Mid August trip help!

My family and I are taking a vacation 08/16-08/21 and would like some help. I do not know which park would be the best option. We have a 7, 4 and 2 year old going with us. The list of parks weve narrowed it to are.
1. Dollywood
2. Kennywood/Hershey (both parks)
3. Kings Dominion
4. Canada's Wonderland

We are PKI season ticketholders so the last 2 would be for free, but researching the parks they seem like watered down PKI's. Any tips would be appreciated.

Kings Dominion is a nice park. I would in no way call it a "watered down PKI." It has a familar feel, but its lineup of rides is different enough that it's one of my favorite parks in addition to PKI. They've put a lot of effort in catering to the little'uns, too, so that shouldn't let you down.

OK I am biased in favor of Hershey, as well as most familiar with that park of the ones you've listed. One thing that makes Hershey very family friendly is that each of the themed areas includes kiddie and family rides interspersed with the coasters and other rides. So you won't be stuck for most of the day in "kiddieland" away from the other rides.

Although not included in your list, Hershey is also not that far from two other family friendly parks, Dutch Wonderland and Knoebels. You could easily do a day trip to either park from Hershey.

Whichever way you choose, have a fun trip!

That is one of the reasons I was debating the Pennsylvania trip was the number of parks in a small radius.My 7 year old son is a water park freak, are there goods ones in Pennsylvania to go along with the amusement parks? I really shouldnt have said watered down, I just feel that the parks look very similar, hence the same owner. I appreciate all input on this. I am new to posting here but have been reading the site for about 6 months now, and realize this is the best way to get opinions on parks.

Hershey has water "rides" (flume, rapids ride, a few slides), but not a park. Check out Wildwater Kingdom at Dorney Park and see if it's to your liking.

I loved PCW and would recommend it to any enthusiast....but thought the section for SMALL kids like yours might've been a bit sparse...

Kings Dominion, kinda agree with John. Really like the park alot, wish their wood got better care though. Decent kids areas.

Hershey and Dollywood are both really nice friendly parks, scenic and well-landscaped (and all those hills will make the kids sleep well) ;) And you can't go wrong following the >Kennywood> arrows, LOL.

I like either of your first two options, taking into account the ages of your kids. But Hershey DOES have the kettle corn....I mean, THE kettle corn. :)

Wonderland is a bit out of the way of the rest of your locations. If you're near PKI, PCW is a good 8 hours away.

Wonderland has a great waterpark, however, there might not be a lot for a 4 and 2 year old to do there. Same with rides. The rides for adults are all decent, although the flat ride selection is probably the best thing about the park. There is no standout coaster [though Wild Beast and Vortex are easily the best - Vortex being like PKI's Top Gun, but better, and Wild Beast like PKD's Grizzle - but better].

However, if you're looking for something new and different, PCW isn't that different from PKI that you'd think you're in an entirely different park.

Oh, but PCW over PKI any day ;)

I had to reply since my kids are almost the same ages as yours and my six year old is addicted to waterparks. As a native to the Hershey area, Hersheypark will always be my hands down favorite. Also, I know you didn't mention it but we have season passes to Dorney Park/ Wildwater Kingdom this year. It is perfect for our family because the water park is fantastic and they have tons of kiddie rides interspersed with the adult ones throughout the park. Lines during the week have been nonexistent. I was able to do Hydra twice by the time my husband and kids got done on one of the kiddie coasters. I would definitely do Hershey and consider Dorney for your water park loving son.

agreed on the hershey first and then dorney for the water park.

As mentioned i think that hershey has a well spread out area of kiddy rides, so you can have the wife or yourself sit there with the little one and let them take on a bigger one. Try the Roller Soaker there, although terrible load times, its a true surpriese to me that was a fun ride. Plus you get soaked, and add insult to injury to people.

Dorney although i didnt go to WWK there, i would say that it is a bit popular. There might have been more people there than in the park when i went in early june. I also woulent miss white water landing(their version, like Congo Falls at PKI but bigger. Also the log flume Thunder Creek Mountain i really enjoyed that one. They also have a thunder canyon so bets are you can get soaked on that too. Whatever is your verdict have fun!

If you are looking for just a water park,there is Camelbeach, here in PA in the Poconos. It isn't by any parks, but it is a nice water park to do a day trip to. It has 22 waterslides, a big wave pool, and a large kids themed area.