articles

Macaroni KID Guide to Family Fun Parks You Can Drive To

Theme Parks, Unique Attractions, Water Parks, and More!

By Kelly Fitzpatrick June 23, 2023

Are you looking for fun family destinations within driving distance of Westchester County?  We've rounded up the most recommended spots to visit with your family within driving distance.  All throughout the year, families love to visit water parks, theme parks, and unique attractions.  Within a stone's throw from Westchester County, there are so many family friendly destinations and attractions to choose from!  Some of the family friendly attractions are best suited for a day trip, while several others make for an easy overnight stay.

I've listed our top picks for family friendly destinations by distance.  Feel free to send me over an email with your picks to share with other families!  mackidchappaqua@macaronikid.com

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

SplashDown Beach

16 Old Route 9 West Fishkill, NY 12524

(845) 897-9600

What we love: Season passes bring the cost down considerably and after the one time purchase of a $10 infant swim diaper, 2 and under enter for free.  Twilight hours with entry after 2 p.m. bring additional savings and this is an easy day trip from our area.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

LegoLand

1 Legoland Wy

Goshen, NY 10924

(845) 410-0290

What we love: Go for the day or stay for the night.  LegoLand is an easy drive from our area.  Tickets are priced at 3+.  There are meet and greets, shows and activities, rides, and lots of lego for building!  Off season stays at the hotel still offer some limited park access and can be a lot of fun in the early spring.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

American Dream Mall

1 American Dream Way

East Rutherford, NJ 07073

1-833-263-7326

What we love: A good choice for inclement weather with North America's largest indoor water park.  Nickelodeon Universe is an indoor theme park that boasts the tallest, steepest, and longest rides in the world.  With black light mini-golf, indoor ski slopes, an ice rink, mirror maze, LegoLand Discovery Center, and aquarium, there are days worth of fun to be had here.

*This pick is better suited for tweens and teens.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Great Wolf Lodge

1 Great Wolf Dr

Scotrun, PA 18355

800.768.9653 

What we love: Themed rooms make for fun lodging options.  Day passes available.  Included with your stay are water park passes with unlimited entry, kids' activities, and wifi.  Add-ons available.  Restaurants on site.  We love the Magic Quest and the nightly entertainment.  


Kalahari Resort

250 Kalahari Blvd

Pocono Manor, PA 18349

(570) 580 - 6000

What we love: Indoor and outdoor water park included in the stay.  Spa, shopping, lots of options for add-on entertainment such as bowling, mini-golf, Build-a-Bear workshop.


Hershey Park

100 W. Hersheypark Drive,
Hershey, PA 17033

717-534-3900

What we love: Rides, special events, characters, Chocolate World.  This is a large park with dry rides and water rides, plus variety for mixed ages.  There are several thrilling roller coasters for more daring kiddos, plus many little kid rides and a zero entry pool.


Dutch Wonderland

2249 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster PA 17602

1-866-FUNatDW (1-866-386-2839)

What we love: Discounted tickets available and frequent promotions offered.  Lodging available nearby that includes additional park perks.  

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sesame Place

100 Sesame Rd

Langhorne, PA 19047

215-702-3566

Approximately 90 miles from Central Westchester.

What we love: Easily walkable, lots of stroller parking available, water park open in the high season, character meet and greets, shows, rides, a parade, and themed restaurants.  Perfect for a first amusement park trip with the younger crowd.  Comparatively more affordable than other options, with discounts often available.  We love the low season.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Crayola Experience

30 Centre Square

Easton, PA 18042 

610-515-8000

Approximately 80 miles from Central Westchester.

What we love: Fun when en route to a longer destination or on your way home, but a long drive for a few hours of standalone fun.  My toddlers loved the visit.  Lots to make on location and take home with you included with your ticket.


Looking for more fun in Armonk - Chappaqua - Mount Kisco - Pleasantville and surrounding Westchester County towns?