USA TODAY 10Best: Here are the best theme, water parks in driving distance of Delaware
Looking for an amusement or water park to visit this summer? The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards released its list of the theme and water park award winners. There are a few in driving distance of the First State.
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food and drink, and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10Best invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. 10Best editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for four weeks.
Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
The sweetest place on Earth is about a two-hour drive from Wilmington, Delaware, and received five awards on the list. Hersheypark was named fourth on the Best Amusement Park list by the readers. The park features 121 acres with more than 70 rides (including more than a dozen roller coasters), strolling shows, multiple stages and additional performance areas, a water park, and an 11-acre zoo — all accessible via a single admission.
Wildcat's Revenge at Hersheypark
Wildcat's Revenge at Hersheypark placed fourth in the Best Roller Coaster category. The "Revenge" has elements from the past and present, as the park added steel to an existing wooden track to come up with an entirely new hybrid ride. This coaster climbs to the dizzying height of 140 feet, hits 62 miles per hour, takes riders through four inversions, and drops at 82 degrees. The coaster also boasts the world's largest underflip for even more thrills.
The Hotel Hershey
Looking for a place to stay while visiting Hersheypark? According to readers, The Hotel Hershey is the Best Theme Park Hotel. Known for its signature chocolate shampoo, Hotel Hershey is a sweet spot to lay your head.
The Chocolatier at Hersheypark
The second-best Best Theme Park Restaurant was The Chocolatier. Here's the sweet secret about The Chocolatier: It's not just about chocolate. It's a full-service restaurant with some of the best views of Hersheypark from its second-story patio and bar. Cocoa is incorporated into many dishes on the menu, from shrimp tacos and burgers to salads and filet mignon.
Knoebels Elysburg, Pennsylvania
Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is just under three hours from Wilmington. Knoebels received five awards on the list. The classic theme park came in second on the Best Theme Park list. Knoebels is not only known for its rides, but also its pizza. It is the rare amusement park that's still free to enter as rides require old-school-style tickets. And it's a virtual museum of still-operating classic rides like Whipper, Flying Turns, the Haunted Mansion dark ride and Sky Slide. Add in some modern thrills and water rides and you have the perfect mix for a relaxed yet thrilling day in the park.
Phoenix at Knoebels
The Phoenix at Knoebels was named the Best Roller Coaster, according to the readers. Who doesn't love a classic wooden roller coaster? Phoenix offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, as well as thrills in the form of a double out-and-back layout and speeds of 45 miles per hour.
The Alamo at Knoebels
The Alamo at Knoebels topped the Best Theme Park Restaurant list. The Alamo is known for being easy on the pocketbooks with burgers and hot dogs still priced at or under $5. The menu at this eatery located on the park's main boulevard also includes heartier options, like deep-fried crab cakes, chicken and waffles, and spaghetti and meatballs.
DreamWorks Water Park, East Rutherford, New Jersey
The waterpark is about a two-hour drive from Wilmington and landed third on the Best Indoor Water Park list. One of the largest indoor water parks in North America, DreamWorks Water Park offers an immersive experience where visitors can splash and play in themed attractions inspired by some of their favorite and most beloved DreamWorks characters. From exhilarating slides to interactive water features, the park promises fun for the whole family amidst a vibrant and fantastical setting.
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Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Tannersville, Pennsylvania
With Tannersville being about a two-hour drive from Wilmington, Aquatopia makes for a quick day trip. The park ranked fourth on the Best Indoor Water Park list. Aquatopia at Camelback Resort in the Poconos boasts 125,000 square feet of water-filled fun, featuring seven pools (including a wave pool), 13 slides, an adventure river, and a water play structure with more than 80 gadgets and interactive elements. A highlight for thrill-seekers is Storm Chaser, one of the longest indoor uphill water coasters in North America. Visitors looking to relax can work on their tan year-round, thanks to Aquatopia's transparent roof.
Island Waterpark at Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Island Waterpark at Showboat placed 10th on the Best Indoor Water Park list and is about 90 minutes from Wilmington. DreamWorks Water Park offers an immersive experience where visitors can splash and play in themed attractions inspired by some of their favorite and most beloved DreamWorks characters. As one of the largest indoor water parks in North America, the park features exhilarating slides to interactive water features.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Here are the best theme, water parks to check out this summer near DE
