Amusement parks in Virginia Beach have a special southern charm. From a European-themed park to one of the most intense collections of roller coasters on the East Coast, Virginia Beach has plenty of family fun options for day trips or destination vacations. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Virginia Beach amusement parks.
King's Dominion
is an inspired and imaginative amusement park. With a spectrum of playful and exciting options for every kind of rider (and non-rider), King's Dominion offers an engaging getaway for families looking for a thrill.
Thrill-Seekers Welcome
Intimidator 305 was voted the
by
Amusement Today
magazine. Designed for aggressive thrill-seekers, the three-minute ride charges down an 85-degree incline at a speed in excess of 90 mph and will reach heights as high as 305 feet.
Other Attractions
is one of Virginia's premier amusement parks. Massive in size and diverse in appeal, it offers dozens of intense thrill rides, Planet Snoopy for young visitors, a waterpark area for visitors looking to cool off, and countless games, restaurants and shops.
Food
King's Dominion offers a diverse and delicious range of food options for its guests. From Starbucks to Cinnabon, from Chick-fil-A to Panda Express, from a sit-down medieval themed restaurant to a hamburger grill, there is truly something for everyone. Dietary needs are well accommodated.
Safety Record
There is a 2006 report of
, apparently suffered by an improperly secured passenger on the Volcano roller coaster. The injury was minor.
Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047Phone: 804-876-5000Hours: King's Dominion is open June 20 through Sept. 4. The hours vary. Please check the website for more information. Price: General admission or 48 inches or taller, $36.99; those taller than 48 inches and seniors 62 and older, $36.99. Ticket prices are discounted if bought online or in advance.
Busch Gardens
For the 21st year in a row, the National Amusement Park Historical Association named Busch Gardens the "Most Beautiful Amusement Park in the Country." Its lush and historic aesthetic work flawlessly with wonder-inspiring rides to create an unforgettable amusement park experience your family will remember forever.
Free Fallin'
is the latest addition to Busch Gardens. Standing at 240 feet tall, the giant attraction gives its riders a free fall they will never forget.
Trip To Europe
is a beautiful European-themed amusement park featuring dozens of thrill rides like "Le Catapult" and "Europe in the Air." Along with scream machines, the park also offers a Sesame Street Forest of Fun for kids and a number of special events and concerts throughout the summer.
American, Italian And German, Oh My!
Busch Gardens offers a number of dining options, featuring American, Italian and German cuisine. There are a number of sit-down restaurants throughout the park, as well as multiple snack stands and food stations selling classics such as hotdogs and popcorn.
Safety Record
According to
, in 2010 several riders were injured when an inflatable prop dislodged itself during high winds when workers were trying to deflate it. Five guests were hospitalized as a result of the prop hitting one of the Griffin roller coaster cars.
Address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, VA 23185Phone: 800-343-7946Hours: Busch Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Price: General admission, $63.99; children ages 3 to 9, $53.99; children 2 and younger, free.
Other Noteworthy Parks Near Virginia Beach
What's your favorite amusement park near Virginia Beach? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Check out more AMUSEMENT PARKS.
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