Best Amusement Parks near Washington, DC for Kids and Families
Submitted by Charlotte Wensley on
![Trimper Rides is the oldest continuously family-owned-and-operated amusement park in the world. Photo courtesy of Trimper Rides, Facebook](https://mommyp-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/image620x420/s3/trimper_rides_fb_3-2.jpg?itok=426tSr90)
Since many of the best amusement parks in the US are located in places where it's warm year-round, like Orlando and Southern California, many DC-area families plan vacations to visit them in fall, winter, and early spring. But come late spring and summer, amusement parks near DC are open and ready to welcome families.
Whether you have toddlers or preschoolers looking for low-octane fun or older kids and teens chasing the thrill of roller coasters, there is a theme park within a three-hour drive from DC that's perfect for a day trip or weekend trip with your family. Many of these family-friendly amusement parks near DC also have on-site water parks included in their ticket prices, so don't forget your bathing suits!
Here are nine great amusement parks near DC to visit with your family. Most of them are open only on weekends in the spring and then every day by June, so be sure to call or check the websites for operating hours before you go.