With double-looping roller coasters, wooden coasters, and wild water rides like Raging Waters, kids of all sizes will love this amusement park. Youll have hours of fun full of twists, turns, and massive drops. Top 10 amusement and water parks in the US Best US Amusement Parks Since then, it has evolved to be an amusement park. Families can have the thrill of a lifetime with a choice of six different magical lands in this Orlando dream theme park. Some 10 Best Theme Parks This charming village is filled with festive decor and buildings visitors can tour. You can easily spend a day at the park with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. Frank Olito. Some attractions youll find here include Elf University (where you learn how to become an elf), the Blacksmith Shop, St. Nicholas Chapel, and Santas Home. The seasonal Magic Springs and Crystal Falls opens for weekends in April through October, with summer daily hours available. Disneys Animal Kingdom- The 250-acre park includes the states largest water park, Wildwater Adventure Waterpark, which operates three wave pools and more than 20 waterslides. This includes short film festivals, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters. Just an hour from Spokane, in the summer vacation area of Coeur dAlene, awaits Silverwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in the Northwest. Visitors will transport themselves into many famous movie settings, such as from The Twilight Zone, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Toy Story, and even come across characters from these films. The park is open year-round and is home to seasonal attractions which include a waterpark in the summer and a sweet winter wonderland during the holiday season. Walt Disney World is arguably the number one amusement park in America. Wyomings natural wonders are definitely a thing of beauty, and although the state doesnt feature any large amusement parks, it does provide hot mineral pools and water slides at Star Plunge. The seasonal Elitch Gardens in Denver works hard to change up its lineup at both its theme park and water park every year, including the new 17-story thrill ride for 2017s season. Las Vegas is an adult playground, but it is also aiming for kids with casino resorts offering amusements. Holiday World has several rides themed after major US holidays 4th of July, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. The park is open daily Memorial Day through end of July, and weekends in May and August. Visitors can also check out the Busch Garden, the largest zoo in Tampa with lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebra, and hundreds of other species. Visitors can also attend one of the many shows held during the day here and ask for an autograph from one of the various characters roaming around the park. This is the place to enjoy after a day on the beach or sailing Narragansett Bay. Some youll find here include magic shows, comedy tours, and storytimes. Youll also find culinary and craft classes you could attend. For the landlubbers, coasters that make you scream include the Sky Shark sky diving experience and The Gauntlet looping coaster. Nevada North Carolina Hurricane Harbor, included with your admission, provides water park fun with waterslides, pools and many ways to stay cool during the parks summer season. Youll also find a handful of restaurants to eat at. It also features one of the largest Halloween events called Knott's Scary Farm, with 13 mazes, live shows, and plenty of monsters walking around. North Dakota For the largest amusement park in Washington/Baltimore area, Six Flags America is the spot. Its one of the best theme parks in the US based on your beloved cartoons from the Nickelodeon franchise. To help narrow down the options, USA TODAY 10Best asked a panel of amusement park and family travel experts to nominate their top 20 parks across the In Ohio, you have a choice between two 364-acre amusement parks, both offering wild rides, water parks, huge coasters and plenty of fun for a vacation. The African-themed park in Tampa has one of the best new roller coasters in the works. This amusement park is designed to bring you into a magical fantasy land. Nestled between New York City and Philadelphia, the Jackson location is also not too far from the Shore, making the park easy to get to from anywhere in the state. Best Things To Do in Delaware. In addition to this, the park features a water park. But the states biggest amusement park with the tallest rides can be found at Six Flags Great Adventure. Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527, Also Read: Maryland The entire park is themed after the rich marine life found off near the Pacific Coast and beyond. It is a fun, hands-on experience for families and kids ages 2 to 12 years old. There are a few hotels and campgrounds located on the grounds. Universals Islands of Adventure first opened in 1999 and is filled with creatures and superheroes roaming the park. Holiday World is located in Santa Claus, Indiana and operates not only as an amusement park, but water park as well. Thrill-seekers will discover plenty of roller coasters to ride in Dollywood. California Another Six Flags location makes the list in western Massachusetts, along the Connecticut border. Legoland needs no introduction as one of the best amusement parks in the US. In Tampa, just an hour to the west, is the animal-themed scream park, Busch Gardens. The park is broken up into different countries, such as Germany, France, China, Morocco, and Italy. Silverwood features more than 70 rides and attractions, including Aftershock, an inverted hanging coaster towering 191 feet. 2901 Osceola Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32830, Phone: 407-939-5277, You are reading "25 Best Amusement Parks in the United States Today" Back to Top. The park is open weekends in late spring and September, but mostly May through August. Now, you can save yourself a trip to the North Pole to see Santa because youll get it all and more at this Christman-themed park in New Hampshire. It creates a fun wait experience such as a giant manta ray aquarium tank before getting on the Manta roller coaster or the polar-themed exhibits to see polar bears and whales after you get off the Wild Arctic Ride. The best amusement parks in the US for 2023: report Silver Dollar City Branson, Missouri. There are plenty of places to choose from many are ranked as the top parks globally. Visitors can hop on the parks massive Ferris wheel, swinging pirate ship, or plunging dare devil dive. Universal Studios Hollywood got started due to the demand for tours of the studio lots. Article The 7 Best Amusement Parks in the Northeast Friday, April 12, 2019 - 05:03 Sometimes, theme park conversations overlook a crucial aspect of potential visits. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Park admission also includes entrance into the Soak City water park. Six Flags Great Adventure is one of the top Six Flags amusement parks in the chain. Massachusetts The park features demonstrations on pottery making, blacksmithing, glass blowing and more with over 100 craftsmen preserving 1880s Ozarks, while there are also 40 live shows performed daily. 200 Epcot Center Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821, Phone: 407-824-4321. 25 Best Amusement Parks in the United States Coasters include Storm Chaser, Thunder Run and T3, with many rides best-suited for families and school-aged kids. There are also arcade games to win prizes. This includes Adventureland, Critter Country, Toontown, Tomorrowland, and Main Street USA. Travel Which theme parks do our readers love the most? Its a place where thrill-seekers can find exciting roller coasters, and families can enjoy a mix of other rides and attractions. Accommodation: Where to stay in Carlsbad, Address: 1 Legoland Dr, Iowa Six Flags New England in Agawam, near Springfield, is the oldest amusement park in Six Flags chain, operating formerly as Riverside beginning in the late 1800s. Its a scenic park located right on the Bay of Green Bay. Ohio North America is home to more than 400 amusement parks and attractions with some 375 million visitors annually, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Each park is home to various rides, including a few roller coasters, that accommodate both kids and adults. Whether you're looking for high-speed rides with jaw-dropping roller coasters or fun rides you can enjoy with the entire family, you'll find all that and more at these parks. State or local governments have overseen fixed-site amusement parks since Congress revoked that authority in the 1980s from the federal Consumer Product Safety The park is called the Roller Coaster Capital of the World due to having roller coasters that go 120 mph and have 80-degree drops! 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California 90620, Phone: 714-220-5200. Each park requires its own ticket. 25 Best Theme Parks in the United States Universals Islands of Adventures hosts many events throughout the year like rock concerts and holiday parades. Besides this, youll find plenty of other attractions while exploring the park, including rides, animation stations, conservation spots, and safari journeys. In the winter, Vermonts Bromley Mountain is one of the best ski resorts in the Green Mountains. The water park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Fun Plex earlier for weekends in May. Plus, there is a Legoland Water Park, as well as a special themed Legoland hotel resort near the beach and a sea life aquarium. Located in the beautiful Ozarks near Table Rock Lake, Branson is home to the nearly 60-year-old Silver Dollar City, a theme park that takes you back into a simpler time in America. The park is open April through December, with special holiday events and shows. 