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.
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
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.
Weather & Climate near Kings Dominion #
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).