Everything You Need to Know about Dutch Springs
Visiting Dutch Springs? From what to pack to offered activities, here is everything you need to know to help you plan your day trip.
The boys received tickets to Dutch Springs for their birthday this year from their aunt. We had been trying all summer to pick the perfect to visit the Aqua Park. Since our busy schedules are winding down, we finally found a day that worked for both of us!
We packed up the kids and headed to Bethlehem. It was our first time visiting Dutch Springs and went into this experience as total newbies. We had picked up a few tips from friends but, really, we had no idea what we are doing.
Now that we’ve been there, done that, I know what I would do differently the next time we visit.
If you are planning a day trip to Dutch Springs for the first time, here is everything you need to know!
Everything You Need to Know about Dutch Springs
What is Dutch Springs?
Dutch Springs features a 50-acre lake in a natural setting full of endless fun! It is spring-fed from an underground aquifer that filters through limestone to provide excellent visibility. With many inflatables on the water, children and adults will share splashes and smiles in the best Aqua Park in the region!
Hours & Tickets
Dutch Springs is open April to November and on New Year’s Day. Times for scuba and general admission may be different, please see calendar for hours, rates for each activity, and any coupons or discounted tickets available.
Scuba Diving
Adults looking for additional thrills might want to try scuba diving in the 50-acre lake, which reaches depths of 100 feet and boasts excellent visibility due to the water being filtered through limestone. You need to be a registered diver (Dutch Springs does not hold certification classes) or be under the supervision of an instructor to explore the underwater attractions.
The Sky Challenge and Aerial Park
Towering higher than two stories tall, Sky Challenge incorporates a rock-climbing wall with high-ropes course elements into pulse-quickening adventures for everyone. They also have a zip line and trampoline.
Tips for Visiting Dutch Springs
Now that you know what Dutch Springs has to offer, it’s time to plan your visit.
Everyone needs a life vest. But don’t worry, they provide them! Life vests approved by U.S. coast guard or a wetsuit must be worn at all times. If you did bring your own, just make sure they are U.S. Coast Guard approved.
Water shoes are a must! While you may not need them in the lake, you will need them walking back and forth from the lake to your home base. There are a lot of rocks both large and small that you will need to walk across. You will wish you had water shoes!
Protect your skin with a water shirt. Not only are you baking in the sun floating in the lake, but you may also want another layer of protection when your hit the water…literally!
Bring your own shade! This is one thing that we did not do and we regretted it after about 5 minutes. Shade is a hot commodity (see what I did there) and you will wish that your brought a pop-up canopy or umbrella. We definitely pack ours next time.
Grab a seat. Literally. If you don’t get to Dutch Springs the minute they open, you won’t have the opportunity to grab a lounge chair. They go fast! Instead, bring your own camp chair or beach chair for guaranteed seating.
Pack a lunch. While Dutch Springs has a snack shack, you may want to pack your lunch. The lines get pretty long when there are campers visiting for the day. Dutch Springs offers Noble Roman’s Pizza, Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs, soft drinks, coffee, and ice cream.
Pack a change of clothes. After swimming in the lake all day, you are going to want to change out of your wet clothes. If you plan on visiting the Aerial Park. Bring a wet bag to keep your wet clothes separate from your dry stuff!