100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, Phone: 800-437-7439. Minnesota The parks Water Country USA is the largest water park in Virginia. While touring the park, guests can meet some of Disneys famous characters, like Anna and Elsa from Frozen and the gang from Toy Story. WebHepatitis A(hep A) - The hep A virus can cause liver failure. Silver Dollar City is a historical theme park known for its wooden rides. And one that always tops the list of amusement park enthusiasts is the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim. Top 10 Amusement Parks In The United States According To TripAdvisor. Are roller coasters and theme parks what you are after for your next vacation? Its now developed into one of the best theme parks in the US. Park-goers will find a handful of shops and eateries on the grounds, including a massive candy store, Mexican restaurant, and caricature stations. Best Things To Do in Pennsylvania. Legoland California Resort is only a half-hour from San Diego, making it easy to access. Vermont And it's a virtual museum of still-operating classic rides like Whipper, Flying Turns, the Haunted Mansion dark ride and Sky Slide. Along Coastal Maine, near Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunkport, is Funtown Splashtown. Best Things To Do in Illinois. MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images. Camden Park is open weekends in May, September and October, and throughout most of June, July and August. Tickets are required to enter and can be bought either online or at one of the parks kiosks. Guests can also meet some of its animal ambassadors, like tortoises, sea lions, and alligators, by attending a safari or signing up for a behind-the-scenes tour. There is an International Food and Wine Festival held in the latter part of each year allowing you to attend workshops, try intercontinental food and wine, and view performances and concerts from artists across the globe. The park is also home to Six Flags Safari, where you can meet animals in a variety of programs. The Bloomington, Minnesota park offers 27 rides and character fun with Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The amusement parks Wet & Wild Water Park offers waves, lazy rivers, waterslides and the states only swim-up bar for the folks. Did you know that SeaWorld Orlando is one of the most visited theme parks in the country? Address: 100 W Hersheypark Dr, Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating park in the country, and features 17 roller coasters in three different areas. Area (km sq. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, is home to some of the most intense roller coasters in the US. Restaurants are abundant here as well and tend to serve Southern favorites, like grits, funnel cake, and barbecue. You can visit either coast and hit one of the Disney parks in Florida and California. Holiday World hosts many different shows that appeal to all ages. At its Splashin Safari, you can ride the worlds longest water coaster, Mammoth. At the water park, find tube and drop slides, splash and aqua play areas, and the new Poseidons Plunge thrill slide. There are a handful of restaurants in the park that serve everything from pizza to fresh salads. The list included Kennywood in West Mifflin, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, and Hersheypark in Hershey. 06, 2023. the Best Amusement Parks in the US Both parks feature a water park component. You can also dive into the chocolate with the parks several restaurants and food locations. Delaware is a small state, and so is its Funland amusement park. And other coaster favorites like Cheetah Hunt and SheiKra. Roller coaster with crack in support pillar investigated at - CNN BEST United States Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and is one of the only amusement parks in the United States to be located on a mountain. Six Flags Great America is a mix of a water park and thrill ride amusement park for the whole family between Chicago and Milwaukee. FAQ: Children's Vaccines The older kids and adults can have fun riding the thrill rides like the Silver Bullet roller coaster, a horseback relay ride called the Pony Express, Ghost Town, and dozens of other exciting and fun activities. Roller coaster with crack in support pillar investigated at The Golden State had the most parks with five: Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Disneyland Park. Its safari-themed rides include the new Iron Gwazi, which is already on track to be one of the top roller coasters in the country. The live animal events are also a popular attraction at SeaWorld Orlando its home to Shamu! The 36 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2023 Visitors will also find plenty of other activities to do while here, like gold panning, touring an old schoolhouse, watching a blacksmith at work, and meeting the friendly horses in its Livery Stable. The Best Amusement Park in Every U.S. State A few rides at this theme park include the 7D Dark Ride Adventure, Island Mirror Maze, and ThunderDome. This park puts on a handful of shows each day which range from dance parties to evening firework displays. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. SeaWorld Orlando is perfect for animal lovers, as it offers up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins, and more. 