I like that Bush Gardens has a lot of shade. Someone theme parks just feel kind of harshly in the sun.

So, it's a drive from the DC area and probably best done in conjunction with other stuff in that part of the country, but Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana is an EXCELLENT theme park, with a fun campground next door. It's super cheap too! Google it and read the user reviews.

+whatever to the Kennywood love but I fear it is losing some of its charm.

My kids LOVED Legoland. I have 3 kids and they all loved it so much.

Universal and islands of adventure are also worth a visit.

Kennywood in Pittsburgh, PA. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the US. It was founded in 1898.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennywood

Not an amusement park, but best water park is Schlitterbahn. Friend who grew up in Texas recommended it to us and it was awesome for everyone in the family.

If you're looking to stay local, people drag on Kings Dominion, but they have a good kids area with lots of rides and a decent waterpark. We used to get season passes because the waterpark is fun and we really like their Christmas stuff.

Hershey for sure. And my 10 year old still wants to go back to Legoland, but that's pretty kid specific.

Legoland is a good suggestion--perfect for those ages. I really like Hersheypark or Busch Gardens but it really depends on the kid. Mine refuse to ride roller coasters at 9 and 11 so most amusement parks are a waste for us unless they have a waterpark. They would probably still enjoy Dutch Wonderland as that's more their speed.

Anonymous wrote:Kennywood!

LOVE Kennywood! Not a ton kids can ride outside of Kiddyland though.