The Best Family-Friendly Amusement Parks In The U.S.

Amusement parks have been a popular form of entertainment for years. Millions of people flock to these incredible parks to ride thrilling rides, watch spectacular shows, and bond with their family and friends.

The best part about amusement parks is that there are rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Little ones will have fun singing and dancing in Sesame Place. Teens will enjoy riding roller coasters in Universal's Islands of Adventures, while adults may enjoy relaxing in Legoland's 4-D movie zone.

Get ready to eat delicious foods, ride incredible rides, watch amazing performances, take millions of photos and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Before the kids become big kids, take them to one of these family-friendly amusement parks.

Stay at the Legoland California resort for the ultimate family getaway. Enjoy their Sea Life Aquarium, Water Park and their huge amusement park. Kids will love the Lego Ninjago World, Imagination Zone, Castle Hill and Land of Adventure. There are tons of rides, a Lego Factory, kids play area and 4-D movies where you can relax for a bit.

Walt Disney World is where the magic happens. There are so many parks to choose from and so many secret spots to explore. Visit Magic Kingdom for awesome rides including Space Mountain. Take a family picture in front of Cinderella's Castle. Book a Character meal and eat lunch with your children's favorite characters. Visit Animal Kingdom and go on the Kilimanjaro Safari, then don't forget to watch the amazing Fantasmic! in Disney Hollywood Studios.

Bring the entire family to the only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street. Watch performances, sing and dance with the daily character shows, visit Cookie's Monster Land, take pictures with Elmo, and watch the Neighborhood Street Party Parades. There are tons of ride options for kids of all ages, a variety of dining options and seasonal events.

Explore iconic worlds, view otherworldly landscapes, ride adrenaline pumping rides and watch family-friendly shows at Universal's Islands of Adventure. They are a variety of attractions to choose from and fun for all ages. Younger children can ride The Cat in the Hat and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. While older kids may enjoy The Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Dragon Challenge. Bonus: There are also a few water rides.

Kings Island is one of the largest amusement and waterparks in the Midwest. Its 15-time Golden Ticket award-winning Planet Snoopy children's area, features a collection of PEANUTS-themed rides and attractions for every age including four roller coasters, live shows and meet-and-greet opportunities with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy. The park's newest family-friendly rides include the Woodstock Gliders and Snoopy's Space Buggies, which opened in 2015.

The Victorian Gardens amusement park is located at Wollman Rink in Central Park. There's a variety of kid-friendly rides to choose from and a ton of performances and interactive shows. Bonus: If you are looking to book a special event, Victorian Gardens in the perfect venue to host it. Enjoy rides, games, attractions, picnic areas, and the spectacular backdrop of midtown Manhattan.  

Also known as the "Roller Coaster Capitol of the World," Cedar Point is the perfect amusement park for the adventurous family. They have a variety of family rides, 18 world-class roller coasters, three kids areas and a water park for when you get too hot. It has four children's areas throughout the park – Planet Snoopy, Kiddy Kingdom, Camp Snoopy and Gemini Midway Area. The newest kids' ride is Campy Snoopy's Woodstock's Airmail. In addition to family-friendly rides, the park offers amenities such as air-conditioned family care centers, with private nursing rooms and a kitchenette. Cedar Point's helpful hints for families can be found here.

Dutch Wonderland has something for everyone – kid's rides, family rides and shows. Little ones will enjoy flying on the Sky Fighter and riding the Wiggle Racers. Families will like the Double Splash Flume, Gondola Cruise and relaxing on the Monorail. Water attractions are also available, along with a variety of kid-friendly shows. Some of these include Storytime with Princess Brooke, A Royal Fiasco! and Kingdom Celebration.

Get up close and personal with animals at SeaWorld. View dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and flamingos. Educate yourselves in the interactive exhibits, ride roller coasters, watch spectacular shows and treat yourself to a private buffet with Shamu.

Take your family to the sweetest place on earth – Hershey Park. Chocolate is literally everywhere. There are over 60 rides and a walk-through zoo next door. Bonus: You have the opportunity to learn how chocolate is made. Watch a 3D show and learn the history of chocolate, but best of all, you get to eat it too!

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the best family-friendly amusement parks in the United States – Dollywood. Over 40 rides, spectacular shows, festivals and delicious dining are some of the many things you have to look forward too. Tip: Visit between June 11 and August 7 for their nightly fireworks.

Located in a quaint town along the south shore of Lake Ontario, Olcott Beach Carousel Park offers visitors a vintage amusement park experience and the opportunity to take a spin on a variety of old-fashioned rides. The park features a 1928 style Hershell-Spillman two row carousel, five kiddie rides and a 1931 Wurlitzer band organ. Bonus: Olcott is just 45 minutes northeast of Niagara Falls.