These parks offer enjoyment for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to costumed characters.
The top amusement parks in the United States have something to offer everyone, whether they want to spend the day on breathtaking thrill rides, spend hours hunting down the best fair cuisine, or simply relax in the sun while floating down a lazy river. Depending on where you live, it is typically pretty simple to get to theme parks, and visiting them may be relatively economical, especially if you plan ahead. The top theme parks also frequently feature adjacent lodging alternatives, such as campers, large, family-friendly hotels with pools, and more.
However, some of the top theme parks prioritize thrilling roller coasters above family entertainment, while other parks include more kid-friendly rides. In light of this, it makes sense to base your family vacation planning not only on the geographic location but also on park attractions and features.
We wanted to present some of the top theme parks from coast to coast to aid you in your decision. Continue reading to find out more if you want to ride one of the country’s tallest roller coasters, plunge hundreds of feet to the ground, or continue your pursuit for the world’s best funnel cake.
Cedar Point: Ohio’s Sandusky
The 70 varied rides at Cedar Point, which is famous for being near the shores of Lake Erie, include 17 top-notch roller coasters. Steel Vengeance, which offers 30 seconds of airtime (the sensation of weightlessness), and Valravn, which drops riders 223 feet at a 90-degree angle before spinning on a 270-degree roll, are two notable coasters. Be careful to check the schedule before making a reservation because Cedar Point also hosts events, festivals, and live performances. The park is open from May to October, and the adjacent Cedar Point Shores water park, with its water slides and pools, is the ideal place to cool off in the sweltering summertime. There are distinct entrance fees for each park.
Book your vacation at Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point, a luxury campground with RV sites, waterfront cottages, and cabins that sleep up to 10, to stay close to the park and all of its facilities.
Knott’s Berry Farm: California’s Buena Park
Although Knott’s Berry Farm may have begun as a modest berry farm in the early 1920s, it has since developed into a popular family theme park. Today’s visitors will discover a sizable theme park with four separate sections, each with their own special rides and activities. Fiesta Village recognizes California’s Hispanic influences in its architecture and rides, while Knott’s Boardwalk draws inspiration from Southern California while offering the park’s most extreme roller coasters and a stage for live entertainment. The Old West Ghost Town offers western-themed coasters and a saloon. Camp Snoopy offers rides and attractions for young children.
Plan a supper at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant so that you can indulge in fried chicken platters, funnel cakes with whipped cream and fresh fruit, and cocktails made with boysenberries. Visit Knott’s Berry Farm and the nearby Knott’s Soak City Waterpark easily by booking a room at the on-site Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. Each day of the week, Knott’s Berry Farm is open, and from about May to September, Knott’s Soak City Waterpark is available to visitors.
West Mifflin, Pennsylvania’s Kennywood
Intense rides, family activities, and terrifying roller coasters can be found at Kennywood in Pennsylvania. Even the most apathetic tourists can experience an adrenaline rush thanks to kid-friendly activities like paddle boats and a merry-go-round. Adventure-seekers can ride the Sky Rocket, which accelerates riders from zero to fifty miles per hour in three seconds, or the Phantom’s Revenge, a steel roller coaster that is one of Kennywood’s most well-known attractions.
Depending on the season, Kennywood also offers a wide range of events, such as parades, food festivals, and fireworks displays. From May through August, the amusement park is normally open every day, and on weekends throughout September. Despite being only a few miles up the Monongahela River from downtown Pittsburgh, it is really situated in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Book a room at the slightly more than 4 mile northwest located Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh West Homestead/Waterfront for a pleasant stay close by.
Santa Claus, Indiana: Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari
Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari, which is situated in southern Indiana, seeks to provide affordable tourists with family entertainment. Visitors receive free refreshments, free sunscreen, free parking, and admission covers both the park and the neighboring water park. The Thunderbird, which accelerates riders from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and the Cheetah Chase Water Coaster, which takes families on a drenching and exhilarating ride replete with water-powered launches, are two popular rides.
From May through July, Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari normally accepts visitors every day, and on weekends until September. The Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, which has its own on-site water park, rental cabins, and RV and tent sites, is right next door and welcomes park visitors.
