers will be in for a treat with the brand new, spiraling El Diablo ride and the limited time backward Batman coaster beginning July 4. Those looking for a more laidback scene can take in the view from the Big Wheel Ferris wheel or ride the Bugaboo bug mobiles on a gentler tour. 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527 sixflags.com/greatadventure

Victorian Gardens
New York, NY
For some summer fun in the heart of New York City, Victorian Gardens is a must-visit seasonal amusement park in Central Park. In a stunning transformation, Wollman Rink is barely recognizable with colorful games and rides taking the place of the iconic skating rink. The thrilling Aeromax ride treats passengers to a 360 degree view of the entire park, including its bumper boats and Whac-A-Mole, and other spectacular city views. 830 5th Avenue, victoriangardensnyc.com