Kiddin' Around: Diggerland U.S.A.
Year-old South Jersey construction theme park lets kids climb aboard and operate giant excavators, bulldozers and more.
The long: Year-old theme park aims to please the truck (and bulldozer, skid steer, excavator . . .) fans in your life by letting 'em climb aboard bright-yellow JCB rigs (the U.K.'s version of Caterpillar).
The short: For kids into construction, Diggerland is Disneyland.
The demo: Most rides require riders to be at least 36 inches tall - and have a grown-up's lap to sit on.
You'll know you're there when: "Spin Dizzy," a humongous excavator with human riders in its scoop, whirls into view.
The digs: Long row of assorted excavators - all stationary, yet able to dig and dump - get the longest lines. Each turn lasts a few minutes.
The drives: Skid steers, mini land rovers, Workmax trucks and dumper trucks have their own courses.
The pros: Easy to navigate, plenty of DIY - jungle gym, rock climbing, ropes course, swings.
The cons: The diggers have A.C., but the park itself is nearly shadeless. Outside food and drink not permitted; chicken finger tubs and funnel sticks are available for purchase.
Moment to yourself: Toddlers can ride the Barrel Train sans supervision.
Neighboring park: Sahara Sam's. Same owners.
The sale: Annual membership is $49.95 instead of $99.95, through April 26;
online tickets discounted $2-$3.
The basics: 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, N.J., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends through June 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 13-Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through November, $29.95 full day, $24.95 after 2 p.m. (under 36 inches and nonparticipating seniors are free), 856-768-1100, diggerlandusa.com.