Guests from Europe
 

East Coasters I need your help.
10 y/old boy coming from Germany to visit in August. I am looking at Hershey park, Dorney park, just discovered Dutch Wonderland, Wildwood (with water park right on a beach.
What would be your choice?

I am planning taking them to Atlantic City and NY. Any suggestions?

I have chaperoned groups of junior high kids to Hershey Park in the past and they have really enjoyed it! The park is pretty (not all concrete) and some of the rides are really fun! I have not been to the other amusement parks you named, however, I hear good things about Wildwood from a friend!

If he is really INTO rides then there would be more to choose from at Wildwood as well as the water park options.

I am certain he won;t be worried about the so-called "tackiness" of the place which seems so off-putting to some.

He'll never see a beach like that one in Germany, that's for certain.

I have hosted my cousin's sons from Germany a couple times...they loved Hershey Park and NYC...definitely skip Atlantic City there is nothing there to interest them...Wildwood or Pt. Pleasant are good for the beach. I also took them to Washington DC and Boston.

Dutch Wonderland is great for younger children. We go to Hershey every year -- my 10 year-old son LOVES it!

Thanks so much.
Dukey,
what did you meant when you said:
He'll never see a beach like that one in Germany, that's for certain.

Is this a good thing? I know they have beaches in germany but it is rather cold in there all the time. So they must be happy and warm here! :-)

I am considering DC and Baltimore. Will Boston be much better?

Also they are asking about Niagra Falls...I am not sure if it is worth time/cost etc. Any suggestions?

I had also never been to a Six Flags - is this awesome or just whatever?

IMHO Boston is better than Baltimore and Niagra Falls is really, really far, but a world known site.

Yea, its a good thing.

Instead of Atlantic City, which just has giant casinos where kids aren't allowed, take him to Ocean City. Boardwalk, beach, amusement parks, the perfect playland for kids.

Wildwood is a bigger, noisier version of Ocean City, with a longer walk to get to the ocean -- you probably don't need to do both.

Baltimore has some great things for kids in the harbor area -- science museum and aquarium. DC is also fantastic.

About distance to Niagara Falls -- not clear where you are starting from?

What I meant is that you just don't see that many wide, sandy beaches in Europe although the beaches along the Baltic seem to be sandier than some.

I suspect a child that age might really enjoy the boardwalk type stuff that towns such as Ocean City or Wildwood have to offer.

Baltimore and D.C. are a great place for a 10 year old,but will be unbearable in August.
I hate Wildwood but a 10 year old would like it over Ocean City(NJ).Wildwood beaches are free O.C. has beach tags.If you do go to Wildwood there is a great zoo 15 minutes away that is free.

I have never been to wildwood or dutch wonderland. Of the two parks though, I prefer Dorney. At Dorney, you can arrive early (when they open) and spend the early part of the day on the many roller coasters and other fun "dry rides" without any wait on line at all, many times just get off and get right back on!. then in the afternoon..3, 4, ...go to water park which is fabulous fun!!!!!!!! Also there are nice hotels and motels that are nearby that have nice pools.. I liked hershey, but there are no water rides and strict height requirements for many of the rides. and the lines are very long.

Oh and as for 6 flags I hate to say it but i am very disappointed with the place. i found it very dirty and crowded and even though I was in the park for 8 hours, i only went on 7 rides the last time I went. Skip it, imho. Niagra falls also is beautiful, but it is a lot for a 10 year old to appreciate, and a very long trip. If I was going anywhere out of nyc, i would go to boston...That is one kid friendly city with loads of cool things to do and see