Cool off in one of the many rivers, pools and chutes at Schlitterbahn.
Find Fabulous Family Fun at these Under-the-Radar Theme Parks
Travel with Linden Wilson
This summer, it's all aboutbrchills, thrills and unforgettable family entertainment. With school finally outbrand June kicking off the season, we've rounded up three theme parks that fly abrbit below the radar but absolutely deliver when it comes to scream-worthybrrollercoasters and steep and slippery waterslides. We already know our area isbrpacked with activities perfect for making the most of hot, lazy days (check outbrour Summer Fun feature on page x),brbut if you've got the travel bug, read up on these must-see amusement playgrounds.
Knoebels — Elysburg, Pennsylvania
At America's largest free-admissionbrpark, you don't have to worry about exorbitantt ticket prices. Even the parking,brentertainment and picnic facilities are free of charge. Thrill rides are pricedbraffordably between $1.50 and $2.50 and will undoubtedly excite the riskiestbrrisk-takers in your family. The StratosFear, which opened in April, stands at abrtowering 148 feet and straps in 12 people for a ride to the top before droppingbrat 47 mph back to the bottom — the entire ride lasts an exhilarating 70brseconds. Spin around at quick speeds when you take a ride in the Satellite, abrlongtime park favorite, and get super-soaked on the Sklooosh, the park'sbrwettest ride named for the sound riders make as they walk away.
Knoebels also has kiddie rides, family rides and parkbrattractions, like an 18-hole golf course, laser tag, shooting gallery, theaterbrand carousel museum, where you can learn all about the history of carousels inbrAmerica. Kids will be ecstatic over camping out at the theme park; Knoebels hasbrtwo campgrounds that accommodate passenger vehicles as well as cozy cabins thatbrcan sleep up to 16 people.
If ending your day at a comfortable hotel sounds morebrappealing, make your reservation at the landmark Lewisburg Hotel, nestled in downtownbrLewisburg and just a scenic 45-minute drive from Knoebels. Established in 1834,brthe hotel has been elegantly restored and remodeled and provides a welcomingbrretreat that's also rich with history.
Knott's Berry Farm — Buena Park, California
Knott's Berry Farm mightbrsound more like an actual farm than an amusement park, and that's because itbroriginated as just that. In the 1920s, Walter and Cordelia Knott began farmingbr20 acres of land on Highway 39 in Buena Park, where they grew and sold a varietybrof fruits and vegetables. Eventually they opened a berry market, where Cordeliabrsold pies, jams and jellies to make ends meet during the Depression. The Knottsbralso opened a restaurant featuring delicious chicken dinners so popular, Walterbrdecided to build an adjacent Ghost Town attraction to entertain customers whilebrthey waited to be seated.
In the 1950s, more exciting attractions were added, andbrKnott's Berry Farm blossomed into a full-blown theme park that continues tobrthrive despite competition from California amusement parks behemoths likebrDisneyland. This summer, three new family-friendly attractions are opening in thebrpark's popular Boardwalk section; the Coast Rider takes you 52 feet high andbrdown 1,339 feet of track filled with spins and turns, while the SurfsidebrGliders allow you to be the pilot as you fly a two-man aircraft at 28 feet overbrthe picturesque Boardwalk Bay. Stay cool riding Bigfoot Rapids, a whitewaterbrrafting adventure where you'll bounce and splash your way through rapidbrcurrents, or join the kids in a race aboard one of the park's colorful balloons.
Knott's Berry Farm Hotel is a must-stay when you visitbrthe park. The 320-room property features luxurious accommodations, a gym, sportbrcourts and even a Snoopy-themed wing. Don't fret about dinner plans — thebrhotel's Amber Waves Restaurant and Bar specializes in all-American fare andbralso offers late-night dining.
Schlitterbahn — New Braunfels, Texas
Looking to leave thebrMetroplex but don't want to venture too far? Schlitterbahn makes for your bestbrbet. The waterpark opened in New Braunfels in the late '70s and continues tobrprovide South Texas with endless ways to cool off when summer temps sizzle.brWith more than 40 water rides, rivers, pools and parks, there's something forbreveryone. Blastenhoff Beach's giant umbrellas and sun loungers dot the sandybrbeach making it a Schlitterbahn favorite. It's located at the start of thebrTorrent Wave River, a continuous float ride up to 4 feet deep replete withbrocean-size waves.
The Dragon's Lair heated pool and swim-up bar, with itsbrrelaxing vibe and inviting shade, is a hangout of choice, while the kids will enjoybrsplashing around on the Raging River Tube Chute, Wolfpack Raft Slide or DerbrBahn Speed Slides, which begin high above the Comal River and let three peoplebrrace side-by-side down a slippery slope. Make sure that you also check out ThebrFalls, the world's longest waterpark ride that opened in 2011.
Conveniently located next to the waterpark, The Resort atbrSchlitterbahn provides all the amenities you'll need after spending hours outside;brits hotel rooms, vacation homes and condos offer serene escapes from a hecticbrday. For authentic German ambiance, stay at The Faust Hotel, located in historicbrdowntown New Braunfels. It's a combination hotel, events center, brew pub andbrfull bar and restaurant and is mere minutes from Schlitterbahn. The hotel'sbrnewly redesigned guest suites incorporate 1920s Art Deco touches with modernbrfeatures, and the Faust Brewing Company will allow you to sample the beer thatbrthe town is famous for.