Why you should visit in 2010: New this year, says Six Flags spokeswoman Julie Filz, is the decidedly kid-friendly Thomas Town, the largest Thomas the Tank Engine-themed area in the U.S. (ask your five-year-old about Thomas if you're clueless). The area features eight rides and attractions, including the Cranky the Crane Tower (a 30-foot drop that should leave kids gasping, and smiling) and the Sodor Carnival Ferris Wheel, which gives riders a bird's-eye view of the whole area. And of course there's Thomas himself, taking riders on a tour of his entire town.

"In most kids' areas, mom and dad can usually put the kids on the rides, then step back and watch," Filz says. "Here, you can ride everything with your child. You're not taking the kid to the amusement park, standing back and watching him or her have all the fun."

Also this year, says Filz, park workers have re-done much of Six Flag's water park, Hurricane Harbor, and its wave pool, Hurricane Bay. They've ripped-up the old Astroturf-like surface and replaced it with a more attractive, foot-friendly surface. And shows have been added that revelers can watch from the pool deck.--Chris Kaltenbach

Address: 13710 Central Ave., Bowie

Miles from the Inner Harbor: 34

Wow factor: A half-dozen roller coasters, including the classic Wild One, an all-wooden wonder that dates to 1917, when, as the Giant Coaster, it began thrilling visitors to suburban Boston's Paragon Park. It was moved to Six Flags in 1986.

Hours through August: Park opens at 10:30 a.m. daily through Labor Day, closes at 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 p.m. Fridays and Sundays, 10 p.m. Saturdays. Water park hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

Admission: $29.99-$49.99; season passes, $54.99

Information: 301-249-1500 or sixflags.com/america