Best Amusement Parks in the US 2023 - Parks That You'll Love
by Krishika M | Updated May 05, 2023
Best Amusement Parks in the US 2023
If you are looking for a vacation filled with thrilling rides and exciting adventures, the United States has a plethora of amusement parks to choose from. Whether you prefer the coasts or the mid-west, there are amusement parks located all over the country that cater to all ages and preferences.
Disney parks in Florida and California are popular destinations, with Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California being the most famous. The mid-west boasts Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Hersheypark, which offer a wide range of rides and attractions for all visitors. Six Flags parks also offer a variety of exciting rides, such as roller coasters and water rides, along with entertainment shows and events.
If you prefer to head south, Dollywood and Busch Gardens offer unique experiences, such as live entertainment, animal encounters, and seasonal events. Busch Gardens has been voted the world's most beautiful theme park for 23 years running and is home to an impressive collection of wildlife and thrilling rides.
No matter where you live in the United States, there is likely an amusement park located nearby. These parks offer something for everyone, from roller coasters to water rides, family-friendly attractions to live entertainment. Take a closer look at some of the best amusement parks in the USA, and start planning your next thrill-seeking vacation today!
Top 10 Amusement Parks in the US
Here is the list of the top 10 amusement parks in the US:
1
Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio
2
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
Orlando, Florida
3
Kings Island
Mason, Ohio
4
Hersheypark
Hershey, Pennsylvania
5
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Valencia, California
6
Busch Gardens
Williamsburg, Virginia
7
Knott's Berry Farm
Buena Park, California
8
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
9
Six Flags Great America
Gurnee, Illinois
10
Legoland
Carlsbad, California
S.No.
Amusement Parks
Location
1. Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)
Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, is considered one of the best amusement parks in the world, thanks to its thrilling roller coasters and other exciting rides. The park features a whopping 18 roller coasters, including the Steel Vengeance, which holds the record for the world's tallest, fastest, and longest hybrid coaster. In addition to the coasters, there are also family rides, water rides, and live entertainment and shows throughout the day.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, from quick bites to full-service restaurants, and there are also shops selling souvenirs and merchandise. Cedar Point offers a variety of ticket options, including single-day admission, two-day admission, and season passes. Visitors can also take advantage of special deals and discounts for groups of 15 or more, as well as packages that include rides and food.
Cedar Point is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and families looking for a fun-filled day of adventure and excitement. Whether you're a coaster enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, Cedar Point has something for everyone.
2. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom (Orlando, Florida)
The Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida is a magical theme park that offers a variety of exciting experiences for families. The park is divided into six different themed lands, each offering its own unique attractions, shows, and characters from Disney movies and stories.
Adventure Land features exotic jungles and a thrilling Pirates of the Caribbean ride, while Tomorrow Land takes visitors on a futuristic journey with high-speed attractions such as Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
Main Street USA offers a glimpse into the past, with shops, restaurants, and entertainment from the turn of the century. Fantasy Land, the largest land in the park, is home to classic Disney attractions like It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster.
In addition to rides and attractions, the park also features parades, fireworks, and nighttime events such as the Happily Ever After fireworks show. There are also many dining options throughout the park, ranging from quick service to fine dining experiences.
Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year, and multi-day tickets are available for those who want to experience more of Walt Disney World Resort. The park also offers FastPass+ service, which allows visitors to reserve access to select attractions in advance and skip the lines.
3. Kings Island (Mason, Ohio)
Kings Island Theme Park is an expansive amusement park in Mason, Ohio that is perfect for families looking for a fun-filled day. With over 80 thrilling rides and attractions, visitors of all ages can experience an unforgettable adventure. One of the park's most iconic rides is the Diamondback Roller Coaster, which reaches a speed of 80mph, providing an adrenaline rush to thrill-seekers.
There are also other exciting rides like the Vortex, the Beast, and the Windseeker that are sure to keep visitors entertained. For the little ones, there is Planet Snoopy, a themed area with rides and attractions based on the beloved Peanuts characters.
In addition to the amusement park, Kings Island also has a large water park that features various slides, wave pools, and other water-based attractions. Guests can cool off from the heat and enjoy splashing around in the water. The park also offers various dining options, souvenir shops, and live entertainment to make the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Kings Island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an exciting day out.
