Amusement parks aren’t just for summer—many of the best amusement parks in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) offer unique attractions and events in every season. From cooling off on water rides in July to walking through magical holiday light displays in December, these theme parks deliver fun for the whole family throughout the seasons. Here’s a guide to the best amusement parks in the DMV and what makes them special in summer vs. winter.
The Best Amusement Parks in the Washington, DC Area
1. Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, VA
- Summer: Known for world-class roller coasters like Griffon and Pantheon, plus European-themed villages and summer festivals.
- Winter: Busch Gardens shines during Christmas Town, one of the largest holiday light displays in North America, featuring festive shows and seasonal food.
2. Kings Dominion Doswell, VA
- Summer: Families love Soak City water park, while thrill seekers head to Pantherian, one of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast.
- Winter: The park hosts WinterFest, with dazzling light displays, ice skating, holiday performances, and festive dining.
3. Hersheypark Hershey, PA – short drive from DMV
- Summer: Famous for its mix of roller coasters, family rides, and water attractions, plus Hershey’s Chocolate World for sweet treats.
- Winter: Don’t miss Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, with over 5 million lights, holiday rides, and seasonal entertainment.
4. Sesame Place Langhorne, PA – short drive from DMV
- Summer: Perfect for young kids with gentle rides, water play zones, and character parades featuring Elmo, Big Bird, and friends.
- Winter: Families can enjoy A Very Furry Christmas, with holiday shows, twinkling lights, and special appearances from Sesame Street characters in festive costumes.
5. Adventure Park USA Monrovia, MD
- Summer: A mix of outdoor fun including mini-golf, go-karts, and classic carnival rides.
- Winter: Indoor attractions like laser tag, arcade games, and ropes course make it a great spot when it’s too cold outside.
6. Dutch Wonderland Lancaster, PA – short drive from DMV
- Summer: Called the “Kingdom for Kids,” it offers gentle rides, water play areas, and family-friendly shows for younger children.
- Winter: Dutch Wonderland hosts Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights, featuring light displays, rides, and seasonal treats. If you visit Lancaster, be sure to check out this guide on things to do in the area for even more family-friendly fun year-round.
7. Jolly Roger Amusement Park Ocean City, MD
- Summer: Combines the beach with amusement park fun, offering roller coasters, go-karts, mini-golf, and a water park.
- Winter: While rides close in colder months, Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights nearby gives families a festive reason to visit the area. Visiting the beach in winter? This coastal spot is also featured in our list of 11 must-visit winter getaways.
These next two aren’t amusement parks per se, but they do offer amazing water park facilities!
8. Great Wolf Lodge MD
- Summer: Enjoy the massive indoor, climate-controlled water park year-round. Also take advantage of the annual Summer Camp-In with pool parties, crafts, and character meet-and-greets.
- Winter: From late November through early January, be transported into festive winter wonderland with festive decor, falling snow, hot cocoa spots, and visits from Santa. Plus, enjoy the 84 degrees year-round indoor water park.
9. Massanutten Resort VA
- Summer: Just two hours from DC, enjoy a massive indoor and outdoor water park, family adventure park, plus, easy access to Shenandoah National Park. Families also enjoy their fun atmosphere with family movie nights and more.
- Winter: Located in the Shenandoah Valley, enjoy 83 skiable acres, 23 trails, 7 lifts, snow tubing, outdoor ice skating, and other amenities. Plus, they offer a vast indoor water park!
These next two are a bit further afield, but worth a mini-trip!
10. LEGOland Goshen, New York
- Summer: There are more than 50 rides and attractions that are available during the summer months including water play areas and seasonal entertainment. There are 7 LEGO themed lands to explore and water attractions throughout to cool off.
- Winter: Enjoy the Holiday Bricktacular from November to January. Meet LEGO Santa and other holiday characters. There is “glice” skating, which is ice skating without the ice. Some of the rides are operational.
11. Dollywood Pigeon Forge, TN
- Summer: Dollywood has more than 50 rides and include attractions for all ages. There is plenty of entertainment for everybody. Enjoy a broadway style production, family comedy show, bluegrass, or country music performance. You can get a separate admission for Dollywood’s Splash Country.
- Winter: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas runs from November – January. The park is decked out in lights, Christmas trees, and themed areas. Enjoy a Christmas production or concert. Ride the Dollywood express steam train through the Smoky Mountains. In any season, don’t forget the cinnamon bread!
Waterparks in the DMV
Though most waterparks are summer-only, they’re worth mentioning for families looking to cool off close to home.
- Great Waves Waterpark (Alexandria, VA) Giant slides, a lazy river, and splash zones make it a family favorite in summer.
- Pirates Cove Waterpark (Lorton, VA): A pirate-themed splash park perfect for younger kids.
- Volcano Island Waterpark (Sterling, VA): Island-themed fun with twisting slides, a large pool, and kid play areas.
- Also checkout the Ultimate Spray Parks, Splash Pads, and Water Parks Guide for DC, MD, and NoVA
- Get ready for Kalahari Resort and Water Park which will open up November 2026 in Spotsylvania, VA.
Conclusion: Fun in Every Season
Whether you’re soaring on roller coasters in July or sipping hot cocoa surrounded by holiday lights in December, the DMV offers amusement parks that deliver excitement all year long. These destinations prove that the fun doesn’t end when summer does. Plan your next trip and enjoy the best amusement parks in the DMV—no matter the season.
