You Can Drive Real Bulldozers, Farm Tractors, and a 5-Ton Military Transport Vehicle at This New Jersey Theme Park

Diggerland, New Jersey

It’s in West Berlin, New Jersey, and offers over 40 construction-themed rides and attractions. This is the only theme park in America with a heavy machinery theme, and it’s just as awesome as it sounds.

The Park Started in 2014 and Just Got New Owners

The park opened in 2014 as America’s first construction-themed amusement park, bringing a concept that was already popular in the UK. The Girlya family, who also owned Sahara Sams water park, created it because they wanted a theme park unlike any other in the country.

A Florida company called Innovative Attraction Management (IAM) bought Diggerland USA in January 2025 and plans to add new attractions while keeping the construction theme.

You Can Actually Drive Real Digging Machines

The biggest thrill at Diggerland is getting to control actual construction equipment. You can operate real 7,092-pound excavators with powerful engines. Kids can drive real tractors and dig dirt with mini-diggers after a quick safety lesson from the staff.

Most rides are open to kids who are at least 36 inches tall when with an adult, though smaller children have fewer options.

Construction Machines Turn Into Fun Rides

The park also has construction vehicles that have been turned into rides. The Greased Beast puts you in a giant dump truck that lifts you 34 feet up before tilting like it’s dumping its load.

Another favorite is the Spin Dizzy, which uses a real excavator to lift and spin you around 360 degrees. Kids love the Dig-A-Round, a merry-go-round where instead of horses, you sit in excavator scoops.

Games You Play Using Mini Excavators

Try your hand at skill games with the mini excavators. You can use the crane arm to knock down bowling pins, pick up rubber ducks, or hunt for hidden treasures. These smaller machines let builders of all sizes experience real digging in a safe setting.

There are several stations with these popular machines, and they’re often what people remember most about their visit.

Drive Jeeps and Military Trucks Around Courses

If you prefer wheels to tracks, Diggerland has options for you too. You can drive a turbo-diesel jeep called the ROXOR A/T through an off-road course. The Battle Trucks are heavy-duty off-road vehicles that fit five passengers plus a driver.

Many visitors love the Operation Battle Truck ride on a five-ton military vehicle that takes you on a bumpy trail, perfect if you’re into monster trucks.

Rides That Lift You High Above the Ground

Several rides at Diggerland lift you high above the ground. The Elevation Station raises you almost 60 feet up on a metal platform.

For a bit extra, you can try the Soaring Eagle Zipline, which sends you from a 130-foot tower down a 700-foot line with great views. Thrill-seekers can also tackle the four-story ropes course or climb the 32-foot rock wall.

The Water Main Has Construction Theme Too

A newer addition to Diggerland is The Water Main, a 4-acre water park with construction-themed water attractions. You can enjoy the Claw Hammer Cove wave pool, Carpool Lane activity pool, and water slides that drop from 20 feet high.

There’s also a lazy river, water obstacle courses, and a shallow area called Bulldozer Bay for small children, all watched by lifeguards.

Adults Get Their Own Big Machine Experience

Grown-ups can get in on the action too. Diggerland XL is just for adults, letting you operate even bigger machinery. You wear headphones and get instructions as you handle giant bulldozers and huge excavators.

Some packages even let you crush a car. As one visitor put it, “Never had so much fun in my life.”

Special Events Run All Year Long

The park changes with the seasons to keep things fresh. In fall, you can enjoy fire truck rides, hayrides, shows, games, and bonfires with s’mores. They often have a Parade of Machines showing off Diggerland mascots, fire trucks, and tractors.

From mid-November through mid-January, the park becomes a drive-through holiday light show with a 1.5-mile route full of lights and displays.

Where to Eat and Shop at the Park

You won’t go hungry at Diggerland. There are three places to eat: “The Lunch Pail” café, “The Munch Box,” and “The Forklift Cafe” for quick bites.

You can’t bring your own food except for one clear, unopened water bottle per person or if you have special medical needs. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop for hard hats, clothes, and cool construction toys.

Kids Who Love Trucks Will Go Crazy Here

While everyone can have fun here, some kids will be in heaven. If your children love backhoes, rollers, and diggers, this place offers experiences they can’t get anywhere else.

The park works best for kids aged 4-14, but adults enjoy the attractions too. Many visitors come as multi-generation families, grandparents often have as much fun as the kids.

How to Visit Diggerland in 2025

It’s on West Berlin, New Jersey, about 23 miles (30 minutes) from Philadelphia and 91 miles (1.5-2 hours) from Manhattan

General admission starts at $39.99, season passes $109.99. Season passes include both the construction theme park and water park (open Memorial Day through Labor Day).