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, Phone: 813-884-4386. The park opens at the end of April through the end of August. Accommodation: Where to stay in Pigeon Forge, Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Another park with a top-10 best coaster, Great America is overflowing with thrill rides and screaming passengers.Highlights include Goliath, which earned the distinction of being the world's fastest, tallest, and steepest wooden coaster when it debuted in 2014 (and is the ride that ranks among our top-10 best).). Accommodation: Where to stay in Santa Claus, Address: 452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579. The water park has kids play areas, a lazy river, and water flumes, tubes and speed slides. Besides this, there are a handful of rides to enjoy while here which range from a journey through a haunted mansion to one that spins you around in teacups. Visitors will discover plenty of shopping and restaurant districts, like Buena Vista Street and Pacific Wharf. There is plenty of entertainment at Six Flags Magic Mountain and visitors will find Justice League superheroes and Looney Tunes characters walking around. Theme Parks This 150-acre theme park in America has around 50 attractions, including a botanical garden. For those who might want something a bit calmer, there are cable car excursions across the park. Situated in Buena Vista, California, Knotts Berry Farm has been around since the 1920s. Amusement and theme parks with the most roller coasters in the United States as of August 2022 Premium Statistic Ranking of roller coasters in the U.S. 2023, by top speed With just 10 waterslides, miniature golf, bumper cars and video games, it may be just what the kids need when they are tired of swimming in natural watering holes and hiking! Big theme parks like Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Studios are still dominating this space; but these parks, impressive though they are, arent the only The European-themed installment ofBusch Gardens in Williamsburgtransports visitors toEngland, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy circa 17th century, albeit a rather exciting version of the era, with more than 50 rides and attractions. The kids can sing with Emo, pet a wild lorikeet bird, ride a roller coaster, or learn about bald eagles. A 2021 survey compiled on behalf of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions found 0.9 injuries per million rides, said Caitlin Dineen, the group's While touring the grounds, youll be able to experience each countrys culture through rides, shops, and restaurants. Two of its notable rides are the fast-accelerating Thunderbird roller coaster and The Voyager, one of the longest wooden roller coasters in the world. Guests to Hollywood Studios will discover many unique restaurants that range from glamorous Hollywood eateries to nostalgic 50s-era diners. Its one of the best roller coaster parks in the US and coveted by thrill-ride enthusiasts. Other At Fiesta, the new Thunder Rapids Water Coaster is the first blast rocker water coaster in the country, and the Dallas location is welcoming its own Joker coaster in 2017. The park is open seasonally from May through some special Halloween events in October. In addition to this, there are family-friendly rides, like bumper cars and a carousel. It's named after country-western legend Dolly Pardon. Then share it with your friends who might love reading it too! Alabama As you approach the entrance to Carowinds, the towering roller coasters will make you that much more excited to experience the thrill of the park. Fright Over Crack on North Carolina Ride Serves as Reminder of Children 2 and under are free, 3-9 and seniors over 54 are $23 and 9-54 are $34 for day tickets. Young visitors can now walk down Sesame Street and interact with their favorite furry friends. Guide to Six Flags Locations in the US The seasonal park, which includes a water park section, is open from May through Labor Day weekend. America is changing fast! The park operates on weekends in April, May, September and October, and is open throughout summer. Sheetz drops gas prices for most fuel grades to $1.776 for Fourth of California bridge house sells for $180K over asking price. Knoebels Amusement Resort was created in 1926 and is one of the largest free-admission amusement parks in the United States. The park is seasonal, and opens for spring break, summer and some fall festivities. Knoebels Amusement Resort is one of the biggest amusement parks in the US, offering free admission. Rhode Island Youll discover numerous rides in the park as well as fun shows, like superhero battles and sing-offs. Entry fees vary depending on age, and groups of 15 or more can get special deals and discounts on rides and food packages. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, between Sacramento and San Francisco, is home to a 135-acre animal-themed park with big coasters, and then there are more high-flying coasters found at Californias Great America in Santa Clara and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita. It sure can get hot in Mississippi in the heat of summer, and that is where Geyser Falls comes to the rescue.