Do your kids stare longingly at work sites wishing they could grab the controls of the nearest cement mixer? Then Diggerland will blow their minds. This construction-themed amusement park—the first Diggerland in the US and the fourth in the world—sits on 14 acres in West Berlin. From the giant diggers to the “Spin Dizzy,” the rides here are built using 100 percent real construction equipment—which means when a kid climbs aboard an excavator, it’s an honest-to-goodness excavator. And that’s a big thrill whether the “kid” in question is six or 46.
What To Do
If it’s all about driving for your brood, check out the mini Land Rovers—a just-for-kids experience where drivers tool around a paved track without the hindrance of a pesky middle rail. Or take a spin on the little loader trucks, dump trucks and 4x4s, where kids cruise through real obstacle courses.
Plenty of other attractions put pros behind the wheel, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery, from “Operation Battle Truck” (an off-road excursion that takes riders through giant sand pits), to the “Backhoe Adventure” (a real backhoe where you take a thrillingly bumpy ride), to the “Ground Shuttle” (a tractor with an arm that elevates passengers before hitting the gas).
Then there are the amusement-style attractions. When you first arrive, you’ll see the “SkyShuttle” from a distance—especially its big telescoping arm, which raises giddy riders up over 50 feet in a big basket. Another favorite: the “Spin Dizzy,” a giant excavator mounted to a platform, where you sit in a “scoop” and spin in circles.
There’s also a huge, four-story-tall ropes course here, where you clip in and safely explore different levels full of wobbly bridges, tightropes and other tricky challenges (note: this one requires a waiver). Plus, there’s a big rock wall, a playground and a daily stunt show with professional drivers who do tricks in tractors that your kids haven’t even dreamed up yet with their Tonkas.
Know Before You Go
The park is best suited for those 36”and up, as kids smaller than that aren’t allowed on most rides. But the secret here is how much fun it is for adults, too. We saw a lot of super focused grown-ups—with no children in sight—digging in the dirt. The park is easy to manage (even if you need to get back to your car, it isn’t a long hike) with a full snack bar and a big arcade. Diggerland is owned by the same group that owns indoor water park Sahara Sam’s right next door, which makes a great weekend adventure if you have time to hit both.
Contact Information:
100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin
856-768-1110; diggerlandusa.com
Hours: Opens March 19,
11 am–6 pm.
Admission: $29.95 for adults; Kids under 42” are $24.95. Discounts are available if you buy tickets online.
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