Is Dutch Wonderland Right for Your Kids? Recommended Age Range for a Perfect Day of Fun

Dutch Wonderland is a magical retreat that promises fun and adventure for family members of all ages. With a wide range of attractions spanning various intensities—from gentle rides for the little ones to exhilarating roller coasters for thrill-seekers—there is truly something for everyone. It's no wonder the park has won Amusement Today's Best Family Park award for four consecutive years.

Whether you're planning a toddler's first amusement park adventure or a day out with older kids, our guide will help you navigate the park's attractions and ensure that every family member finds rides they enjoy. Get ready to create magical memories that will last a lifetime at Dutch Wonderland!

Toddler-Friendly Attractions (the joy of watching your little ones laugh)

Off-Road Rally

Off-Road Rally puts your little ones in the driver’s seat for a fun-filled adventure. This mild kiddie ride allows kids to experience the thrill of driving their own vehicle on a safe, off-road track. Children under 36 inches need to be accompanied by an adult, who must sit in the back seat, ensuring a joyous ride for the youngest drivers.

Duke's Dozers

Duke's Dozers offers a delightful experience for the tiny excavators in your family. Kids can operate miniature dozers, enjoying a dig in a safe, controlled environment that stimulates both their imagination and coordination. This mild attraction is perfect for children over four years old and under 30 inches tall, promising a royally good time.

Choo Choo Charlie

Choo Choo Charlie gives kids the exciting opportunity to power their own train. This mild kiddie ride is perfectly suited for young conductors, providing a gentle yet engaging experience that captivates their fascination with trains. Accessible and designed for children under 30 inches, it's an ideal first ride in the world of amusement parks.

Middle Childhood Excitement: A dash of adrenaline

Topsy Turvy Tea Party

The Topsy Turvy Tea Party offers a whimsical spin on the classic teacup ride, perfect for families with middle childhood kids. Jump into a colorful cup and control your spin speed as you whirl around a giant teapot, surrounded by dazzling lights and laughter. It’s a vibrant attraction that lets you and your family enjoy a dizzying experience together.

Flying Trapeze

The Flying Trapeze takes excitement to new heights with its moderate spinning ride that swings you through the air. Suitable for children and families, this ride requires a minimum height of 42 inches. Feel the thrill of soaring effortlessly, capturing the feeling of being a circus star.

The Twister

Get ready for swirling fun on The Twister, a spinning ride that combines horizontal rotations with exciting wave-like motions. This family-friendly attraction is perfect for kids who meet the 42-inch height requirement, with those under 48 inches needing an accompanying adult. Experience the joy of wavey spins and spinny waves!

Family Enjoyment (where kids and parents have fun together) 

Bumper Cars

Enjoy classic amusement park excitement at Bumper Cars! This attraction allows kids and adults alike to navigate the arena, dodging and bumping each other in a playful showdown. Suitable for anyone over 42 inches, with younger children requiring an adult companion, it's a perfect blend of laughter and light-hearted competition.

Gondola Cruise

Take a relaxing Gondola Cruise around the scenic waterways of Exploration Island at Dutch Wonderland. This mild boat ride offers a peaceful break from the park's adrenaline-pumping activities. As you glide through the calm waters, enjoy the lush landscapes and spot the detailed dinosaur replicas that add a touch of prehistoric wonder.

Recommended Attractions by Intensity

Dutch Wonderland offers a variety of rides categorized by intensity to suit everyone's comfort level. From the gentle turns of the Turnpike for the little adventurers to the exhilarating drops of the Kingdom Coaster for thrill-seekers, there's a perfect ride for every age and adrenaline preference.

Mild Intensity: Let’s start chill 

Turnpike

At Dutch Wonderland's Turnpike, young drivers get a chance to steer their own antique-style cars along the scenic outer rim of Exploration Island. This mild driving attraction is perfect for families, allowing kids under 54 inches to navigate their way around, spotting dinosaurs and enjoying a leisurely drive.

Dragon's Lair

Embark on an adventurous ride through Dragon's Lair where families can navigate a log boat to escape a menacing dragon. This mild boat ride weaves through enchanting scenes that are thrilling yet accessible for all ages. Children under 48 inches require an accompanying adult, making it a family-friendly journey into a world of fantasy and mild thrills.

Moderate Intensity: Thrills await 

Turtle Whirl

Experience Turtle Whirl, a moderate-intensity tilt-a-whirl that promises head-spinning fun for the whole family. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this spinning ride swirls passengers in a gentle, undulating motion that excites without overwhelming. Children under 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience for all.

Joust Family Coaster

Embark on a knightly quest aboard the Joust Family Coaster, a moderate roller coaster that's perfect for young adventurers and their families. This mini steel coaster offers gentle hills and exciting turns that provide just the right level of thrill for younger riders. Kids under 42 inches tall require an accompanying adult.

Intense: For the Brave Hearts

Merlin's Mayhem

Embark on a high-flying adventure with Merlin's Mayhem, Dutch Wonderland's most enchanting roller coaster. This intense ride takes families on a magical journey through the park to help Merlin find his mischievous dragon friend, Mayhem. With twists, turns, and a captivating backstory, it's a thrilling experience that combines fantasy with mild excitement suitable for children over six years old. 

Kingdom Coaster

Experience the timeless thrill of the Kingdom Coaster, an intense wooden roller coaster that offers fun and excitement for the entire family. Perfect for young thrill-seekers meeting the 46-inch height requirement, this coaster features exhilarating twists and gentle drops that provide just the right amount of excitement without being too overwhelming. 

Bonus Track: Dining and entertainment options

But rides are not all! Dutch Wonderland presents a wonderful array of dining choices that cater to every family's taste, from hearty meals to light snacks. The park also features numerous kid-friendly and health-conscious options, including gluten-free and vegetarian selections.

Also, families can enjoy a vibrant array of events that cater to all ages, and kids’ favorite characters, like Duke the Dragon, offer meet-and-greets, storytimes, and dance parties, creating magical memories for younger guests and families alike. Check the availability of these events on the website before your visit. 

Ready for Dutch Wonderland? Get discounted tickets online!

Embark on a magical journey at Dutch Wonderland, where every corner promises adventure and smiles for the entire family. Don’t miss out on the excitement and joy that await—get your tickets now and prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, thrills, and cherished family moments.

FAQS

Is Dutch Wonderland just for little kids?

Dutch Wonderland is designed for families, offering attractions that cater to all ages. While it is renowned for its toddler-friendly rides, the park also features many attractions that appeal to older children and adults, ensuring fun for the entire family.

Does Dutch Wonderland have rides for big kids?

Yes, Dutch Wonderland has several rides that big kids will enjoy. Attractions like the Kingdom Coaster and Merlin’s Mayhem offer more thrilling experiences suitable for older children, providing enough excitement to keep them entertained throughout their visit.

What age is free at Dutch Wonderland?

At Dutch Wonderland, children under the age of two years old are granted free admission. This allows families with young toddlers to enjoy a day out without worrying about ticket costs for their littlest members. Check out other promotions and discounts for more savings!