Gentle

Tiny tots are often afraid to try theme park rides, but even the biggest scaredy-cats can conquer their fears at Dutch Wonderland. The gentlest rides should also be appealing to those with queasy stomachs. Perennial favorites include:

• Wonderland Special. This charming little train is truly a delight to ride. Early in the day, this functions as an excellent preview of the other attractions.
  
  

• Monorail. More than just a means of conveyance, Dutch Wonderland's Monorail provides a wonderful view of the theme park.
  
  

• Gondola Cruise. View Exploration Island from a new perspective during a pleasant canal cruise that the whole family can enjoy together.
  
  

• Duke's Dozers. Vehicle-obsessed kids will fall in love with this construction-themed ride, which moves slowly enough to keep tots from getting frightened.
  
  

• Dragon's Lair. This log boat ride will have you searching for iguanas, turtles, and all kinds of other creatures. The most notable, of course, is the friendly purple dragon — Duke.

Moderate

As kids make the transition from toddler-friendly rides to more intense options, they'll appreciate these moderate attractions:

• Flying Trapeze. This classic swing ride is sure to please, particularly for kids who are ready to level up to "older" attractions with greater speeds and heights.
  
  

• Joust Family Coaster. Kids who aren't quite ready for the real wooden coaster will appreciate this alternate option, which is simple, yet fun.
  
  

• Dutch Wonder House. While officially classified by Dutch Wonderland as mild, this experience is disorienting enough to get a spot in the moderate category. It's an intriguing option, however, and a must-try for history buffs in search of a classic theme park experience.

High Intensity

Keep the older kids in your group happy with thrilling coasters. No, these aren't as exciting as your typical Six Flags rides, but they offer just enough surprises to keep even the most discerning thrill-seekers happy. Lines can be long, so hit these Dutch Wonderland rides early if possible:

• Kingdom Coaster. As an excellent introduction to wooden coasters, this ride has plenty of twists and turns but no extreme drops. Its bunny hills will have you yelling in delight, not fear.
  
  

• Merlin's Mayhem. This popular coaster definitely packs a punch. It features a compelling story: the quest to find Merlin's dragon buddy. If you're typically reluctant to try inverted coasters, give this one a chance. Its transitions are smooth and its restraints are comfy, so you can focus on this ride's unique swinging sensation.

Entertainment & Activities

Not everybody can handle rides — and even the biggest thrill seekers need to take the occasional break. It's never difficult to keep occupied at Dutch Wonderland, as there are all kinds of things to do.

• Bubba Bear & the Badland Band. This country music spectacle will have you tapping your toes and laughing out loud. Performances are scheduled regularly throughout the day, so you can take a break from rides when you need it most.
  
  

• Exploration Island. Sometimes, simply going for a stroll can be the most enjoyable theme park activity. Therein lies the appeal of Exploration Island, where dinosaurs come to life on the Prehistoric Path. For kids, the best part is definitely the Dino Dig, where they can become mini archaeologists.
  
  

• Dive Show. During the summer, incredibly talented divers get audiences oohing and ahhing as they make all kinds of daring maneuvers. Shows such as A Dragon's Tale and The Adventures of the Frog Prince are as engaging as they are exciting.

Dining Options

From convenient food kiosks to family-friendly restaurants, there are plenty of dining options that will have your mouth watering. Keeping the kids still can be a struggle, but if you can get them to cooperate long enough for a sit-down meal, you'll fall in love with the park's best establishments. Favorites include:

• That Panini Place. Perfect for parents who are desperate to take a break from the usual hot dogs and chicken tenders, That Panini Place has an appealing menu that visitors of all ages can appreciate.
  
  

• Merlin's Pizza & Pasta Buffet. If your stomach can handle lots of food before or after theme park rides, you'll definitely want to stop at Merlin's. This all-you-can-eat location is a lot less intimidating than its namesake ride. Stop in for a break from the usual battle with picky eaters.
  
  

• Dragon's Fire BBQ. Smoked meats make this little stall a worthy stop when you need a bit of fuel to carry you through a long day. Sides such as baked beans and dill macaroni salad are just as delicious as the meat.
  
  

As you plan your meal, keep in mind that Dutch Wonderland is a cashless park. If you prefer to bring your own food, beware: while water bottles and light snacks are allowed, picnicking is limited to a designated pavilion outside the park.

Choose Your Dutch Wonderland Hotel Carefully

The suggestions outlined above are important, of course, but they'll make little difference if you choose the wrong accommodations. The best Dutch Wonderland hotels offer both proximity and a place of respite. You'll need somewhere that provides both excitement for the kids and a sense of calm for parents. It also should be an excellent home base not only for your visit to Dutch Wonderland, but also, for all the other exciting activities and attractions you add to your Lancaster itinerary. The Eden Resort & Suites, less than 7 miles from Dutch Wonderland, fits the bill perfectly with its central location to many Lancaster attractions and its numerous pools and amenities.

Proximity can be a game-changer if you need to take advantage of Dutch Wonderland's exceptional rain guarantee. This helpful policy allows you to secure additional tickets when continuous rain prevents you from enjoying your favorite rides. If you stay nearby, you can return for a full day when the weather cooperates.

As with the theme park itself, Dutch Wonderland hotels should please both kids and adults. Sophisticated digs encourage grown-up visitors to relax, even when accompanied by energetic youngsters. Meanwhile, youth-oriented amenities (such as pools) can feel just as exciting as a full-blown theme park. If you stay at the Eden Resort & Suites, your kids will be in awe of the outdoor recreation area and the Kids Water Zone, where they can splash to their heart's delight, and you will enjoy the many heated pools, whirlpool, and cabanas.

Don't forget dining. Yes, options abound at Dutch Wonderland — but what if you're still hungry when you return to your home base? An abundance of dining options should also keep you well-fed throughout the remainder of your Lancaster vacation. Whether you're enjoying tasty treats by the pool, in your room, or at onsite restaurants, you'll appreciate when Dutch Wonderland hotels such as the Eden Resort allow you to plan your meals based on your family's unique needs.

Be Mindful of Annual Events

Like Lancaster itself, Dutch Wonderland follows seasonal patterns. In the summer, it looks like what you've come to expect from a theme park: chock full of rides, plus a water park and cabanas to help you cool off. This is replaced by Halloween festivities in the fall, when themed rides add plenty of spooky appeal.

At Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster's weather can feel like both an opportunity and a hindrance. Chilly weather may prevent holiday visitors from enjoying some of the rides that are most popular during the summer months, but the snow and cold make this destination feel like a true winter wonderland.

There is no best time to visit Dutch Wonderland. Ultimately, you'll choose according to your schedule and the other activities you hope to enjoy while staying in Lancaster. If you dream of skiing or snowboarding, stop by in December to take in the holiday spectacle. If hiking or open-air museums are more your speed, the traditional summer theme park experience is for you.