The Most Popular Amusement Parks
The Most Popular Amusement Parks
If you are looking for spectacular park shows, thrilling rollercoasters and enchanting attractions, look no further than the amusement parks on this list.
These parks are the best of the best – delicious dining, amazing performances, incredible rides and fun for all ages, are just some of the many things you have to look forward to.
*Related: The 15 Most Terrifying Water Slides in America
Bond with your family in Efteling's Fairytale Forest, ride thrilling roller coasters in Cedar Point, head to Aquatopia to experience the #1 indoor waterpark in the country, and watch interactive shows in Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Bring out the inner child in you, take tons of pictures, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
These are the most popular amusement parks.
Cedar Point, Ohio
Also known as the "Roller Coaster Capitol of the World," Cedar Point is the ultimate amusement park. With 18 world-class roller coasters, a variety of family-friendly rides, kid's areas, a waterpark and live entertainment, you will never run out of things to do. Summertime is one of the best times of the year to visit – there are tons of events. Some of which include Dive-In Movies, the North American Demo Boat Show, and Cedar Point Nights. Click here for more information.
Walt Disney World, Orlando
With so many parks to choose from and so many secret spots to explore, it's no wonder that Walt Disney World has made our list. Ride Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom, visit Cinderella's Castle, explore Animal Kingdom and go on the Kilmanjaro Safari and don't forget to watch the incredible Fantasmic! In Disney Hollywood Studios.
Hershey Park, PA
Hershey Park, also known as the sweetest place on earth, is one of the best family friendly amusement parks in the U.S. Experience over 60 rides, watch a 3D show, learn the history of chocolate, and take a walk through the zoo next door.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida
Tourists and locals love this amusement park, and for good reason. Interactive shows and awesome rides make Universal's Islands of Adventure an unforgettable journey. Choose from a variety of attractions and fun for all ages. Some of their most famous rides include The Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Cat in the Hat and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman.
Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
From fast roller coasters to kiddie rides, events and a variety of entertainment options, there are so many activities to choose from at this amusement park. Take the kids to character meet and greets, spike your adrenaline on Batman: The Ride, and get soaked on the Congo Rapids. When you're hungry, fuel up with some Asian cuisine, burgers, pizza, or healthier options such as a lean wrap or garden salad. Click here for more information.
Kings Island, Ohio
Kings Island is the largest amusement and waterpark in the Midwest. Enjoy attractions for all ages including roller coasters, live shows and meet-and-greet opportunities with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy. They have received the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Kids' Area in the World" 15 years in a row. Some of their most famous rides include the adrenaline pumping Banshee, Firehawk, Drop Tower and Vortex.
Ocean Park, Hong Kong
Ocean Park is well known for its up close animal encounters. Swim with dolphins, hang out with penguins, get up close to seals, feed sharks, visit the panda enclosure from the inside and enjoy scuba diving into the Grand Aquarium. Tip: Save money throughout the year and get Ocean Park's SmartFun Annual Pass – you will get unlimited year-round access to the park and dining and shopping discounts.
Universal Studios Hollywood, California
Universal Studios Hollywood is the world's only working movie studio and theme park. Enjoy the ultimate entertainment – rides based on the biggest movies, live-action shows and a Studio Tour that gives you a behind the scenes look at the world of movie making. For the most exclusive way to view the park, upgrade to the VIP Experience. You will get access to actual sound stages where movies and TV shows are filmed, the VIP lounge, VIP dining room and valet parking.
Efteling, Netherlands
This is the largest theme park in the Netherlands. It's situated in the middle of nature and offers a wide range of rides to choose from. The little ones will enjoy visiting the Fairytale forest and riding the merry-go-rounds, while the entire family enjoys watching the 3D film PandaDroom and riding the River Rapids Ride, Pirana. For the adrenaline seekers, hop on the Baron 1898 Dive Coaster, the Python Steel Roller Coaster and their famous Bobsleigh Ride. Also enjoy tons of park shows and delicious dining options. Click here for more information.
Canada’s Wonderland
Visit Canada's premier amusement park for a fun-filled day of roller coasters and water rides. The park features over 200 attractions and 69 thrilling rides. They also have a variety of events, some of which include The Stars of the Peking Acrobats, the Ultimate Thrills Circus, ACRODUNK, and Oktoberfest.
SeaWorld, Orlando
Watch famous whales, exiting shows and experience one of a kind attractions at Sea World. Take the kids on the Wild Arctic Ride and the Journey to Atlantis. Touch sharks and view penguins on the Behind-the-Scenes Tour and view dolphins up close. Then, when you're ready for some thrill rides, hop on the Manta, Kraken and explore the journey through Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.
Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark/Aquatopia
Stay at Camelback Lodge for the ultimate getaway. Visitors rate this lodge as one of the best because you will receive access to two parks with your stay – Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, the largest indoor waterpark in the Northeast and voted the #1 indoor waterpark in the country. Speed down adrenaline pumping rides, hang out at the swim up bar, and book yourself a private cabana. Click here for more information.
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
Get ready for some heart-pumping rides, Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay is full of full-filled attractions. In Kentucky Kingdom, enjoy movies in their 5-D Cinema, see the park from above on the Giant Wheel, experience fast speeds on the Lightning Run and get soaked on the Raging Rapids River Ride. Then make your way to Hurricane Bay and ride the Forbidden Passage, have fun with your family in the Family Wave Lagoon and spike your adrenaline on the Waikiki Wipeout.
Carowinds, North Carolina
Carowinds is by far one of the best amusement parks, but they really outdid themselves in 2016. The park features a variety of new experiences. Fury 325 is one of their most popular rides; it won the Golden Ticket Award for "Best New Ride in the World." Ride their 13 world-class roller coasters, take the kids to Planet Snoopy, watch their live entertainment, hop on some family-friendly rides, and when you get too hot, head to the Carolina Harbor Waterpark.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Water Park, Indiana
Pay one price and get access to two incredible parks – Holiday World Theme Park and Splashin' Safari Water Park. Ride the nation's first launched wing coaster, Thunderbird, and the two longest water coasters on the planet, Mammoth and Wildebeest. Also enjoy live shows and delicious foods.