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19 Best Amusement Parks in the US (2024)

Most people probably picture going to the beach, watching a baseball game, or setting off fireworks when they think of classic summertime activities. Another must-do summer pastime is visiting America’s top amusement parks. While you would immediately think of famous attractions like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, there are actually a few more across the nation that are also worthwhile to visit. Many of them have exhilarating rollercoasters with heart-racing drops and loops, a frying feast of food selections, and a tiny army of staff members who are there to make sure you have a fantastic day. If you are looking to have a day of thrills but are not sure, where should you go, here are the 19 best amusement parks in the US in 2024. 

Best Amusement Parks in the US

1. Disney California Adventure (Anaheim, CA)

In this theme park, you may enjoy superhero-themed dining at the Ant-Man restaurant or shoot webs with Spider-Man at the Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure ride. The Incredicoaster and the Pixar Pal-A-Round, two of the park’s most recognizable attractions, may be reached by taking a leisurely stroll around Pixar Pier. As you tour Carsland, visit the Cozy Cone for a delightful snack and have a bread cone stuffed with ooey macaroni & cheese.

2. Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)

Because it has roller coasters with 80-degree drops and 120 mph top speeds, the park is known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World”! Additionally, it offers water coasters, superb dining options, live entertainment, and other thrilling and family-friendly rides. Age-related entry costs are different, and parties of at least fifteen might receive incentives and reductions on ride and meal packages. It’s definitely one of the best amusement parks in the US.

3. Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City, CA)

The park has a sizable Wizarding World of Harry Potter section where you may ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The studio tour, which allows you to go behind the scenes at a genuine functioning lot to witness how movies and television shows are made, is one feature of this park that we adore to death. The entertaining Jimmy Fallon is the tour guide and he shares stories and interesting facts about each destination on a screen in each riding vehicle.

4. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom (Orlando, Florida)

With an assortment of six unique magical kingdoms at this Orlando fantasy theme park, families may experience the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. There are a lot of rides for people of all ages, as well as Disney movie and comic characters, as well as locations like Adventure Land, Tomorrow Land, Main Street, or Fantasy Land, as well as parades, fireworks, nighttime activities, refreshments, and more.

5. Disneyland Park (Anaheim, CA)

With its adorable pink castle at the very end of quaint Main Avenue, this is unquestionably among the best amusement parks in the US you must visit. The park is the location of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in California, which has all of the similar attractions as its sister location in Orlando. The apartment Walt Disney lived in, which is located above the fire station on Main Street USA, should be seen by true Disney lovers. Visitors are left in wonder as the night here comes to a dramatic finish with fireworks and a projection spectacle that lights up the sky.

6. Kings Island (Mason, Ohio)

Families can choose from more than 80 thrilling rides and attractions at the theme park, which will please visitors of all ages. It is the largest amusement and water park in this region of the US, and it is home to the 80 mph Diamondback Roller Coaster along with the Vortex, Beast, and Windseeker. For the younger children, there is also Planet Snoopy. Wave pools and slides can be found in the water slide area.

7. Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA)

This is where thrill-seekers should go because of its enormous rollercoasters. Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, the lengthiest single-rail coaster in the world, is the park’s 20th coaster which opened in the summer of 2022. Fans of the beloved superhero universe in DC Comics are also likely to make a point of stopping at Big Belly Burger for lunch.

8. Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia)

Busch Gardens is one of the top amusement parks in America. With its rides, shows, animal encounters, and gorgeous locations, it has something to offer everyone. The kids can ride a roller coaster, pet a wild lorikeet bird, sing with Emo, and learn about bald eagles. Additionally, there are yearly occasions including the Food and Wine Festival in the summertime, Christmas Town in the colder months, and the Howl O Scream Halloween excursion in the fall.

9. Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA)

The famous Knott’s Berry Farm is based completely on the modest boysenberry. There are four themed zones there, one of which being a very real ghost town from the 1800s. The first theme park area specifically designed for children, Camp Snoopy, will be enjoyed by kids. Numerous holidays are held at Knott’s around the year, including the well-liked Boysenberry Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors daily, terrifying haunted Halloween events, and joyous Christmas festivities.

10. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)

In the Great Smoky Mountains, there is a celebrated theme park called Dollywood. There are rides, attractions, and shows spread throughout 150 acres. Dolly Pardon, a legend of the American West, inspired its name. Since there are 5 distinct festivals held throughout the year, there is always something new to experience with the whole family. In addition, there is a luxury resort with 300 rooms, a water park, and cabins for overnight guests.

11. Legoland (Carlsbad, California)

As one of the top entertainment parks in the US, Legoland doesn’t need an introduction. Over 60 rides, thrilling performances, and additional attractions are available. Families and children between the ages of 2 and 12 will enjoy this engaging, hands-on activity. There is also a Legoland Water Park, a unique Legoland hotel resort next to the beach, and an aquarium with sea life.

12. Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA)

This amusement park has an unusual feature in that parking and entrance are both free. However, the park continues to use traditional ticket books, just as when Disneyland Park opened in 1955. The ticket books are based on a defined price each ride and let you use a ticket to enter attractions. Everyone can decide what they’d like to do at this park because it provides a great mix of thrilling rides and thrills that are good for families.

13. Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri)

Silver Dollar City has continued to be an amusement park since it first opened in 1960 so that future generations might establish enduring traditions there. Now that they have children, adults who used to go to the park as youngsters can take them to enjoy the same fun. The historical amusement park is famous for its wooden rides. Families will find a variety of different rides and activities, and thrill seekers can discover thrilling roller coasters there.

14. Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Orlando, FL)

Every Star Wars enthusiast loves the park. The theme park area is popular among visitors who can’t get enough of controlling the Corellian spice vessel in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or attempting to elude Kylo Ren’s grasp in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Slinky Dog Dash, a kid-sized roller coaster, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, an appealing family ride, are two more popular rides in the park.

15. Disney California Adventure Park (Anaheim, California)

This park has long been one of the best amusement parks in the US. Upon entering this adventure Park, you’ll be immediately thrust into the fantastical setting of your favorite movies. It has numerous sections that are themed after well-known Disney and Pixar films. Discover the world of Cars by taking the wheel at Radiator Springs Racers, or stroll down Buena Vista Street to find stores and eateries that have been transformed to look like California in the 1920s.

16. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN)

Dollywood features more than 40 distinct attractions, a water park right on the property, and highlights the lifestyle of the Great Smoky Mountains. For people who want the whole Dolly experience, one of the two lodging options—a resort hotel or a log cabin—can be used as a place to stay. The delectable cinnamon bread is a must-try at Dollywood. We guarantee that you can smell it from anywhere in the park, and the enticing aroma will entice you inside.

17. Bay Beach Amusement Park (Green Bay, Wisconsin)

Even after over 100 years in existence, The Park is still regarded as one of the top US amusement parks. This beautiful park is situated directly on Green Bay Bay. The Midwest is home to the well-liked family holiday destination of Bay Beach Amusement Park. There are twenty rides total, including an intense roller coaster and the Big Wheel, offering breathtaking views of the harbor from its apex.

18. EPCOT (Orlando, FL)

In this theme park, you’ll frequently find adults trying to take a quick break as children beg to ride the Frozen-themed ride once more. In order to breathe new life into the park’s façade and incorporate more Disney stories into the atmosphere, EPCOT has undergone a multi-year renovation. Visitors are eager to board Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a brand-new attraction. The new roller coaster is based on the eponymous Marvel characters.

19. Santa’s Village (Jefferson, New Hampshire)

Santa’s Village theme park is mostly Christmas from May to December. Families can enjoy time together in Santa’s Village. There are 20 rides for kids and families, and fresh ones are always being added. While moving to another fascination, you can devour gingerbread cookies. You can expect Santa to come at least once during your stay because it hosts numerous events during the holiday season.

Conclusion

So, those are the 19 best amusement parks in the US. These parks provide a variety of rides for the whole family to enjoy, including thrilling roller coasters that travel at high speeds.

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