Kings Dominion

Park Large Virginia amusement park with roller coasters

A large amusement park in Doswell, Virginia known for roller coasters, family rides, seasonal events and a water park; visitors typically combine it with Richmond-area trips.

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Kings Dominion is a large amusement park in Doswell, Virginia, opened in 1975. It is one of the major regional theme parks serving the Richmond and Washington, D.C. markets.

The park contains a broad mix of roller coasters, family rides and flat attractions across multiple themed areas, plus an adjacent water park known as Soak City. Guests commonly visit for high-speed coasters, family-friendly areas and live entertainment across the park.

Kings Dominion opened in 1975 and has operated under several owners; it has been part of the Cedar Fair chain since the mid-2000s. Over time the park expanded its coaster lineup and added a dedicated water-park area.

The park sits in Doswell in central Virginia, roughly 20 miles north of Richmond and accessible from Interstate 95. The surrounding area is lowland and suburban, with the park occupying a large developed entertainment site.

  • Location: Located in Doswell, about 20 miles north of Richmond, Virginia, making it accessible as a day trip from the state capital
  • Visiting tips: Combine a visit with weekday mornings to avoid the longest lines on major coasters; the park typically opens for the season in spring and runs through late autumn
Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Virginia 23047, USA
37.8399, -77.4433
Seasonal - typically spring through fall; check https://www.kingsdominion.com for current hours and seasonal events.
Single-day general admission typical range $40-$80 (varies by date and promotions). Parking and fast-pass options extra; season passes available.

How to Get to Kings Dominion #

By car: From Richmond take I-95 north to the Doswell exits and follow signs for Kings Dominion (approx. 25-35 miles depending on start point). By public transit: Limited direct public transit; shuttle services and tour operators run seasonally from Richmond and other nearby cities-check the park site for current options.

Tips for Visiting Kings Dominion #

  • Arrive early for popular coasters (Intimidator 305 is opened?) - use the park app for live queue times and Fast Lane purchase options.
  • Parking is paid (varies by day); consider carpooling or park-and-ride on busy summer weekends.
  • Weekdays in late spring or early fall are much quieter than peak summer weekends; arrive at opening for the shortest lines.

Best Time to Visit Kings Dominion #

Best visited in spring/fall for lighter crowds; peak summer for full water-park and event programming.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 20-32°C (68-90°F)
Peak season with full roster of rides, shows and water-park access; expect longest lines.
Spring / Fall
Apr-May / Sep-Oct · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds - ideal for coaster fans who want shorter waits.
Winter
Nov-Mar · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Park is usually closed or open only for special events (e.g., Halloween, Christmas); check calendar.

Weather & Climate near Kings Dominion #

Climate

Kings Dominion's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1069 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 10°

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 25°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
18° 30°

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 10°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

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