Summer is fastly approaching and everyone is thinking of summer camps, family vacations and things to do on the weekend. When I was coming up, I always looked forward to summer and our annual visit to the amusement park as it was called way back then (lol). So with that in mind we thought we would bring you our top 5 theme parks for this summer.
Our first pick is Six Flags America! With fab locations in Chicago, Atlanta, LA, New Jersey, Texas and Maryland, your only dilemma will be which one to visit. New attractions for 2013 include ‘Safari Off Road Adventure’ and the thrill ride of the summer, the ‘Sky Screamer’ roller coaster in the Georgia and Texas parks. The ‘Boomerang’ roller coaster and the fabulous free falling Bonzai Pipeline water slides are also new for summer 2013. For more information or to purchase tickets online visit www.sixflags.com.
If your little adventurers love water rides, then Great Wolf Lodge is your summer vacation destination. Water rides have never been the same since Great Wolf Lodge opened. The 84 degree indoor waterpark is now home to extreme tube rides and the exclusive new ‘Howlin Tornado’ 6 story funnel ride. The ‘Howlin Tornado’ takes you on swish/swirl ride 30 feet up before the big splash landing. Remember that waterpark passes are always included in your lodge stay. For more information visit www.greatwolf.com.
Growing up in Dc, MD and VA we loved going to Kings Dominion. Seventy-five miles south of DC was a cool replica of the famed Eiffel Tower and some of the coolest roller coasters in the country. The ‘Rebel Yell’ and ‘Grizzly’ roller coasters are still thrilling riders, along with the ‘Anaconda.’ At 50 mph, the Anaconda takes you through twist and turns curved like its namesake. If you survive the ‘Anaconda’, you have to tackle the ‘Drop Tower!’ The name says it all…adventurers drop from 305 ft. in the air at 72mph! Kings Dominion opens daily starting May 26th. Visit www.kingsdominion.com for more information.
CarsLand is one of the newest editions to the Disney family of theme parks. If you have a Cars fan/little racer in the family, this is a must visit this summer. Radiator Springs comes to life with all of the favorite cars characters. Fuel up on treats at the ‘Cozy Cone’ motel or ‘Flo’s V8 cafe.’ After gassing up, float on air as you and the kids slide and glide on ‘Luigi’s Flying Tires.’ Wrap up your CarsLand adventure in a true racing form. Pick your favorite character and start your engine at the ‘Radiator Springs Racers.’ Click here to start your CarsLand adventure.
Our last pick is an East Coast favorite. Located in the real chocolate city, Hershey, PA…HersheyPark has family fun for everyone. Home to thrill ride favorites SkyRush, Storm Runner, HersheyPark has two new water rides for this summer. ‘Hydro and Pipeline’ water rides have been added to the Coastline Plunge. Seven new shows have been added and the ‘Great Chocolate Factory Mystery in 4D’ is also new for the season. The famous ‘Boardwalk’ opens May 25th. For discount tickets and season passes visit www.hersheypark.com.
Start your summer off with a fun filled day at a great theme park. Enjoy the ride!
BMWK Family what was your favorite amusement park growing up?
By The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller)
Follow me on twitter…@thetravelindiva and @Passenger156.com!