Dutch Wonderland
Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is called a Kingdom for Kids but is fun for all ages. Get in the RV and head to wonderland today.
Event information
It may look like a giant castle, but it is actually a wonderland. A Dutch Wonderland to be specific. In East Lampeter Township, just outside of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, Dutch Wonderland was started by a potato farmer in 1963.
With dozens of games, awesome food, live entertainment, and 32 rides, including three roller coasters, you’ll all have a blast. They even have a water park with rides to wash away the summer heat.
This is a family-friendly park, and kiddos can enjoy rides with parents in tow on may of the attractions. With the exception of the Flying Trapeze, Bumper Cars, Space Shuttle, and the Kingdom Coaster, little ones are allowed on many of the rides.
While there are no 300-foot roller coasters or sky-scraping drop towers, the Double Splash Flume and Wonder Whip are pretty thrilling for fans who try them. Guests can also let the kiddos dig for fossils or splash around in Duke’s Lagoon.
When you get tired, take a break and enjoy some of the food like barbecue, hot dogs, burgers, and fries. For dessert, try out one of the ice creameries or stop by one of the snack shacks for some candy and other goodies.
After you eat, take in one of the shows at the Celebration Theater or Storytime Corner. Then you can get back to the rides before heading to the Old Mill Stream Campground to stay the night. In the morning, head back to the park before heading for home or stay another night.
Tickets
Similar to most theme parks, if you get your Dutch Wonderland tickets online before you go, you might save a bundle. In recent years, a one-day pass was just under $40, while a two-day pass was about $65. If you wait and get your tickets at the gate, you are likely to pay almost 50% more. If you are in town the night before, you might be able to enjoy a free preview after a certain time, depending on what time the park closes.
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Transportation
Driving
Finding Dutch Wonderland is fairly easy since it is just off of US-30 in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Motorists may travel on I-76, I-83, and I-95 to eventually connect with US-30. You’ll be just a half-hour from York to the southwest and about 40 miles southeast of Hershey, where you can find another famous theme park, Hersheypark. The roads in the area are mostly highway and very scenic so your drive to the park will be a memorable one.
Parking areas
Dutch Wonderland has an expansive parking area that has more than enough parking for everyone. While they do not have special parking areas for RVs, the parking attendant can show you the best place for you to park. However, it is best to get there early since parking a large rig might be easier before the crowds arrive. Consider camping on-site, or park your RV nearby and take public transportation to the park.
Public Transportation
Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) provides bus service to a vast area in and around Lancaster. To get to Dutch Wonderland, you might take either bus route 14 or 21. These both start at the Lancaster Station. There are routes that can take you all the way to Elizabethtown to the west, Willow Street to the south, White Horse to the east, and Lititz to the north.
Where to stay
Onsite
In a beautiful wooded section of the park, RVers can stay at the Old Mill Stream Campground, which has 150 campsites that can accommodate rigs from 20 to 45 feet long. Choose from partial hookups with electric and water or full hookups with sewer as well. They all have a picnic table and fire ring and access to restrooms and showers. Pets are welcome, and a playground and other activities for kids are also available.
Nearby
RVers have a choice of about 20 different campgrounds in the Lancaster area, including Mill Bridge Village Camp Resort, about four miles away. Most Lancaster RV campgrounds are relatively good-sized and have a variety of amenities from fully loaded with utilities to those with nothing but a spot in the woods with a picnic table and grill.
Another one is the Lancaster / New Holland KOA, which is about 15 miles to the east. They boast 84 spacious sites for RVs up to 90 feet long and have full hookups available as well as showers and restrooms. The kids will enjoy the playground, and Fido will love the dog park.
Getting around
There is no shuttle service at Dutch Wonderland. However, if you need a wheelchair or stroller, you can rent them at the Guest Services building. This is located just inside the entrance to the park. You are welcome to bring your own wheelchair or stroller as well. There are plenty of places to sit and take a break throughout the park, so when you get tired of walking, just take a break.
What to pack
Clothing
The first items you want to make sure to pack are some comfortable walking shoes. Flip flops and other sandals are not allowed on some rides so, even if they seem like the best choice in your RV, you will do better with tennis shoes at Dutch Wonderland. You’ll also need some shorts and tee-shirts or tank tops because it is likely to be hot. However, it cools off at night so bring a sweater or jacket as well.
Gear
In recent years, there have not been restrictions on bags and backpacks. However, don’t bring anything you don’t need. A fanny pack is the best choice for items like your wallet, phone, keys, glasses, and other small items you cannot fit in your pocket. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Guests may bring one factory-sealed bottle of water as long as it is not glass. The park does have lockers you can put your larger bags and items in for a small fee. Bags and purses are typically not allowed on any ride.
Health & Safety
Grab some travel-sized bottles of sunscreen and bug repellent that you can keep in your pocket or pack. Even if the sky is cloudy, it is a good idea to put sunscreen on everyone and reapply it every few hours as needed. Bug repellent comes in handy at night and the campsite. Bring water and sunglasses, too. And it is always smart to have a first-aid kit with you just in case.
Where to eat
Cooking
Plan to enjoy cooking in your rig or out on the grill if you stay at the park. If you choose a campground without utilities, there may still be a fire pit you can use to cook on during your stay near Dutch Wonderland. However, it is also a good idea to keep a barbecue pit or camp stove in the rig just in case you need it. Always have plenty of the basics like water, aluminum foil, baggies, eating utensils, and paper plates.
Restaurants
Have you ever been to a Greek or Nepalese restaurant? Look for these and several other types of cuisine in the Lancaster City Historic District just five miles to the northwest of the park. Choose from French, Asian, and an Irish Pub that serves excellent food. In the other direction, you’ll find several American eateries, including some fast food places. These are less than three miles to the southeast. And there is a retro-style diner only two miles to the north. So, you have quite a bit to choose from in this part of Pennsylvania.
Vendors
Dutch Wonderland has 16 'funtastic' kid-friendly food vendors in the park. From typical carnival goodies like cotton candy, funnel cake, and popcorn meals such as barbecue, fried chicken, pizza, burgers, and hot dogs. They even have a natural food shop that sells veggie burgers, chicken, and turkey, as well as other healthy snacks. Don’t forget to stop at the gift shops in the park, too.
Safety
Security
The main thing you need to know about security at Dutch Wonderland is that they are there throughout the park. Whether you see them or not, they are around, and you can get help by asking one of them or a park employee. Remember to review the list of prohibited items, so you don’t have to take a trip back to the motorhome. Some of the more common items guests cannot bring include umbrellas, sharp objects, selfie-sticks, glass, and weapons.
Weather
Lancaster, Pennsylvania summers are pretty hot, so be sure to dress for it and bring plenty of water. If you come in May or September, the highs are likely going to be in the middle 70s and the lows range from low to middle 50s. June through August temperatures average from 81 to 85 degrees for the highs. Lows are typically in the lower 60s. Rain and thundershowers are likely from May through September, so pack some rain gear and download a weather app.
Medical
It’s not hard to get overheated or sick from the heat, so the park has two first-aid stations for minor needs. The first is at Duke’s Lagoon, and the other one is right across from the Train Station. If you need more comprehensive care, the closest hospital is only five miles to the northwest in Lancaster.
