By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Heather Berkenstock, Belle Vie Photography
On September 25 and 26, Dutch Wonderland will celebrate Princess Brooke’s love of reading with special appearances by such favorite children’s books characters as the Cat in the Hat, Corduroy the Bear, Frog and Toad, and more.
Many families might think of Dutch Wonderland as a popular summer destination in Lancaster County. But, coming up this fall are a bunch of great seasonal activities planned to enjoy. From Readers’ Jamboree that embraces the parks commitment to childhood literacy, to Fall Farm Days and Happy Hauntings, the three special events offer plenty of affordable and festive entertainment.
Bethany Alwan is the Senior Director, Branded Operations for Dutch Wonderland Family Entertainment Complex. “We are really open almost 8 to 9 months of the year which many people might not realize. One of the most popular fall events is, of course, Happy Hauntings where we have a lot of fun embracing a Halloween theme. We transform the park so that the merry-go-round becomes the Scareeeee-Go-Round, Roller Ghoasters, and the Trick or Treat Trail. It’s a family-friendly Halloween themed event but its not overly scary so the little ones will enjoy it as well,” explained Alwan.
Upcoming Events at Dutch Wonderland
Readers’ Jamboree at Dutch Wonderland Celebrates Literacy
Dates: September 25th and 26th
For the third year in a row, Dutch Wonderland was voted among the Top Five Best Children’s Parks in the World in Amusement Today’s 2010 Golden Ticket Awards.
On September 25 and 26, Dutch Wonderland will celebrate Princess Brooke’s love of reading with special appearances by such favorite children’s books characters as the Cat in the Hat, Corduroy the Bear, Frog and Toad, Llama Llama in Red Pajamas, Pig from If You Give a Pig a Pancake, and Skippy Jon Jones. Other special entertainment for the day includes performances by children’s musician Bruce Fite and Superreader. All activities associated with Readers’ Jamboree are free with paid Park admission.
To further support the Park’s commitment to literacy, there will be a book drive to benefit the “Reach Out and Read” program, a national non-profit organization that promotes early literacy by giving new books to children in pediatric exam rooms across the nation. Guests ages 12 and under who donate a children’s book to the book drive will receive one free ticket to Dutch Winter Wonderland, a family-friendly holiday event at Dutch Wonderland. There is a limit of one ticket per person per donation.
Come Down to the Farm at Dutch Wonderland
Dates: October 2nd and 3rd
On October 2 and 3, families can experience life on a farm with Fall Farm Days at Dutch Wonderland. Guests can celebrate fall, farming and harvest with music and educational booths all weekend long.
Highlights include:
- Tiger Tom musical performances
- Scarecrow building
- Square dancing with Do Pas O Square Dancers
- Favorite farm animals from Eastland Alpacas and Melody-Lawn Farms Dairy Cows
- Fall food sampling from Kegel’s Produce, Oregon Dairy and Turkey Hill
Happy Hauntings Brings Friendly, Ghoulish Fun to Dutch Wonderland
Dates: October 16-17, October 23-24, and October 30-31
Now in its 13th year, Happy Hauntings features more than 20 themed rides, including the “Scareeeee-Go-Round,” the “Bat Swing” and the “Witchie Whip.”
Enjoy hauntingly friendly fun that’s ideal for families at Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland. Now in its 13th year, Happy Hauntings features more than 20 themed rides, including the “Scareeeee-Go-Round,” the “Bat Swing,” and the “Witchie Whip.” Guests also can trick-or-treat, paint a pumpkin, play ghoulish games and enjoy spine-tingling treats. Entertainment for Happy Hauntings includes magic shows, and storytelling with the Princess and Knight of Dutch Wonderland. Returning this year is the “Trick-or-Treat Trail.” Duke’s Lagoon will be transformed into a hauntingly good time for all trick-or-treaters, and guests can make their way through 10 stops along the trail for candy and other surprises. Special trick-or-treat bags will be available at both the front gate and the beginning of the trail.
Every Sunday night at 6:30 p.m., families can participate in a special costume contest that offers prizes for the Spookiest Costume, Most Creative Costume, Best Book/Movie/TV Character, Best Homemade Costume and Best Pair/Family Participation. The costume contests are sponsored by AAA Central Penn. Happy Hauntings is open October 16-17, October 23-24, and October 30-31 from 3 to 9 p.m. Admission is $19.95 per person. Parking is free.
Dutch Wonderland hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is open rain or shine. Admission prices are $31.95 for Royalty (ages 3-59), $26.95 for Senior Royalty (ages 60-69) and $19.95 for Senior Plus Royalty (ages 70 and over). Royalty-In-Training (ages 2 and under) are free. For more information about Dutch Wonderland Family Entertainment Complex and its related attractions, please call 1-866-FUNatDW or visit DutchWonderland.com.
