One of the most exciting things to do on a Pennsylvania vacation is a visit to one of the state’s many amusement parks. Dorney Park, just outside Allentown in eastern Pennsylvania, is about an hour’s drive north of Philadelphia, easily accessible from Interstate 78.
Dorney Park Pennsylvania began in the mid-nineteenth century as a fishing resort. Over the years, the park added games, a miniature zoo, and, eventually, amusement rides. Today Dorney Park rides are spread over 200 acres and include five world-class roller coasters, a 90-foot tall Ferris wheel, and some beautiful old carousels. The most thrilling of the Dorney Park rides in the Dominator, a 200-foot tower featuring two gravity-defying rides which lift riders over 15-stories high before dropping them back to earth in free fall. Hydra, another of the Dorney Park rides, is one of the world’s only floorless roller coasters. Thunderhawk, an upgraded wooden roller coaster that first opened in the 1920s, will impress amusement park history buffs.
Dorney Park also contains Wildwater Kingdom, one of the largest water parks in the United States and one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania when the weather is nice. In the summer, Wildwater Kingdom should be on any suggested itinerary if you have enough time in Philadelphia. Dorney Park tickets include entrance to the water park. Open only in the summer months, Wildwater Kingdom has over 20 water slides, two large wave pools, two tubing rivers, a six-lane mat racing waterslide, and many other water rides. There are also many Wildwater Kingdom and Dorney Park rides dedicated solely to small children, including three aquatic playgrounds.
Not all the Dorney Park rides are for the thrill-seeker. The Zephyr miniature railway, which dates from 1935, takes riders on a scenic tour of the park on a lasting relic of Pennsylvania history. A popular attraction in the 1930s, the Zephyr is credited with helping Dorney Park Pennsylvania survive the great depression. Dorney Park features an antique carousel from the Philadelphia workshop of Gustav Dentzel. Dentzel became famous for his elaborate, handcrafted, carousel animals. The Dorney Park ride is a three-tier, 66-animal carousel dating from 1921.
Dorney Park is opened from Memorial Day (late May) to Labor Day (early September), with limited operation from the beginning of May until Memorial Day and from Labor Day until Halloween. One of the most exciting Pennsylvania events are Dorney Park’s Halloweekends in October. Dorney Park tickets are available online for $35 to $40 for adults and about $15 for youngsters under 48” tall. Discounts are available for large groups and for multi-day passes. The park gives out discounted tickets every year though various shopping outlets. ACME and several other Pennsylvania supermarket chains offer discounted Dorney Park tickets in the summer months. Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and other fast food stores often have discounted Dorney Park tickets too, check the stores or the Dorney Park website for information for the current season. Most years, very cheap Dorney Park tickets (usually $5 or $10) are offered on specially marked cans of soda.
Located close to Philadelphia, Dorney Park makes a perfect break from exploring sites of Pennsylvania history. Allentown is a short drive away, so there should be no problem for out-of-town visitors to find a nearby hotel. A trip to Dorney Park is an ideal part of any Pennsylvania family vacation.
