It’s all about the magic and the excitement in their eyes when you announce: “We are going to…amusement park” isn’t it?! The United States knows how to put on a show when it comes to its theme parks!
But, with so many to choose from and a few big players taking all the online space, parents often wonder… Which one is worth the trip/budget/time?
At GoWhee we asked parents to give us the scoop and put this 2024 selection of the best theme parks in the United States, together.
Selected by our community of parents for the best theme park to visit in 2024!
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is America’s only mountaintop theme park! It combines an alpine coaster, cave tours, breathtaking mountain views, and even a combo ticket giving access to a sister property Iron Mountain Hot Springs, for a spa day in natural hot thermal pools. Adults as well as all ages kids can finally enjoy a place designed for everyone in a truly natural setting. Families rave about their “fairy cave tours” great on a hot day, but their highlight is the mountain top experience with gondola ride and dining with a view.
General Information: Tickets that include the rides start at $79 (online). Parking is $10. Be careful Go Pros are NOT allowed on rides and backpack carriers are not allowed in the cave. Note also that food is not allowed in the park but there are 2 good restaurants available. For families with wheelchair users: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and the gondola are wheel-chair accessible. However, with gravel in the plaza and on some pathways, as well as some steep pathways, it can be difficult to navigate a wheelchair and is limited in the accommodation provided due to the terrains and natural obstacles.
Insider Tip: Gondola operation is heavily dependent on weather- call before you go to make sure it is open! Families looking at the combo ticket recommend splitting the trip into multiple days since your ticket gives you that option.
Why did we award them for best theme parks in the U.S? We love the outside-of-the-box thinking that comes with this natural outdoor theme park! If you are not into the traditional roller coaster / long line and fair food, this is the perfect place. This park is also committed to Eco-friendly measures both during its building process and within the park itself which makes it perfect for our community.
Iconic and nostalgic these amusement parks are bringing you back in time with wooden roller coaster and a vintage vibe.
Home to wooden roller coasters with an integrated water-park, Seabreeze is an oldie! If you are looking for an all-American classic, with nice staff on the East Coast, this is the place. The park is great for families with kids with age gaps since 4+ can ride a good amount of the attractions and it still offers some thrill for older kids.
General Information: Tickets are $42.99 and they have discounts for kids too small to ride alone. They offer free parking and allow you to bring your own food. The rides don’t have long wait so great for impatient kids, but plan a little more lines for the water attractions.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the famous Seabreeze Waffles and make sure you check their special offers since they have a real commitment to make the entry affordable to all.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? We love that this park is not owned by a mega-corporation and we cheer them on for offering a FREE pass to all active retired military personnel and veterans all year long!
Enjoy a vintage beach amusement park with beautiful bay views. Bay Beach Amusement Park is the perfect park for large families vacationing with a variety of age ranges. You will find traditional fair attractions and even a roller coaster owned by Elvis.
General Information: Rides are on a ticket system so entrance and parking are FREE. Tickets cost ¢25 each most attractions are 1-2 tickets to ride. Parents usually spend 5-7 hours there to do all the rides.
Insider tip: Make sure to bring cash since food stands don’t take credit cards. Families recommend the pretzels! If you live nearby and don’t use your tickets, make sure to keep them since they don’t expire!
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? Can you even buy anything with ¢25 anymore? Well here you can and we are here for it! We are also cheering them on for creating this amazing inclusive playground so no kids are left behind!
Silver Dollar City is a theme park based on a unique concept, around trades and mountain/country culture. It hosts tons of bands, from Bluegrass to other folkloric music throughout the summer. Besides the thrill rides it offers a petting zoo and a few toddlers and play areas around the park. Silver Dollar City did a great job at providing relaxing spaces for tired parents with rocking chairs and benches throughout.
Key Information: Regular admission is $89 and it is free for kids aged 3 and under. Some traditional theme parks’ food options are available but you can also bring your cooler. Wheelchair users may have a hard time there since there are some uphill paths.
Insider tip: Make sure you enjoy the Marvel cave tour included in your ticket and if you plan on staying in the campground, see if the 10%-20% discount from the season pass makes it worth buying it even for a one-day visit. Park in the further lot and use the free shuttle to economize on parking!
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? We love that Silver Dollar City provides 4 nursing stations around the park, and their staff is also committed to helping with warming baby food and bottles in all their restaurants. Finally, we have a soft spot for their handcrafted souvenirs, changing from the typical plastic and mass-produced items found at other parks.
