by Spencer Bollettieri, freelance writer for Theme Park Magazine
At Diggerland USA theme park, memories are built from the ground up as families find themselves in the driver’s seat of fire engines, excavators, and machines that typically reside in children’s toy boxes. An experience unlike any other in New Jersey, Diggerland USA stands out as an attraction where interactivity reaches new heights, and its rides not only push the boundaries of what’s possible but also carry, lift, and manipulate them with impressive force. For every person who dreamed of wearing a hard hat when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” or imagined themselves behind the wheel of a truck, Diggerland USA prides itself as a dream come true.
A Brief History and Overview of Diggerland
Since its debut in 2014, Diggerland USA has entertained countless visitors after opening its gates in West Berlin, New Jersey. Themed around construction, excavation, and heavy machinery, Diggerland USA sports over 40 different attractions within its walls, along with varying special events throughout the year. Focused on education and family fun, Diggerland USA is constantly evolving, with its machines taking center stage and its guests usually along for the ride or in the cockpit.
Custom-made Machines and Interactive Attractions
While most amusement parks feature a roller coaster, merry-go-round, and haunted houses, Diggerland USA is distinguished. Somewhere between a theme park, a science exhibition, and a family-oriented industrial playground, many of its machines are custom-made and designed for safe operation by civilians. Diggerland USA collaborated with manufacturing companies to bring awe-inspiring attractions that allow children and adults alike to experience a world made possible through popular mechanics. With simplified control schemes and orientation from the park staff, it isn’t long before guests are operating excavators, trucks, and off-road vehicles for specially designed games and areas.
Some highlights include the new Lumberjack Claw, an attraction inspired by the classic crane game, and the Dumper Trucks, where guests test their driving skills around a specially designed obstacle course. Above all else, these attractions make up the heart of Diggerland USA and allow it to stand out as a theme park.
Other notable experiences involve modified rides and offer visitors the opportunity to see them in action. One main attraction is The Greased Beast, which puts riders in the back of a monstrous dump truck, allowing them to gaze down at the ground below as it roars to life. Other stops like Elevation Station, Soaring Eagle Zipline, Rope Course, and Sky Shuttle provide beautiful views of the world below and, in some cases, a clear sight of the Philadelphia skyline. For those seeking a less intense experience, there are opportunities to explore vintage rescue vehicles, race rubber ducks, and take a ride on the Dig-A-Round. Nevertheless, Diggerland USA ensures there is something for everyone and offers an abundance of themed activities to enjoy throughout each season.
Cooling Down at The Water Main
The Water Main at Diggerland USA is an aptly named water park that offers a creatively themed and refreshing social area for guests to beat the summer heat, featuring activities designed for both young and older swimmers. Attractions like Carpool Lane and the Jackhammer Bay playground allow children to cool off with their parents. Meanwhile, other guests can slip down waterslides, wander down a whirlpool-guided river of wacky machinations, and compete to douse themselves as part of Diggerland’s Downpour Derby.
Additionally, The Water Main offers a range of amenities, including rentable cabanas, changing rooms, and refreshment stands for guests. Above all else, the water park distinguishes itself as a colorful oasis among Diggerland’s other offerings. With multiple pools housing different experiences, The Water Main ensures a spacious environment that families can enjoy under the supervision of attentive lifeguards.
Diggerland USA, as a whole, is defined by its unique theming and attractions, allowing guests to get down and not-so-dirty with their impressive machinery. The construction-themed park is geared towards 4-14-year-olds but is a fun family experience. Constructed to be something special and ever-expanding, Diggerland USA features hands-on fun, creating an unforgettable day for make-believe builders of all ages.
Explore More: Videos
Dig into a Construction-Themed Adventure
Diggerland – a Construction Theme Park for Kids
Explore More: Resources
- Website: Diggerland USA
- Facebook: Diggerland USA
All images, including the Feature image, were taken by Stephanie Kaplan for Theme Park Magazine except for The Water Main image, which was provided by Diggerland USA.
About Spencer Bollettieri: As a biologist, journalist, and writer, Spencer Bollettieri has written for sites such as Screen Rant. Although mostly based out of New York, he’s traveled the world in pursuit of new stories.
