Top 10 Best Indoor Amusement Parks in the U.S. - Year-Round Thrills for Every Family
by B Kishwar
Updated Dec 23, 2023
Top 10 Best Indoor Amusement Parks in the U.S.
1
Nickelodeon Universe
Bloomington, MN
2
Adventuredome
Las Vegas, NV
3
iPlay America
Freehold, NJ
4
Kalahari Indoor Theme Park
Wisconsin Dells, WI
5
Mt. Olympus
Wisconsin Dells, WI
6
Spooky Nook Sports Center
Lancaster, PA
7
Scene 75 Entertainment Center
Dayton, OH
8
Funplex
Houston, TX
9
Great Wolf Lodge
Pocono Mountains, PA
10
Stratosphere Tower
Las Vegas, NV
S.No.
Best Indoor Amusement Parks in the U.S.
Location
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Best Indoor Amusement Parks in the U.S.
Discover the thrill of year-round entertainment with the best indoor amusement parks in the United States. From coast to coast, these venues offer a diverse range of attractions, ensuring fun for the whole family, regardless of the weather outside. Whether you're seeking record-breaking roller coasters, classic arcade games, or immersive experiences with beloved cartoon characters, these indoor parks have it all. Join the adventure at Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington, MN, experience the excitement of Adventuredome in Las Vegas, NV, or enjoy the beachy vibes of iPlay America in Freehold, NJ. Explore the list of top indoor amusement parks that promise an unforgettable and weather-proofed family vacation experience.
1. Nickelodeon Universe
Nickelodeon Universe, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, stands as America's largest indoor theme park, nestled within the expansive Mall of America. Celebrating 15 years of delighting families, this seven-acre wonderland boasts 27 rides catering to a wide age range. From the tot-friendly Blue’s Skidoo to the thrill-seeking Avatar Airbender, there's an adventure for everyone.
Beyond the rides, Nickelodeon Universe is a haven for cartoon enthusiasts, offering meet-and-greet opportunities with beloved characters like Aang, Blue, Diego, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The park's indoor setting ensures a year-round operation, making it a perfect destination regardless of the weather. With its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly ambiance, Nickelodeon Universe is a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive and entertaining indoor experience.
2. Adventuredome
In the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Circus Circus Adventuredome offers a five-acre desert-themed escape for families. A distinctive indoor park, it features a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy the whimsical carousel and gentle Miner Mike train ride for the little ones, while thrill-seekers can embark on daring adventures like El Loco, the world's only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster.
Beyond the rides, Adventuredome offers a host of family activities, including laser tag, mini golf, and mini bowling, fostering a sense of friendly competition and bonding. The park's commitment to providing a complete family experience, combined with its unique desert theme, makes Adventuredome a standout destination for those looking to infuse their Las Vegas getaway with family-friendly excitement.
3. iPlay America
Located just a half-hour drive from the Jersey Shore, iPlay America is a boardwalk-themed indoor amusement park that spans an impressive 115,000 square feet. The park offers a diverse array of activities suitable for the entire family. From classic rides like carousels and happy swings to more immersive experiences in the 4D Theater, iPlay America ensures a dynamic and entertaining visit. Visitors can also enjoy go-karts, bumper cars, and classic arcade games like whack-a-mole and skeeball.
The park's commitment to a beachy vibe, even when miles away from the shore, adds a unique touch to the overall experience. With free live music on Saturdays and a wide range of attractions, iPlay America stands as a lively and family-friendly destination in Freehold, New Jersey.
4. Kalahari Indoor Theme Park
Located in the heart of the Wisconsin Dells, known as the waterpark capital of the world, the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park is a captivating addition to the renowned Kalahari Waterpark & Resort. Spanning an impressive 220,000 square feet, this indoor park offers a plethora of thrills, including a six-story Ferris wheel, ropes course, climbing wall, go-karts, and even laser tag.
The park's diverse attractions cater to visitors of all ages, providing a perfect blend of excitement and family-friendly entertainment. Parents can unwind at the sports bar on the premises while kids immerse themselves in the arcade's games. Staying at the Kalahari Resort grants discounts on entrance fees, making it a comprehensive destination for waterpark and theme park enthusiasts alike.
5. Mt. Olympus
Situated in the picturesque Wisconsin Dells, Mt. Olympus stands out as a paradise for the little ones. This indoor amusement park offers a delightful array of rides tailored for tots, including mini hot air balloons, bi-planes, tea cups, and a whimsical trolley. What sets Mt. Olympus apart is its seasonal availability, operating exclusively during the colder months.
Admission to the park is complimentary for guests staying at the resort, adding value to the overall experience. Alongside the charming rides, Mt. Olympus features attractions like an alien ball pit, climbing walls, bumper cars, and an arcade with mini bowling—a perfect combination for a family-friendly escape in the heart of Wisconsin Dells.
6. Spooky Nook Sports Center
As the country's largest indoor sports center, Spooky Nook offers more than just athletic facilities. Beyond the expansive 700,000-square-foot indoor complex featuring numerous fields and courts, visitors can enjoy an outdoor field hockey pitch and a climate-controlled dome used for various sports. The center provides a wide array of sporty fun, complemented by a sprawling pay-as-you-go arcade.