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Looking for some fun things to do with kids all year long? These theme parks got you covered (literally!)
A fully indoor theme park, perfect to keep your promise to take the kids out for fun, no matter rain, snow, or shine! The complexes offers 3 themes, a regular theme park with attractions, a water park with slides and pools and a snow park, with little ski slope, all year round.
General Information: Tickets are $54 for the theme park and 145$ for the combo with the water-park. The park has limited food options inside but families recommend to check out the mall attached for more choices. If you live in the mid-west, you can visit their second location in Minnesota.
Insider Tip: Check the schedule at the Metlife Stadium, so you can stay away from the days there are games. The area becomes busy and parking is very difficult. For families with non-riders and kids that will only last part of the day, you can use their pay-per-ride option.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? Thanks to its indoor setting, is a great park to take toddlers that have a tendency to run away in public, or anyone that can’t sustain the traditional outdoor setting of theme parks (i.e. elderly family members, kids with some health conditions, etc…). We also love that the park offers a “sky box” system for families wanting to experience a bit of luxury while the kids are having fun. From food delivery to in-room massage and your private room, Nickelodeon knows how to make parents happy!
This beachfront theme park has been around for 99 years and offers a charming vintage setting all year long, thanks to California’s amazing weather. The park takes its beach theme seriously with tiki minigolf, coconut tree climbing contests, and other more traditional attractions for all ages.
General information: You can choose between pay-per-ride tickets (rides cost between 5-8$ each) or upgrade for their unlimited ride pass for $60. Parking is free but fills up fast. There are tons of food options within the park or around the boardwalk. The park is best for older kids since there are just a few rides for toddlers.
Insider tip: Parents recommend the ice creams! The whole place puts on a show in December with discounted passes. If parking is full, there are other options across the street.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? It is Iconic! This park is owned by the town and its history is a true testament to how community and passion can build (or rebuild) something amazing for generations. Also, where else can you eat sushi at a theme park?! That makes it an easy recommendation for us.
Our primary focus is on showcasing small, local, inclusive, and environmentally responsible businesses, allowing you to use your tourism $ positively while having fun with your kids…
Here are our best theme parks recommendation for thrill seekers.
Cedar Point is home to world-class coasters, making it ideal for kids seeking some thrill and teens! Families love that the wait lines are not as big as parks in the United States for the size, and
General Information: Tickets are $49.99 make sure you check their special offers including the Pre-K FREE pass for kids 3-5 years old and their military FREE day (Memorial weekend) and discounts. There is a lot of food onsite to choose from with a dining pass to eat and refill every 90 minutes for only 33$.
Insider tip: Check out Cedar Point’s hotel partners to get in 1hr before public entry and enjoy rides without waiting. If some of your kids are too young to ride take advantage of their rider swipe pass! (available at their guest counter) It allows parents to swap with the other parent without waiting again, with a special pass so no awkward moment with other park-goers.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? Although it looks like just any theme park from afar, we are digging the private beach, with cabanas and their cool sunrise tour. For families that can’t agree between a beach day and a thrilling one, Cedar Point makes everyone happy!
Kings Dominion has thrilling rides for the true sensation junkies! Families report roller coasters “not for the faint of heart”! The park hosts the tallest roller coaster in the world (305 ft tall) the Intimidator 305, and some of the scariest spinning coasters, giving thrill-seekers a run for their money. There is also an area for younger kids and an attached waterpark available but families recommend Kings Dominion for pre-teens and teens.
General information: The regular price is $49.99 (online) but they have a promotion where everyone pays kids a price of $39.99 until the end of June. The ticket includes the entry to the water park. They also have an all-day dining pass.
Insider tip: Get your ticket online since it’s way cheaper than at the gate, but since some days the park is not that full, parents recommend waiting to be inside to buy the fast lane pass. Food is reported to be quite expensive so families typically bring a cooler in their car and use the in-and-out privilege to eat their snack/lunch.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? The park is famous for putting on an amazing Winter-fest each year, so it could be the perfect theme park to save for the holidays. We also love theme parks that don’t clear all the trees for environmental reasons and to keep their visitors in the shade.
The little ones are often unable to ride thrill rides at big amusement parks, but with this selection!
Great for the very little ones, since most rides don’t have height limits, and perfect for children with visible and invisible disabilities (see below why)! Sesame Place knows how to entertain little active bodies with sensory play areas, some low thrill rides, and a water park all-in-one.
General Information: One-day tickets are $102.99 but you can add another day for just $10. Parking is around $30 and the park is cashless so come prepared. You can’t bring food per their policy but they have a neat online ordering system to pre-order the food at their restaurants.
Insider tip: The parade is usually at 3 PM and parents recommend to find your place and sit in advance because it gets crowded. Families recommend splurging on the “dine with Elmo” a buffet experience with the characters.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? We love their commitment to accessibility and that they are a certified autism center! The park also 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. Besides that, they have an array of celebrations to represent different cultures (i.e. Kwanzaa celebration) which is what inclusion is all about!
Every little kid’s dream! Children of all ages and sizes can drive a piece of heavy machinery, enjoy a thrill ride in a demolition trailer, or splash in Diggerland’s new wave pool, all in one fun park. Most of the park is accessible to toddlers and younger children but this year they just opened their new “crawl space” which gives nonriders something to look forward to.
General information: Tickets start at $47.99 and parking is FREE. Note that all visitors 65 and older, are FREE and all kids under 36” too, so it is perfect for a multigenerational trip. Note that the Zipe line is an extra $6 to ride.
Insider Tip: Since most rides need adult supervision, come prepared with the right ratio of adults/children, or have a plan for multiple kids. For the water park, make sure your swimming devices are U.S. Coast Guard approved, or use one that they provide for free.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? We love the quirky, super eclectic fun atmosphere of this park! We also love that they realized the dream of many kids at heart since most of us (parents) never got to use those impressive tools and now we get to.
Diggerland also has some cool events like their famous “campout”, where your family can reconnect for overnight fun, with exclusive access to the park (you need your RV), dinner, and breakfast. This is some GoWhee spirit!
Think giant playground with rides adapted to toddlers and babies, an indoor cinema for hot/rainy days, and a sand play area. Parents love how the whole atmosphere is designed to put everyone at ease with no scary rides and loud attractions. Peppa Pig’s shows are also adapted to little kids’ attention spans and only last 10 minutes.
General information: Regular ticket starts at $34 and parking is $20. The food option is limited but you can bring your own food (although hard coolers are not allowed). Parents mention that they have great coverage of lifeguards on duties and families love the staff’s attention to cleanliness (there are even self-cleaning changing tables in the bathrooms!)
Insider tip: Take advantage of this great deal for large families or groups of little friends! Kind of a hack! This summer, for 109$ you get a 2-days ticket 1 adult ticket and up to 4 kids for only $29, for both Peppa Pig AND Legoland Florida!
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? One of the rare parks truly focusing on kids 5 and below! We also love that they are a certified autism center and have a lot to do for children with sensory needs and different abilities, as well as their “hero pass” system (allowing children needing special accommodation and up to 6 people in their party to access rides by the exit).
If you want some family fun without breaking the bank, GoWhee has you covered.
Offering a classic carnival atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor rides from the ’60s mixed with more modern ones. Funland is perfect for nostalgic fun from toddlers to teens. This is a great budget-friendly option with a pay-per-ride ticket system, families recommend this little gem for a multi-generational day out by the water. Everyone can enjoy the experience, from arcades, and low-intensity rides to thrilling ones, without the high price of typical theme parks entry fees.
General Information: Tickets start at $1.80/per ticket and most rides take 1-3 tickets. Don’t count on a full meal hear, but they have a snack cart. If you are looking to sit down for a meal, look around the boardwalk there are plenty of options.
Insider Tip: Afternoon and evening tend to be crowded and more for teens, so parents recommend coming in at 10 am for younger kids to be more comfortable.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? This park is owned by a local family and is completely committed to a vintage vibe with a family atmosphere. Our team also LOVE that some of Funland’s fair games have guaranteed winnings keeping all kids happy and all parents frustration-free!
Located on the outskirts of Orlando, this park is often overshadowed by giants like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando. But for families on a budget, this is a little hidden gem. Entry is technically FREE and you can choose to pay per ride, or get an all-ride pass. It is a fantastic option if you want to pace yourself (great for little kids) and do a couple of half days instead of 1 long full day.
General Information: All-day ride Tickets are $59 (if purchased online). Make sure you take advantage of the discounted chauffeur pass if your kid is 54” and under! Note that they rides are mostly thrill ones. Parking is always FREE.
Insider tip: Two families’ favorites are meeting live alligators at the Gator Spot, and Ride the wooden roller coaster, “White Lightening”! If you come with multiple kids, take a look at their season pass since it comes with 4 friend passes.
Why it’s on our list for 2024: We love the short lines! Fun Spot also allows for late-night fun with late closure (midnight) which is amazing to beat the sun during the hot Florida summer!
Tired of the typical theme park food? These parks offer an elevated dining experience.
We could just mention its southern hospitality with friendly staff and the beautiful mountain setting on the edge of the Smoky Mountains, that would explain why, Dollywood is a real competition to Disney and one of the best theme parks in the US for many families. But what seals the deal for most of them are the great dining options within the park!
General Information: Regular Tickets start at $92 but you can add waterpark access for $10. Kids 3 to 5 years old enter FREE with the Pre-K pass. Parking cost varies based on where you park but they have an accessible tram to take you to the entry.
Insider Tips: Try their cinnamon buns and take a look at their tasting pass if you go during their flower festival. Families also had great luck in getting fewer crowds in early April.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? Because it offers more than just a theme park experience! This is our top recommended park for a multi-generational trip! Older visitors and non-riders can stroll amongst the beautiful gardens, stop at the numerous food places, and visit aviaries, while thrill seekers enjoy the rides. Dollywood’s theater shows are also renowned for being fabulous!
Knoebels is an admission-free park, home to fun rides for all ages and a large swimming pool and splash pads for little ones. But they got their fame thanks to their 34 places to eat within the park, awarded “best food park”. You will find everything from traditional theme park food and international food courts, to fun stands like the Bavarian nuts stand and the freshly squeezed lemonade one.
General Information: Pay-per-ride ticket books start at $5 and all-day passes are $48. You can also purchase a swim-only pass for $8. They have a nursing room with A.C. available by the security office. Parking is completely FREE.
Insider Tip: The park’s restaurant is famous for its Spaghetti Wednesdays. And parents recommend their swimming classes for kids aged 5+.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? The park opened in 1926 and has been owned by the same family ever since! Visiting Knoebels is a little bit like visiting history. To sweeten the pot even more, it is a certified autism center and provides a low-sensory room, making it a champion for inclusivity!
At GoWhee we love inclusivity, so we feel that these parks deserve their own category!
Megan Wonderland is the only theme park in the U.S. built for all abilities! It is a smaller park with a few attractions, like a wheelchair-accessible zip line and others, as well as a water park. Besides the rides, kids can enjoy open play areas and parents with neurodivergent kids can also find some fun things to do like their sensory village.
General information: Children’s tickets for a single park start at $16 and dual park at $26. Outside food is allowed in the park. The rides are great for all ages since they are low-intensity.
Insider Tip: If your child has a hard time with crowds make sure you visit the park outside of the school trip time since it tends to be a bit more chaotic. If you need to beat the heat, there are indoor areas with A.C. and make sure you get the water park pass.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? So many reasons why this amusement park deserves to be on our top list! Just to name a few, besides the obvious dedication to representing and accommodating children of all abilities, the entrance is completely FREE if your child has any form of disability and the regular price is minimal for everyone else.
When the world’s longest roller coaster meets the best little kid’s area in the world! This amusement park is going all out for all ages and this summer (2024) they are adding “Camp Snoopy”, a brand new tufted space dedicated to younger kids, so they can crawl and play freely which is perfect for kids on the spectrum and with high sensory needs.
General Information: Admission is $44.99 for both the park and waterpark, but special events run at different prices (sometimes cheaper). The Pre-K Season Pass lets kids under 5 in for free all summer! They have a chaperone policy so kids aged 15 and under can’t be left alone in the park or could be ejected.
Insider tip: Visit during one of their fun events like the food and wine festival (in June) to give adults some fun of their own. They have an array of restaurants that accommodate dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. Parents recommend trying the Cincinnati chili at Skyline Chili restaurant.
Why is it on GoWhee’s list of best theme parks in the U.S? While as many other parks do, families with wheelchair users can access rides without lines. Kings Island goes a step further and gives families with nonvisible disabilities a special “boarding pass” designed for all kids on the spectrum and their party. It’s the kind of special thoughts we are all about!
These amusement parks are not on our main list because GoWhee is committed to promoting small businesses (see our pledge) but they are noteworthy for different reasons.
The Six Flags chain has a strong mission for inclusion and sustainability. Their staff get specially-designed training for inclusivity, and the company pledges funds towards local communities. We also appreciate their sustainability pledge. Six Flags in New Jersey has a few parks grouped allowing a multiple-day visit. You can head over to their regular park with roller coasters and engage in a fun safari-like experience. They are opening a whole safari glamping experience with Giraffe feed and a night in a glamping tent. Although the cost per night starts at 699$ it does come with a park ticket for all guests and breakfast.
Insider Tip: Visitors mention that their fast pass to cut the line is worth it and parents from the LGBTQ+ community recommend heading over to Pride Night when they host it (June 16th, 2024), make sure you check their event page!
Other locations of the brand: Flags Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, Six Flags Great America in Illinois.
The universal theme parks brand has made some commitments both with their sustainable practices and inclusive practices. Both U.S theme parks are a huge hit for movie fans, with technology-forward rides. Universal Studios Hollywood being the original park from the brand and on a little smaller scale, combines a theme park with a real working movie studio. This gives guests the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of movies like Fast and Furious or King Kong and maybe spot some movie stars along the way!
Insider tip: Families recommend investing in their fast pass instead of a multiple-day passes. For extra magic, head over to the Harry Potter rides later in the evening or at night, since the atmosphere is completely different. There is very little shade in the park so make sure you come prepared. Parents mentioned that star spotting is more likely on weekdays than weekends.
Other Locations of the brand: Universal Orlando Florida, Universal Studios Singapore
Legoland parks are little kids’ all-time favorites and we love that the Lego brand has made its mission to offer representation to all children everywhere with their inclusive Lego sets. The parks are also partnered with Merlin’s Magic Wand Foundation to give tickets and special magic experiences to children in need throughout the country. The park in California offers both a dry and water park with a bonus of offering a combo ticket with Sealife Aquarium.
Insider tip: Until the end of June 2024, they have a great deal for tickets starting at $29 for children in all their parks! Families have also reported that strollers are not allowed inside most buildings so come prepared! If you are hotel guest, you can use your in-and-out privilege to get a free refills and food instead of paying for it in the park. Don’t forget to bring little Lego figures the kids don’t want anymore, for a Free trade!
Other locations of the brand: Legoland Orlando Florida, and Legoland New York.
All united parks have an extensive mission to sustainability and local economy support. A great alternative to the famous Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we found that Bush Gardens Tampa Bay offers a great option for animal-loving kids in Florida at a fraction of the cost. It is a zoo and theme park mixed all in one! Their funnel cakes are also legendary and they have some fun beer-themed events coming up this summer!
Insider Tip: Families mentioned that their animal ambassador tour is worth the little extra since kids can interact with sloths and flamingos up close. If you are staying in Orlando and want to economize on parking, check out their FREE shuttle service. Make sure you save some time for their ice skating shows since they tend to be pretty spectacular. Bush Gardens are part of the preschooler pass program so it is FREE for kids under 5.
Other locations of the brand: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Disney has parks both in Orlando, Florida with Walt Disney World, and in California with the original Disneyland Parks.
Disney World in Florida is a massive complex divided into four parks (Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Hollywood Studio), and can take some families up to a week to be able to see it all. But if you are traveling with people loving different things and have the time, then Disney in Florida is best.
Disneyland in California is a smaller complex of two parks located next to each other in Anaheim California: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Families looking for the O.G. magic Disney experience will find this to be the “happiest place on earth”.
General Information: Tickets start at $89 for Walt Disney World and $96 for Disneyland Park. Note that the passes purchased online have limitations in dates.
Disney also offers an array of different upgrades and special events, many travel advisors specialize in booking trips to the Magical Place, so make sure you do your research before booking directly at full price.
Finally, for any families with different abilities, we recommend checking their extensive info sheet before the trip since it may help you choose one park over another.
Insider’s tip: There have been so many tips shared by our community over the years for Disney, so we collected them in this list of tips to enjoy Disney World for families. Make sure to check out perks and special offers from the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort’s websites they often have bundle packages worthwhile.
Why it’s on our list for 2024: Kids (and adults) who grew up watching the legendary films, feel the magic and consider it a staple in childhood memories. The iconic brand in America built its reputation around parks that are clean, packed with amenities, and organized. For this reason, Disney parks are an all-time favorite among GoWhee families!
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