4. Hersheypark (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a beloved amusement park that is owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Milton S. Hershey. This park is a wonderful destination for visitors of all ages, including singles, couples, and families.
One of the highlights of Hersheypark is the Hersheypark in the Dark event, which is held during Halloween season and features spooky attractions and decorations. The park also offers a wide variety of rides, including thrilling roller coasters, water rides, family-friendly rides, and kiddie rides.
In addition to the rides, visitors can enjoy a range of entertainment options, including live shows, games, and more. The park also offers a diverse selection of food and beverage options, so visitors can refuel and recharge between rides and activities.
It's worth noting that Hersheypark offers different ticket prices depending on age. Children 2 and under can enter the park for free, while tickets for visitors aged 3-9 and seniors over 54 are $23, and tickets for visitors aged 9-54 are $34 for day tickets.
Hersheypark is a fantastic destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking thrilling rides, family-friendly fun, or delicious food, this park is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
5. Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California)
Located in Valencia, California, Six Flags Magic Mountain is an incredibly popular amusement park that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. The park offers a wide range of exciting attractions, from pulse-pounding roller coasters like the famous Batman the Ride and the Apocalypse, with its thrilling 52 mph drops, to more kid-friendly rides and live entertainment options.
Younger visitors will enjoy the Loony Tunes Kid's Show, while everyone can meet and greet with the Justice League characters and enjoy a hypnotist show. The park also offers a variety of food and beverage options, as well as souvenir shops where visitors can purchase unique mementos to commemorate their visit.
One of the highlights of Six Flags Magic Mountain are the special events that are held throughout the year. During the holiday season, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with Holiday in the Park, featuring festive decorations and activities. And for those who love a good scare, Fright Fest is a popular Halloween event that features haunted mazes, scare zones, and other spooky attractions.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is a must-visit destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. With its wide range of attractions, events, and entertainment options, it's the perfect place to make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
6. Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, located in Virginia, is widely considered to be one of the premier amusement parks in the United States, offering visitors a wide array of attractions and activities to enjoy.
From thrilling rides and exciting entertainment options to up-close animal encounters and picturesque locations to explore, Busch Gardens Williamsburg truly has something for everyone. Children can enjoy singing along with Emo, petting wild lorikeet birds, or taking a ride on one of the park's thrilling roller coasters. Additionally, the park offers a range of educational experiences that allow visitors to learn about bald eagles and other wildlife.
One of the standout features of Busch Gardens Williamsburg is its stunning beauty. The park has been voted the world's most beautiful theme park for an impressive 23 years in a row, with its meticulously manicured gardens and picturesque landscapes providing visitors with a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
The park also offers a range of annual events that are not to be missed, including the Food and Wine Festival in the summer, Christmas Town during the winter holiday season, and the Howl O Scream Halloween adventure in the fall.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a must-visit destination that offers a unique and unforgettable amusement park experience. With its diverse range of attractions, events, and activities, it's the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike to make memories that will last a lifetime.
7. Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, California)
Located in Buena Park, California, Knott's Berry Farm is an exciting and immersive amusement park that boasts over 165 rides, attractions, and shows. Visitors of all ages are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience at the park, with a range of exciting and entertaining options to choose from.
One of the standout features of the park is its annual Halloween event, Knott's Scary Farm, which is one of the largest Halloween events in the world. The event features 13 terrifying mazes, live shows, and plenty of monsters roaming around, making it the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts.
For younger visitors, Knott's Berry Farm offers Camp Snoopy, a dedicated area filled with rides and attractions that cater specifically to children. Older children and adults, on the other hand, can enjoy thrilling rides such as the Silver Bullet roller coaster, the Pony Express horseback relay ride, and the Ghost Town area, among dozens of other fun activities.
Knott's Berry Farm is a destination that offers something for everyone, making it the perfect place for families and groups of friends to spend a fun-filled day together. With its wide variety of rides, attractions, and shows, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience that they will cherish for years to come
8. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smokey Mountains, Dollywood is a highly acclaimed and sought-after amusement park that spans over 150 acres. The park, which is named after the iconic country-western singer Dolly Parton, offers a diverse range of entertainment options that cater to visitors of all ages.
From exciting rides and attractions to captivating shows and educational demonstrations, there's never a dull moment at Dollywood. In addition, the park hosts five different festivals throughout the year, ensuring that every visit is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Dollywood also features a refreshing water park, which is perfect for visitors looking to cool off on hot summer days. Moreover, the park offers cabins for those who wish to stay overnight, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Dollywood experience. For visitors who desire an even more luxurious stay, there is a 300-room hotel resort that offers top-notch amenities and services.
Dollywood is a must-visit destination that provides a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and relaxation. With its range of rides, attractions, shows, festivals, water park, and lodging options, Dollywood is the perfect place for families, couples, and solo travelers to create memories that will last a life
9. Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois)
Situated between Chicago and Milwaukee, Six Flags Great America is an incredibly diverse amusement park that caters to the entire family. It combines an exhilarating thrill ride amusement park with a refreshing water park to provide visitors with a unique and exciting experience. With 14 exhilarating roller coasters and 3 dedicated areas for young children, there's something for everyone at Six Flags Great America.
One of the standout features of the park is the 20-acre water park, which is perfect for visitors looking to cool off on hot summer days. Alongside the thrilling rides, visitors can also enjoy live shows, delicious food, and even childcare options. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly adventure or an adrenaline-pumping experience, Six Flags Great America has got you covered.
While admission fees may vary depending on age, visitors can purchase a season pass for $72, which provides unlimited access to the park throughout the year. This is a great option for visitors who plan to visit the park more than once, as it offers significant savings compared to buying individual tickets.
Six Flags Great America is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an exciting and unforgettable experience. With its range of thrilling rides, water park, live shows, and food options, the park is the perfect place for families and thrill-seekers alike to create memories that will last a lifetime.
10. Legoland (Carlsbad, California)
Legoland California Resort, located in Carlsbad, California, is a renowned amusement park that is recognized for its entertaining and thrilling rides, shows, and attractions. The park is conveniently situated only 30 minutes away from San Diego, making it easily accessible to families and tourists alike. With over 60 rides and numerous other attractions, Legoland California Resort is the perfect destination for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12 years old.
One of the unique features of the Legoland California Resort is the Legoland Water Park, which provides a refreshing and exciting experience for visitors. Additionally, there is a special themed Legoland hotel resort located close to the beach, making it an ideal location for a fun-filled family vacation. Moreover, the park features a sea life aquarium, where visitors can marvel at various marine animals and learn more about them.
Legoland California Resort offers a hands-on, interactive, and immersive experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure or a relaxing getaway, Legoland California Resort is a must-visit destination that is guaranteed to create unforgettable memories for you and your family.
Which is the Best Amusement Park in the US?
Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is considered one of the best amusement parks in the United States. Known as the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World," Cedar Point is home to some of the tallest, fastest, and most thrilling roller coasters in the world. In addition to the roller coasters, the park offers a wide variety of rides for all ages, live entertainment, and water rides.
Cedar Point also has a beautiful beach and marina, as well as hotels and campgrounds for visitors who want to extend their stay. Admission prices vary depending on age and time of year, but the park offers discounts for groups and special packages that include park admission and accommodations.
Best Theme Park in the US
A theme park is a type of amusement park that has a central theme or multiple themes around which its rides, attractions, and entertainment are based. It is designed to provide a full-day experience of fun and excitement for visitors of all ages.
The themes of a park can be based on a particular era, location, fictional world, or a combination of these. For example, Disneyland in California has various themed lands such as Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Frontierland. Each themed land has its own set of attractions and entertainment that fit within the overall theme.
Here is the list of the top 10 theme parks located in US:
1
Walt Disney World
Orlando, FL
2
Universal Orlando
Orlando, FL
3
Busch Gardens
Tampa, FL
4
Seaworld
Orlando, FL
5
Disneyland
Anaheim, CA
6
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, TN
7
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal City, CA
8
Cedar Point
Sandusky, OH
9
Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park, CA
10
Busch Gardens
Williamsburg, VA
S.No.
Theme Parks
Locations
Best Amusement Parks in the US - FAQs
Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World due to its numerous world-record-breaking roller coasters.
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are some of the most popular amusement parks in Florida.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia has been voted as the world's most beautiful theme park for the past 23 years.
Children 2 and under are free, 3-9 and seniors over 54 are $23 and 9-54 are $34 for day tickets at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Kings Island Theme Park, located in Mason, Ohio, is the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest.