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DC Area Theme Park News: Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Williamsburg Turn 50; Six Flags America Closing
Looking to catch some thrills at an amusement park this summer? You're in luck: there's a lot going on at the DC area's theme parks. Both Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg turn 50 this year and have opened new roller coasters. Kings Dominion is also celebrating its anniversary all summer long with a Golden Summerbration featuring new entertainment, food, and merchandise.
Six Flags America in Bowie, MD is marking a different kind of milestone—it's officially closing after this summer. You have until November 2, 2025 to visit one last time with your family.
Check out our Washington, DC Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide for more info on the area's fun amusement parks, including our guide to visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg with kids.
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King's Dominion's Golden Summerbration is full of fun. Photo credit: © Kings Dominion 2025
Kings Dominion 50th Anniversary Celebration
New Roller Coaster
Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a thrilling new roller coaster, Rapterra. The world's tallest and longest launched wing coaster, Rapterra simulates the flight of the legendary Jungle Hawk with an intense 65-mile-per-hour launch, plunging dives, twisting maneuvers, and sweeping turns. This one requires a minimum height of 48 inches.
RELATED: Best Amusement Parks Near Washington, DC for Kids and Families
Gazillion Bubble Show is at Kings Dominion for three weeks. Photo credit: © Kings Dominion 2025
Live Entertainment
Kings Dominion's Golden Summerbration features Light the Night, a new nighttime spectacle celebrating the park's past, present, and future. Live entertainment returns to the Kings Dominion Theatre, including the Gazillion Bubble Show from July 12 - August 3, 2025. And, the infamous Clown Band returns with fun-filled street performances throughout the park.
More 50th-Anniversary Fun
This summer, you can also enjoy a limited-time menu that celebrates the past, present, and future of Kings Dominion. The Singing Mushrooms have sprouted up again with new tunes and high-jinks. If you want a souvenir, look for limited-edition 50th-anniversary merch.
RELATED: 40 Top Amusement Parks in the US for a Family Vacation
The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge is now open at Busch Gardens. Photo credit: © Busch Gardens Williamsburg 2025
Busch Gardens Williamsburg: New Roller Coaster
The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge is now open! On this family-friendly inverted coaster, riders travel up to 40 miles per hour along over 2,500 feet of track while bolting through the streets of an abandoned Bavarian village amid the sound of screams and a howling wolf. Kids must be 42 inches tall to ride.
Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor Maryland Closing After this Summer
Now's the time to take your kids to Six Flags America and its water park, Hurricane Harbor, in Bowie, MD—the theme park has announced that it's closing for good after summer 2025. Its last day of operation will be November 2, 2025. No announcements have been made on what will happen to the park's rides or what the property will be used for.
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