With over 60 games, including classic carnival selections with prizes, the arcade alone is a major attraction. Spooky Nook Sports Center in Lancaster, PA, caters to sports enthusiasts and families alike, offering a diverse range of activities to keep guests engaged for hours, making it a unique destination for both sports and entertainment enthusiasts.
7. Scene 75 Entertainment Center
Scene 75 Entertainment Center, located in Dayton, Ohio, stands as an indoor entertainment haven with a plethora of attractions for visitors of all ages. Boasting the Tsunami Roller Coaster for thrill-seekers, Scene 75 offers an exhilarating experience with twists and turns. For those seeking a more grounded adventure, the center features a mini-golf course where patrons can putt under black lights or engage in heart-pounding rounds of laser tag.
The facility also houses three full-service bars, providing a perfect space for parents to unwind while their children revel in the diverse entertainment offerings. With its roots in the city that witnessed the construction of the world's first airplane factory, Scene 75 continues to soar with its unique blend of excitement and family-friendly fun.
8. Funplex
Everything is bigger in Texas, and Funplex in Houston lives up to this adage with over 200 activities and attractions for kids of all ages. The park caters to tiny tots with ladybug and airplane-themed rides, while older kids and teens can immerse themselves in the world of virtual reality roller coasters and car simulators. The two-story indoor playground, known as the Playport, provides a wild space for young ones to run free.
Funplex's inflatable laser maze adds an extra layer of excitement, ensuring that there's something for every member of the family. The park's commitment to providing a comprehensive and diverse range of entertainment experiences makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to go big on fun in the heart of Texas.
9. Great Wolf Lodge
Nestled in the picturesque Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Great Wolf Lodge is a year-round indoor water park resort that offers a dizzying array of attractions for visitors of all ages. Little ones can splash around in Fort Mackenzie, an interactive water treehouse fort, or take a thrilling ride down Whooping Hollow. For the more adventurous, the Hydro Plunge, a roller coaster slide with a 52-foot drop, promises an exhilarating experience.
The Lodge also features a ropes course, mini bowling alley, and an expansive arcade with interactive mining experiences and live-action games. Beyond the Poconos, Great Wolf Lodge has multiple locations, making it a go-to destination for families seeking a blend of water park excitement and comfortable accommodation.
10. Stratosphere Tower
While technically not an indoor amusement park, the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada, deserves mention for its unique and adrenaline-pumping rides. Situated at the 108th floor of the Stratosphere Casino, the Tower offers some of the best views of Sin City. Visitors seeking heart-stopping thrills can partake in rides such as the descender, where participants are harnessed and attached to a cable for a controlled free fall.
Although not enclosed, these rides provide an unmatched combination of exhilaration and stunning vistas, making the Stratosphere Tower a must-visit destination for those in search of an unforgettable Vegas experience.
What Defines the Appeal of Indoor Amusement Parks in the U.S.?
Indoor amusement parks in the U.S. offer a unique and captivating experience by providing a weather-proofed environment for year-round entertainment. One key aspect of their appeal is the ability to cater to visitors of all ages, making them ideal destinations for family outings. Unlike outdoor parks that may be subject to weather-related closures, indoor amusement parks ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience regardless of the weather forecast. This makes them particularly attractive for families looking to plan vacations or day trips without the concern of rain or extreme temperatures impacting their plans.
Moreover, the diverse range of attractions within these indoor parks adds to their widespread popularity. From record-breaking roller coasters and classic arcade games to immersive experiences with beloved cartoon characters, these parks offer a comprehensive blend of thrills, nostalgia, and family-friendly fun. The indoor setting allows for the inclusion of activities that may not be feasible outdoors, such as black light mini golf, laser tag, and unique virtual reality experiences. Additionally, many indoor amusement parks feature on-site amenities like bars and restaurants, providing convenient options for parents to relax while their children enjoy the various rides and attractions.
The indoor setting also contributes to the parks' versatility, making them suitable for visits during any season. Families can escape the summer heat or the winter cold while still indulging in the excitement of amusement park adventures. Overall, the appeal lies in the accessibility, diversity, and year-round enjoyment that indoor amusement parks bring to families and visitors across the United States.
Best Indoor Amusement Parks in the U.S. - FAQs
Nickelodeon Universe, located in the Mall of America, is America's largest indoor theme park, spanning seven acres and offering 27 rides, including the tot-friendly Blue’s Skidoo and the big-kids-only Avatar Airbender.
Scene 75 distinguishes itself with the Tsunami Roller Coaster, mini-golf under black lights, and a variety of thrilling activities. The facility also houses three full-service bars, providing a relaxing space for parents.
Funplex boasts over 200 activities and attractions, including ladybug and airplane-themed rides for tiny tots, virtual reality roller coasters for older kids and teens, and a two-story indoor playground called the Playport.
Great Wolf Lodge offers a year-round indoor water park experience with attractions like Fort Mackenzie for little ones and the Hydro Plunge, a roller coaster slide with a 52-foot drop, for more adventurous visitors. Additionally, it features a ropes course, mini bowling alley, and an expansive arcade.
Although not technically indoors, the Stratosphere Tower stands out for its adrenaline-pumping rides, including the descender, where participants experience a controlled free fall from the 108th floor, offering breathtaking views of Sin City.