If you’re a roller coaster junkie or relish the thought of splashing down a pitch-black tunneled waterslide, you’ve probably really missed theme parks. The good news is, those in our area are open this summer, albeit with some changes in place to keep everyone safe. As always, check their websites for the most up-to-date information, which can fluctuate as CDC and other guidelines change, but here’s some helpful information as you plan those park visits this summer:
Hersheypark
The chocolate-inspired theme park in Pennsylvania celebrating its 115th season is now open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Starting May 31, it will be open daily until Labor Day, which is more public operating days than ever before. New this year are three culinary experiences in Chocolatetown: Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor, The Sweeterie Confectionary Kitchen, and The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio. These three additions complete the park’s $150 million, 23-acre transformation of Chocolatetown that include Candymonium, the tallest, fastest, longest, and sweetest coast at Hershey; a reimagined arrival experience and front gate; an iconic Kisses Fountain; their first Starbucks; and a 10,000-square-foot flagship store with apparel, gifts, toys, and more dubbed Hersheypark Supply Co. The park strongly encourages purchasing tickets and add-ons in advance online, which this year can be used on any operating day in 2021. Capacity is reduced and managed through a guest reservation system; other safety enhancements include temperature checks, face coverings, social distancing, frequent cleaning and sanitization, and ride protocols like reduced capacity, loading guests from the same travel party in the same car when possible, and adjusted seating. // 100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA
Kings Dominion
The theme park near Richmond opens to the general public on May 22, with Soak City Water Park opening on May 29. Until June 22, the park will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—after that, it will be open daily through August 5, at which point it will return to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The last day of the regular season will be Labor Day. Daily tickets and 2021 season passes are on sale, and all 2020 season passes and add-ons have been extended through 2021. Season passholders will need to make an advance reservation to visit, but single-day tickets purchased after April 26, 2021 do not require reservations. New for this season is a Caribbean-inspired redesigned area of Soak City called Coconut Shores, with a 45-foot tall multi-level play structure, Lighthouse Landing; a mini wave pool for the little ones, Sand Dune Lagoon; and Beach Street, a food-truck courtyard dining experience. Throughout the park, new dining options including Grain & Grill, with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Staff continues to monitor changing conditions; in the meantime, temperature checks have been discontinued at the front gate, a health screen questionnaire will be conducted by associates at the front gate, and there will be no limitations to ride capacity except for the water park and indoor attractions. Visit their website for the most updated information. // 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA
Six Flags America
Located in Bowie, Maryland, is this popular DC-area park, which launched its 22nd season on March 6. The park is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and Memorial Day, and daily starting June 9 through August 26, at which point they return to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Hurricane Harbor Maryland waterpark will debut Memorial Day weekend and is open select days through Labor Day. Last year, staff worked in partnership with their in-house epidemiologist consultants to create a safe experience that exceeded federal, state, and local guidelines. Attendance continues to be closely monitored and all members, season pass holders, and guests with single-day tickets are required to make advance reservations. All team members and guests two years and over are required to wear masks; props, rides, restraints, handrails, and dining and restroom facilities are cleaned and sanitized regularly; and hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the park. Their newest attraction, the Harley Quinn Spinsanity, is the DMV’s tallest and fastest pendulum ride, swinging 40 riders 15 stories high and reaching speeds of 70 miles per hour. // 13710 Central Ave., Bowie, MD
Dorney Park
This theme park in the Lehigh Valley region of Eastern Pennsylvania returns May 22, with Wildwater Kingdom waterpark opening May 29. The park is open on various weekend days until June 16, at which point it opens daily through August 29, and then Labor Day weekend including Monday. Reservations for both season passholders and single-day ticket holders are required for visiting Wildwater Kingdom waterpark; a reservation is not required for Dorney Park. Temperature checks for guests at the front gate have been discontinued, associates at the front gate will conduct health screen questionnaires, rather than the mobile app, and there will be no limitations to ride capacity. However, they will be managing social distancing and following guidance from local and state health officials. // 4000 Dorney Park Rd., Allentown, PA
Busch Gardens
Located near Colonial Williamsburg, this combined theme park and waterpark (Water Country USA) is open Thursday through Sunday until Memorial Day, then daily until Labor Day, after which it returns to various weekend days. Advance ticket reservations are required, there will be temperature checks upon arrival, all employees and guests aged two and up must wear face coverings, Plexiglas has been installed at high contact points, advanced cleaning protocols are in place, and signage, markings, seating and pedestrian traffic will designate appropriate social distancing. Now through May 23, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is a limited-capacity, ticketed event with more than a hundred sips and tastes to experience. // 1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, VA
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