With summer in full swing and your kids out of school for a few months, it is that time of year when you need to fill their days with fun and exciting activities. There’s no better way to spend the day than with a quick trip to a nearby amusement park. Luckily for you, there are a few popular and local adventure parks that are all within a few hours of New York City. Depending on how old your kids are will determine which park you visit, but they are all filled with classic rides, attractions, and even arcades that will help you create lifelong memories. Pick from parks in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Long Island, or a few local spots in Brooklyn that are all worth the trip.

Playland
Located about 40 minutes outside of New York City, Playland offers your family anything from fun rollercoasters and thrill-seeking rides to arcade games and a brand-new pool. There are over 40 different rides and attractions available for kids of all ages that will keep them entertained all day long such as roller coasters, swing rides, bumper cars, a carousel, and more. For those who want to keep their feet on the ground, head to the indoor arcade or play a bunch of classic outdoor carnival games, including darts, basketball, and skeeball. A general admission and ride pass are $40 for the day with the exception of children under 48 inches who can pay $30. Kids two years and under can enter the park for free.

Six Flags Great Adventure
Anybody who lives in the tri-state area is familiar with Six Flags Great Adventure. Located in New Jersey, this beloved amusement park has everything from thrill rides to attractions specific to families and children. No matter what age your kids are, they will have a blast hopping from ride to ride. Those who want a calmer experience can opt for a traditional Ferris wheel, bumper cars, teacups, or a carousel. But those who are seeking thrills can take their pick of jaw-dropping rollercoasters, including the Batman, El Toro, the Green Lantern, and the world’s tallest rollercoaster, Kingda Ka. There are a ton of different restaurants and eateries to choose from that will keep you and your family energized and ready for more action!. A daily ticket to Six Flags Great Adventure runs around $39 for the day, while a daily three park ticket with access to Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor New Jersey and Wild Safari Adventure can be purchased for $65.

Adventureland
Since 1962, Adventureland on Long Island has been providing families with days filled with rides, attractions, and games. About a 90-minute drive from New York City, this park will give your kids a look into old-school rides, attractions and nostalgic arcade games. Families can enjoy two water rides, a few rollercoasters, a merry-go-round, bumper cars, a mystery mansion, and more. Daily admission tickets start at $50 for kids and young adults ages 2 to 24 and $40 for adults 25 and over.

Luna Park
You will only have to travel as far as Coney Island to experience a New York right of passage. At Luna Park, you will find everything from arcade games, rollercoasters, flying swings, and more. You can’t miss hopping on the famous Coney Island Cyclone, which was originally built in 1927 and is a fixture of this adventure park. Walk around the park so you can participate in outdoor arcade games such as hot shots, whack-a-mole, ring toss, water racer, and more. You also can’t miss the opportunity to wait in line at Nathan’s, to grab a classic hotdog (or a few!) for you and the family. Those who want to visit the park can purchase and Extraordinary Wristband that provides guests with four hours of fun. This can be purchased for $43 for those under 48 inches and for $65 for those over 48 inches.

LEGOLAND New York
About a 90-minute drive from New York City, LEGOLAND New York is the perfect place for your children to enjoy a day exploring their creativity and all of the attractions and rides this park has to offer. You don’t have to be a fan of LEGO to have fun at this location where kids of all ages can spend hours running from attraction to attraction. The little ones can spend time building LEGOs, riding rollercoasters, cooling down on water rides, and driving miniature cars. Let’s not forget about lunch! You can munch on and indulge in food favorites including pizza, hotdogs, tacos, sandwiches, barbeque, burgers, and more. Park tickets start at $54 and can go as low as $29 for children depending on when and where you purchase them.

Nickelodeon Universe
Nickelodeon Universe is the perfect indoor adventure park for a rainy day. Located in the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, your children can enjoy their favorite television channel in real life. Rides are targeted towards thrill-seekers, families, and kids, depending on how everyone would like to spend their day. You’ll find rides with themes from popular Nickelodeon shows, including Jimmy Neutron, Spongebob Squarepants, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Fairly Odd Parents, PAW Patrol, Rugrats, and more. Children two years and under can enter the park for free, while non-peak day tickets start at $59 and peak-day tickets start at $79.

Area 53
Pop over to Brooklyn and you will find Area 53, an indoor adventure park filled with fun and exciting attractions and activities. The adventure park includes rock climbing, ziplining, slides, a ropes course, skating, a battle beam, bowling, a ball pit, and arcade. For older children, they can show off their skills on a laser tag course and an indoor paintball experience. Area 53 is a great place to have birthday parties for your kids, where you can schedule private events and use most of the amenities. For a three-hour time slot, a ticket costs $20 but does not include the arcade, food or drinks.

Adventurer’s Park
Looking for a low-key day out in the summer sun? Check out Adventurer’s Park in Brooklyn which has over 20 rides that are targeted towards younger kids. Rides and attractions include bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, small rollercoasters, a fun slide, a merry-go-round, teacups, a tilt-a-whirl, and more. For some friendly family competition, be sure to hop on the go-kart track or practice your putting at the mini golf course. Each attraction costs a specific amount of tickets, which can be purchased upon arrival. Single tickets are $4.50 but you can buy a book of 10, 30, or 60 tickets at discounted prices.

Dorney Park
If you don’t mind taking a small road trip with your family, then Dorney Park should be on your schedule this summer. About a two-hour drive from New York City, Dorney Park has everything you are looking for in an amusement park. With more than 60 different rides and attractions, a water park, and a specific area for kids, you can easily spend more than a day exploring this popular site. Older kids who are seeking thrills will appreciate the park’s most famous rollercoaster, the Hydra, as well as the Demon Drop, Talon, and Iron Menace rides. For the younger crowd, you’ll find options, including a train ride, carousel, Snoopy car ride, and swing set. Daily tickets start at $40 but you can save money when you buy online.