Last Updated on June 24, 2025
With summer 2025 officially kicking off, now is a great time to go make some memories and enjoy the warm weather. But few things compare to the thrill of a roller coaster, or a day filled with carnival games, funnel cakes and water rides. The good news? If you live near a Howard Hanna | Allen Tate office, chances are you’re within driving distance of one of the East Coast’s top amusement parks.
We put together a list of the best amusement parks within roughly two hours of Howard Hanna/Allen Tate communities in New York, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and Michigan that the company serves—from classic coasters to family-friendly favorites.
New York – Six Flags Darien Lake
Darien Center, N.Y. | Near: Buffalo, Rochester and Batavia
Western New York’s largest theme park, Six Flags Darien Lake offers a wide mix of thrill rides and family attractions. It’s home to the towering Ride of Steel coaster, a full water park and a summer concert series that draws major headliners. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or planning a weekend with the kids, Darien Lake is a summer staple just outside Buffalo and Rochester.
Pennsylvania – Kennywood
West Mifflin, Pa. | Near: Pittsburgh, Bethel Park and Monroeville
A National Historic Landmark, Kennywood blends old-school amusement park charm with major modern thrills. Classics like the Thunderbolt and Jack Rabbit are joined by the record-breaking Steel Curtain, making this park a must-visit for families and coaster fans alike. It’s less than 30 minutes from Pittsburgh, making it one of the most convenient day trips in western Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania – Hersheypark
Hershey, Pa. | Near: Harrisburg, Lancaster and Lebanon
Where else can you ride a roller coaster and eat chocolate made on-site? Hersheypark offers more than 70 rides and attractions, including 15 coasters and a massive water park, all with a sweet twist. Just over an hour from several central Pennsylvania offices, it’s a go-to summer spot for families across the region.
Pennsylvania – Waldameer & Water World
Erie, Pa. | Near: Erie, Cleveland and Youngstown
Perched along Lake Erie’s shoreline, Waldameer offers a unique mix of historic amusement park charm and lakefront water rides. It’s home to the wooden coaster Ravine Flyer II and a water park that’s perfect for cooling off. Best of all, parking and admission to the amusement park are free—ride tickets are pay-as-you-go or available in wristbands.
Ohio – Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio | Near: Cleveland, Akron and Sandusky
Often called the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point has 17 roller coasters and a reputation for world-class thrills. The park is located on a Lake Erie peninsula with beautiful views and beachfront hotels, making it a summer weekend favorite for northern Ohio families. Top Thrill 2, Millennium Force and Steel Vengeance are just a few of the rides that attract coaster fans from around the globe.
Virginia – Kings Dominion
Doswell, Va. | Near: Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville
Kings Dominion offers something for every age group—heart-pounding rides like Intimidator 305, a kid-friendly Planet Snoopy and a full-sized water park included with general admission. It’s easily accessible from central Virginia, making it a top pick for day trips or weekend fun.
Virginia – Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Va. | Near: Williamsburg, Newport News and Virginia Beach
With its European village themes, beautifully landscaped grounds and top-rated roller coasters like Griffon and Apollo’s Chariot, Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers a premium theme park experience. Add in animal exhibits, seasonal festivals and shows, and it’s one of the most well-rounded parks on the East Coast.
North Carolina/South Carolina – Carowinds
Charlotte, N.C. | Near: Charlotte and surrounding Allen Tate offices
Carowinds straddles the North Carolina–South Carolina border and delivers high-powered thrills with rides like Fury 325, one of the tallest and fastest giga coasters in the world. The park also includes Carolina Harbor, a massive water park, making it a full-day destination during the summer.
Michigan – Michigan’s Adventure
Muskegon, Mich. | Near: Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Holland
Michigan’s largest amusement park, Michigan’s Adventure offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment with thrill rides, kids’ rides and the WildWater Adventure water park. Shivering Timbers, one of the longest wooden coasters in the country, is a favorite for coaster fans. It’s a low-key alternative to the more crowded mega parks—and just as much fun.
Planning Your Visit
Before you go, be sure to check park websites for hours, ticket specials, and event calendars. Many parks offer season passes, fast lane access, and discounted online tickets—making it easier to enjoy more fun for less money.
Love Living Near the Action?
Whether it’s western New York, coastal Virginia or northern Ohio, there’s something special about living near a place where everyday life and once-in-a-lifetime fun collide. With Howard Hanna | Allen Tate agents serving all of these regions, you can find a home that brings you closer to the action—without giving up your peace and quiet.
Let us help you find your next home near one of the East Coast’s best amusement parks. Adventure is just around the corner.
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Allen Tate is the Carolinas’ largest real estate company based on closed sales volume, with more than 70 offices and 1,800 Realtors in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Highland/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions of North Carolina and the Upstate and Low Country regions of South Carolina. Allen Tate is a partner of Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest privately held real estate broker in the United States. The full-service real estate company has 480 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices and more than 15,000 sales associates and staff across 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com.
