30+ Best Theme Parks in the U.S.

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The United States is chock full of theme parks! One of the best things about them is that they have attractions for almost every age, even adults. So taking your kids to a theme park will always be a win! 

 

Here are 30+ of the best theme parks in the U.S. Check out the Gowhee App for even more kid-friendly locations, recommended by local and traveling parents.

Family in front Hershey park entrance
Hershey Chocolate world in Pennsylvania. Photo by @Lewisfamcoast2coast.

1. Disneyland Park – Anaheim, CA

When you say “theme park,” this is the park people think about. It’s one of the best theme parks in the U.S.!

Key Information: Tickets start at $104 – food onsite – thrill rides and kiddie rides

Good To Know: Has a ride switch service so parents can take turns waiting with kids

2. Knotts Berry Farm – Buena Park, CA

One of the most popular and best theme parks in the U.S., this park has classic rides and entertainment. 

Key Information: Tickets start at $69 – thrill rides and kiddie rides – themed kid area

Good To Know: The main restaurant is famous for their boysenberry pie.

3. Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles, CA

One of the best theme parks in the U.S. for movie fans. 

Key Information: Tickets start at $109 – family rides and thrill rides – lots of food options

Good To Know: Don’t miss the famous Studio Tour.


>>> Find tons of places for kids and parents in California, here.

Universal Hollywood studio park
Universal Hollywood Studio. Photo by @Jeremy Bezanger

30+ Best Theme Parks in the U.S.

5. Six Flags Magic Mountain – Valencia, CA

Known as the “Thrill Capital of the World” and home to 19 roller coasters.

Key Information: Tickets start at $65 – thrill rides and kiddie rides – no cash accepted 

Good To Know: The gate prices for tickets start at $99, so buy online.

6.LEGOLAND California – Carlsbad, CA

Build your own fun at LEGOLAND!

Key Information: Tickets start at $89.99 – kiddie rides and moderate thrill rides – food onsite

Good To Know: They offer a combo pass with an aquarium.

Children enjoying Legoland California's attraction
Legoland California. Photo by @Travelingwithkidsworldwide

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8. EPCOT Theme Park – Bay Lake, FL

EPCOT park features different countries, and lets kids explore the world while having fun.

Key Information: Tickets start at $109.00 – lots of food options – family rides and thrill rides

Good To Know: Young kids will enjoy the EPCOT Kidcot stations for crafts and activities.

9. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Bay Lake, FL

Animal Kingdom is one of the best theme parks in the US and a great zoo.

Key Information: $109.00 – lots of food options – kiddie rides and thrill rides

Good To Know: The train ride lets you see behind the scenes.

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10. Busch Gardens Tampa – Tampa Bay, FL

A zoo and theme park with lots of thrills.

Key Information: Tickets start at $89.99 – mostly thrill rides – themed playland 

Good To Know: Kids can meet sloths and flamingo animal ambassadors.

11. Fun Spot America – Kissimmee, FL

Ride the wooden roller coaster, “White Lightening,” and have fun late into the night at this park!

Key Information: Tickets are $64.95 – mostly thrill rides – free parking

Good To Know: Meet live alligators at the Gator Spot.

12. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Lake Buena Vista, FL

Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates movie magic.

Key Information: Tickets start at $109.00 – lots of food options – family rides and thrill rides

Good To Know: There’s lots of fun live shows each day.

13. Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, FL

One of the best theme parks in the US for thrill seekers.

Key Information: Tickets start at $109 – lots of food options – thrill rides and family rides

Good To Know: Pick up a park-to-park pass to visit Universal Studios and its sister park, Islands of Adventure.

14. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park – Bay Lake, FL

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is a classic theme park experience for everybody.

Key Information: Tickets start at $109.00 – lots of food options – mostly family rides

Good To Know: If you stand at the grass at the park’s entrance, you’ll have a great view of the fireworks.

>>> Find more kid-friendly spots in Florida on the Gowhee App.

Elephant exhibit at Disney Animal Kingdom
Elephant Exhibit at Disney Animal Kingdom. photo by @zoeysalter

15. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park – Glenwood Springs, CO

Glenwood Caverns offers a gondola, cave tours, and many other fun activities. 

Key Information: Tickets that include the rides are $49 – family rides and mild thrill rides – live entertainment

Good To Know: Gondola operation is heavily dependent on weather- call before you go!

>>> Find more kid-friendly places in Colorado here.

Silverwood Theme Park – Athol, ID

Slide and ride at Silverwood and Boulder Beach.

Key Information: Tickets start at $40 – even mix of rides – waterpark access included

Good To Know: Some Silverwood show dates offer ASL interpretation.

Funland – Rehoboth Beach, DE

Experience a classic carnival atmosphere!

Key Information: Unlimited ride wristbands are $20 – Kiddie rides, family rides, and mild thrill rides – midway games

Good To Know: The park’s food options are limited to snacks and soft drinks.

16. Hersheypark – Hershey, PA

If you like chocolate, Hersheypark is one of the best theme parks in the US for you!

Key Information: Tickets start at $54.95 – mix of rides and slides – lots of dining options

Good To Know: Don’t miss the Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction.

17. Knoebels Amusement Resort – Columbia City, PA

Knoebels is home to fun rides and a crystal-clear swimming pool.

Key Information: All-day passes are $48 – swim-only passes are $8 – food onsite

Good To Know: The park’s restaurant is famous for its Spaghetti Wednesdays.

18. Sesame Place, Langhorn PA

Great for the very little ones, fans of the show! There are parades and water rides.

Key Information: One-day tickets are $89.99 but you can add another day for an extra $10- They have food onsite – Wheelchair accessible rides

Good To Know: The park has a child swap program (for children wanting to ride with a specific parent) and a dedicated list of attractions for single parents of multiple children

Children at sesame street park. best theme parks in the us blog cover
Children at Sesame Street Park in Pennsylvania. Photo by @pimi_adventures

19. Nickelodeon Universe – Bloomington, MN

Kids can play at this theme park in the US’s biggest mall.

Key Information: Tickets are $44.99 – mostly kiddie rides – mini golf available

Good To Know: There are lots of nearby food options.

>>> Discover other kid-friendly rides in the Gowhee App

20. Valleyfair – Shakopee, MN

Valleyfair has lots of fun options for kids at their playland, Camp Snoopy.

Key Information: Tickets are $32.99 – thrill rides and kiddie rides – food onsite 

Good To Know: Your admission ticket gets you waterpark access.

21. Silver Dollar City – Branson, MO

Branson, MO is full of family fun, including one of the best theme parks in the US for little kids, Silver Dollar City.

Key Information: Admission is $79 – live entertainment – diverse food options

Good To Know: All restaurants have options for dietary restrictions.

22. Carowinds – Charlotte, NC

One of the most beloved and best theme parks in the US, Carowinds is home to lots of roller coasters.

Key Information: Tickets start at $45 – thrill rides and family rides – live entertainment.

Good To Know: Admission gets you into the waterpark.

23. Six Flags Great Adventure – Jackson Township, NJ

One of the best theme parks in the US for animal lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Key Information: Admission starts at $39.99 – safari is $9.99 – a mix of rides

Good To Know: Meet wild animals at the Wild Walkway entertainment area.

24. Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA

Busch Gardens offers lots of rides, including eight steel coasters.

Key Information: Tickets are $94.99 – mostly thrill rides – themed kids’ area

Good To Know: Kids 3-5 get free admission.

Ride at Bush Garden.
Williamsburg Bush garden. Photo by @Drew Hastings

25. Seabreeze Amusement Park – Rochester, NY

Home to coasters and classic family rides.

Key Information: Tickets are $38.99 – free parking – mix of rides

Good To Know: Don’t miss the famous Seabreeze Waffles.

26. Kings Island Amusement Park – Mason, OH

Kings Island is fun for the whole family.

Key Information: Tickets start at $45 –  mix of rides – waterpark access included

Good To Know: For more fun, stay at the park’s Camp Cedar resort.

27. Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH

Home to world class coasters and kiddie rides.

Key Information: Tickets are $45 – mix of rides – food onsite

Good To Know: Waterpark access not included in basic ticket.

28. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – Santa Claus, IN

One of the oldest and best theme parks in the US. 

Key Information: Tickets start at $59.99 – kiddie and thrill rides – waterpark access included

Good To Know: The park offers free drinks and sunscreen.

>>> Discover tons of family fun in Indiana.

29. Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay – Louisville, KY

Enjoy the summer sun at this combination amusement park and water park.

Key Information: Tickets are $49.99 – lots of thrill rides and slides – admission is for park and waterpark

Good To Know: The Pre-K Season Pass lets kids under 5 in for free all summer!

30. Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, TN

One of the best theme parks in the US for families, Dollywood delivers wholesome fun.

Key Information: Tickets start at $84 – add waterpark access for $10 – lots of food options

Good To Know: Dollywood is known for great live shows.

Discover more theme parks in the U.S

Try the Gowhee App for FREE today.

31. Six Flags Great America – Gurnee, IL

Scream and laugh on Six Flags’ many rides.

Key Information: Tickets start at $34.99 – thrill and family rides – no cash accepted

Good To Know: The park has fun Halloween parties each year.

32. Bay Beach Amusement Park – Green Bay, WI

Enjoy a vintage beach amusement park.

Key Information: Rides are on a ticket system – tickets cost ¢25 each – free parking

Good To Know: Most rides are 1-2 tickets.

Did we miss any of your favorite theme parks in the U.S.? Let us know in the comments.

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