Magic Mountain Six Flags: Valencia, California
Six Flags Magic Mountain in California is ideal for both people seeking thrills and families with children of all ages. Everything you would expect in a family attraction is there, from bumper cars and a swing ride to a kid-friendly miniature train. The park’s thrill coasters, meanwhile, will plummet you up to 255 feet in the air or spin you around in all directions. When it opens to park visitors in the summer of 2022, the WONDER WOMAN Flight of Courage attraction will be the world’s highest (131 feet) and longest (3,300 feet) single-rail coaster.
Seven Flags Magic Mountain, which is located about 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, is open every day of the year. There are several accomodation alternatives nearby, whether you want to stay at the Embassy Suites Valencia, which is a few miles away and has an outdoor pool, or at the Best Western Valencia/Six Flags, which is only a mile from the park. Both hotels have complimentary breakfast.
Florida‘s Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando
Walt Disney Globe Resort evokes wonder in both kids and adults and is arguably the most well-known amusement park in the entire world. The larger Walt Disney World Resort is made up of four different theme parks. The most recognizable part of the resort is Magic Kingdom, which has the charming “it’s a small world” boat ride and magnificent Cinderella Castle. EPCOT entertains guests with distinctive foods, attractions, and festivals. The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios immerses visitors in a galaxy far, far away. Last but not least, Disney’s Animal Kingdom features a variety of rides, unique creatures, and the iconic Tree of Life.
Each region provides its own on-site housing choices, frequently with exclusive activities and places to discover. To assist you in limiting your options, check out our list of the top hotels in Orlando-Walt Disney World. Additionally, keep in mind that the park is enormous, so be sure to plan early and get ready by reading through our Orlando-Walt Disney World travel guide before your trip.
California’s San Diego is home to SeaWorld.
There is more to see at SeaWorld San Diego than just fascinating animal shows, despite the fact that it is recognized for hosting wonderful species like beluga whales, dolphins, and orcas. The park is filled with attractions and roller coasters, such as swing rides, spin rides, and thrilling drop rides. Large coasters like the Emperor, California’s tallest, quickest, and longest dive coaster, are also available for visitors to explore.
The whole year round, SeaWorld San Diego is open. Although there are no hotels at the park itself, they do collaborate with nearby resorts to offer vacation packages. The Bahia Resort Hotel, which enjoys a seaside position in San Diego’s Mission Bay, is one option nearby.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Florida’s Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay features a full zoo with more than 200 species of animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, alligators, and one of the biggest tortoises in the world, in addition to theme park activities and its own water park. Thrilling triple-launch roller coasters, family-friendly spin coasters, a 335-foot freestanding drop tower, simulated whitewater rafting, and other attractions are among the park’s attractions. Additionally, there are live performances all across the park, whether you want to listen to stories read by Sesame Street characters or watch skilled athletes skate to contemporary music on ice.
Florida’s Busch Gardens Tampa Bays is open every day of the year and is located about 11 miles northeast of downtown Tampa. If you want to stay close by, think about reserving a room at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF, which offers complimentary breakfast and park shuttle service.
Branson, Missouri is home to Silver Dollar City.
Within 10 miles of the shows and attractions in downtown Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City has a theme park and a water park. More than 40 rides and attractions are available at the theme park from the 1880s, including spinning coasters, drop rides, swing rides, and more. A 500,000-gallon wave pool, a lazy river, and 13 acres of water rides can be found at the White Water water park.
From late May until early August, Silver Dollar City is open every day, and on the weekends through early September. Consider staying at Silver City Campground, which provides free internet access, a swimming pool, cabin rentals, and spaces for tents and RVs as well as gratis shuttle service to and from the park.
Anaheim, California’s Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park in California bills itself as one of the “happiest places on Earth,” and the youngsters who are fortunate enough to come smile as a result. This theme park has its own Sleeping Beauty Castle, the well-known Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride, and a variety of themed “lands” designed to offer memorable experiences for families. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland’s newest expansion, offers attractions, restaurants with a Star Wars theme, and workshops for making lightsabers.
All year long, Disneyland welcomes visitors. One of the best hotels in the neighborhood for those looking to splash out is the award-winning Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Visit our Anaheim-Disneyland travel guide for more information on how to create the ideal Disney getaway.
Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort
The Universal Orlando Resort has three different parks, so it really does have something for everyone. Family-friendly rides at Universal Studios Florida feature characters from hit movies and TV shows like Harry Potter, “Transformers,” and “Despicable Me.” Popular characters are also present at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, but the number and size of the rides are increased. The Volcano Bay Water Theme Park at Universal offers a ton of pools and slides for sunbathing. All three park passes are priced and sold separately, while there are a few ticket packages that are also offered.
Additionally, guests can combine their trip to the resort with a stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which features its own bowling alley, two sizable pools, a meandering lazy river, and a variety of dining options.
Jamestown: Mason, Ohio
A 364-acre amusement park with a separate water park, Kings Island is situated about 25 miles north of Cincinnati, Ohio. At Planet Snoopy, rides for young children are prominent, including a carousel, bumper cars, miniature roller coasters, and more. Nevertheless, thrill lovers won’t be dissatisfied because this park also provides more than 10 daring rides for adult guests. These attractions include The Beast, which debuted in 1979 and continues to hold the world record for the longest wooden roller coaster, and Orion, the park’s quickest, tallest, and longest steel coaster.
For luxury rental cottages and camping options, Kings Island Camp Cedar is a great option for park guests who want to spend the night there. Alternately, book a room at one of Cincinnati’s top hotels and go to the resort park after you’ve had time to tour the city.
Pennsylvania’s Elysburg is home to the Knoebels Amusement Resort.
To optimize family fun, Pennsylvania’s Knoebels Amusement Resort provides three different types of rides: kiddie rides, family rides, and thrill rides. The Black Diamond mine car ride through eerie coal mines, the Giant Flume ride, which whisks riders through various areas while getting them wet, and the Impulse coaster with four upside-down turns and a 90-degree free fall are among the rides for older and more daring visitors, though their family-oriented options are exactly what you’d expect.
The season greatly affects the park’s opening times and amenities. The Knoebels Park Campground provides a variety of lodging choices, including cosy log cabins that can accommodate up to 16. The park is situated in Pennsylvania’s mountainous Poconos region, which is home to a number of nearby attractions.
Hershey, Pennsylvania’s Hershey Park
Chocolate enthusiasts have a cause to support thanks to Hersheypark. Along with a variety of roller coasters, family attractions, and water slides, this theme park is also home to Hershey’s Chocolate World, which offers every type of chocolate treat and dessert imaginable. A Hersheypark admission ticket also grants you entry to ZooAmerica, where you can get up up and personal with more than 200 species, including vampire bats, alligators, and several snakes.
Stay in the renowned Hershey Lodge if you wish to explore the park for a few days. This adjacent resort offers spacious family-friendly guest accommodations, a dedicated indoor pool area, and on-site spa services with chocolate-themed themes.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee’s Dollywood
More than 40 rides, a family-friendly environment, and a theme park and water park are all located on 160 acres at Dollywood. The Tennessee Tornado coaster, which plunges you 128 feet through a mountain at speeds close to 70 mph, and the Lightning Rod, a wood and steel hybrid coaster, are among the top attractions at the Dolly Parton creation. Small rides like Black Bear Trail and Busy Bees will keep small children pleased and occupied. The resort’s water park has slides, a lazy river, and water coasters.
Even Dollywood itself has a resort and spa called Dollywood’s DreamMore that features two pools and on-site kid-friendly activities.
California’s Universal City is home to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Themed rides, beloved movie characters, and sets may all be found at Universal Studios Hollywood. A few examples of attractions based on well-known franchises include Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, King Kong, The Simpsons, and Transformers. While many of these attractions have rides, Universal Studios Hollywood also has a wide variety of other memorable activities, such as meeting animals who have appeared in movies like “Ace Ventura Pet Detective” and playing “Despicable Me” carnival games. Families can also schedule a spot on the World Famous Studio Tour, which takes them inside a 13-block-long operating movie studio.
Every day of the year, Universal Studios Hollywood is open. The Garland, Sheraton Universal Hotel, and Loews Hollywood Hotel are just a few of the hotels and resorts that are close by because the park is only 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles.