Family Theme Parks

The Best Family Amusement Parks in the U.S.

By:  Tammy Smith-Chen

Summer will be here before you know it and thrill seekers will be looking for a great way to spend their vacations with their families. The best family amusement parks offer a variety of attractions and entertainment for all ages. 

Top Theme Parks

The top ten theme parks in the United States based on the number of people attending are:

1.    Disneyland in California
2.    Magic Kingdom, Disney World, Florida
3.    EPCOT, Disney World, Florida
4.    Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, Florida
5.    Universal Studios, Florida
6.    Universal Studios, California
7.    Sea World, Florida
8.    Busch Gardens, Florida
9.    Great Adventure, New Jersey
10.   Sea World, California

Of course, the one thing you will notice about these popular theme parks is their location (being mostly in Florida and California). If you are looking for some less familiar entertainment that may be a little closer to home, then consider trying some of the following family amusement parks.

Great Family Amusement Parks in Other Areas

1.    King’s Island Cincinnati Ohio - Ride the legendary Beast roller coaster or let smaller children enjoy Nickelodeon Universe which has been voted “Best Kids’ Area in the World” for eight years in a row!  There’s also a 15-acre water park with all kinds of thrills.  Family rides and live shows make this a fun packed place to spend family time.

2.    Cedar Point Sandusky Ohio – This is a great place for family fun with 17 roller coasters, more than any other theme park in the world.  The “Space Spiral” is a spinning 330-foot tall rotating observation deck that gives you a spectacular view of the park and Lake Erie, which is just beyond the park.  They also feature special “Halloweekends” with special attractions that range from tame to truly terrifying, beginning in early September.

3.    Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – This family theme park is in the middle of the beautiful Tennessee mountains and offers a variety of thrilling rolling coasters, family rides, and kiddie rides.  One-of-a-kind attractions also show the traditional Tennessee way of life.  There are white water adventures and shows featuring Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede where you will enjoy an entertaining equine show while you are served a delicious four course meal.

4.    Sesame Place Langhorne, Pennsylvania – This is the only theme park in the nation based on the loved television program Sesame Street.  Providing interactive play for children 2-13, there are water attractions, live stage shows, a musical parade, and of course a roller coaster!

Variety is one of the most important things that amusement parks can offer when you are looking for a place that everyone in the family will enjoy.  Make sure you do your research into what is available and the key times to visit to get the full benefit of what the theme park has to offer.  If you are going to stay at or near the theme park, make sure to make your reservations well ahead of time.  Remember, there is no way to guarantee the weather will be optimum for riding the rides during your entire stay so you will want to be sure there are other equally enjoyable activities available as a back-up!