We’re back and just in time for summer with our list of the 10 Best Amusement Parks in America as voted on by the travel enthusiasts here at USA Travel Guide with a little help from our readers. From Pennsylvania to Florida to California, we’re spanning the nation and listing top picks all along the way.
For this list we considered amusement and theme parks of any size. Waterparks are also in the running (and one did quite well), however we have chosen to exclude animal-focused parks, as many of these were eligible in our last list, the Top Ten Zoos in America.
What did it take to make the list? Above all else: rides! We looked for a variety of rides, both type and age level, and as thrill fans ourselves, we turned a caring eye to roller coasters. Beyond that, we weighted shows, concessions, quality and cleanliness of facilities, helpfulness of staff, kid-friendliness, customer value and the overall look of the park into the mix. In the case of multi-parks, these are treated as one as long as a reasonable multi-park ticket option is in place.
And now, the 10 Best Amusement Parks in America!
#10 – Legoland in Carlsbad, California
If you’re anything like me, then Legos are something you never grow out of entirely. You don’t have to build something everyday, but you’d much rather see a sculpture made of Legos than boring old marble or stone. Legoland California in Carlsbad, CA is for people like that, well, and for kids of any age. Legoland California stretches its alluring, nostalgic theme over 50 rides, shows and attractions that are friendly to younger children and consistently fun for all. All nine sections have plenty to see and do, but for Lego buffs like me, the favorite has to be Miniland USA. Here you’ll see stunningly accurate Lego models of New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and many others.
Ride intensity and height requirements skew smaller at Legoland California, so this is a great park for kids.
Legoland is open year-round with varying hours and blackout days. Web site.
#9 – Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois
Six Flags is a dependable brand for thrill-lovers needing a little mid-summer fun, and at the top of the pack we like Chicago’s own Six Flags Great America. With nearly 70 rides to enjoy, including 10 adult coasters, there’s no shortage of options here for anyone who loves classic amusement park entertainment. Must-rides include last year’s addition, The Dark Knight, the park’s first indoor and part-dark coaster, and the famous Raging Bull, a massive steel “hyper-twister” and frequent award winner. Park admission also includes access to Hurricane Harbor, the adjacent waterpark.
Seasonal calendar runs May to October with varying hours/days. Web site.
#8 – Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania
With the installation of a swimming pool, a steam-powered carousel and a few picnic tables in 1926, Knoebels Amusement Resort humbly began, and it has since evolved day by day into a historic park with plenty to love and personality to spare. Proclaiming itself, “America’s Largest Free Admission Park”, Knoebels offers free admission and parking, with rides available either a la carte (about $0.75 – $4.00/ride) or through an all-day pass ($29.50 – $37.00). Currently projected to open in June 2009 is Flying Turns, the only wooden bobsled roller coaster in America.
Knoebels is an Amusement Today Golden Ticket winner for Best Food for seven years running now. There are several great restaurants, both sit-down and counter-style, but we prefer the flagship choice: The Alamo. Campgrounds are also available.
Seasonal calendar runs May to September with varying hours/days. Web site.
#7 – Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
Having seen countless end-caps on Nickelodeon featuring the iconic Universal Studios Globe as a child, this Orlando, Florida juggernaut was always more exciting to me than Disneyland or Six Flags. When I finally saw it for myself, it did not disappoint! With more entertainment than you can experience in a whole week across two large parks and the retail-centric CityWalk, the Universal Orlando Resort is simply a lifetime must. At this theme park, rides and attractions are based on popular movie and TV show properties, including Shrek, Men in Black, The Mummy, Terminator, Jaws (a classic, as always) and so on. The new The Simpsons RideTM is just awesome!
Even more exciting for thrill fans is the sister park, Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Separated into five sections, or islands, this park takes guests on a journey through the world of Marvel super heroes, Dr. Seuss, Jurassic Park and others.
Both parks open daily with hours varying by season. 2-park tickets available. Web site.
#6 – Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia
With a full roster of past awards to place upon its mantle, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the most beloved theme parks in America, and it makes our list easy. Most apparent about Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the sheer beauty of the park. Well-maintained with a unique design, this place is almost as fun to walk as it is to ride. The ten sections, or hamlets, are inspired by countries in Europe, from Scotland to Germany, and the quality of the theme décor never fails to impress.
Nor do the rides, especially the Griffon, the world’s tallest and fastest dive machine coaster. We also like the shows here in particular, many of them inspired by the “countries” that present them.
Seasonal hours from April to October. Regular admission tickets function as season tickets until September 7, 2009. Web site.
#5 – Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California
For hundreds of thousands of theme park fans, Disneyland could never be anything but #1, but even in fifth position there’s no question that Disneyland Park and the larger resort, with 20 million annual visitors combined, is simply one of the best. Disneyland Park, the original opened by Walt Disney himself in 1955, is visited by more than 14 million guests every year, the second most of any theme park in the world, and you can bet that this jam-packed park has something for them all.
So much of what makes Disney theme parks famous started at Disneyland: the monorail, It’s a Small World, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Haunted Mansion, The Matterhorn, true classics! Today, the exploration is near endless with Disneyland Park, Disney’s California Adventure and Downtown Disney to discover. More than a park, Disneyland is a cultural rite of passage.
Hours vary by season. Park Hopper® tickets available. Learn more.
4. Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas
You didn’t think we were going to leave our home state in the lurch, did you? Not a chance! The only waterpark to make the list, and easily our favorite, is Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels, Texas. Featuring three incredible parks (for one admission), 40+ rides, 17 slides, nine tube chutes, uphill water coasters, three lazy rivers and more than three miles of tube rides, Schlitterbahn is simply massive, and the variety is staggering.
The original park, Schlitterbahn West, is the place to find the classic tube chutes and it remains our favorites to this day. In the newest park, Blastenhoff, you’ll find the Master Blaster, the uphill water roller coaster that everyone should give at least one ride. Unusual these days, Schlitterbahn still allows guest to bring their own concessions, but they request no alcohol or glass.
Open late May to September, hours vary. Learn more.
3. King’s Island in Mason, Ohio
At this point, it really gets tough. King’s Island started much lower on the list, but as the debate raged back and forth it crawled higher and higher on one simple fact: this is a good, old-fashioned, pretension-free, no guff, no gimmicks thrill-park.
It’s also humongous, with 364 acres of park grounds boasting over 80 rides and attractions. Coaster-enthusiasts take note: this is the kind of park for you! King’s Island features 15 roller coasters including Beast, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, and Son of Beast, the world’s fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster. The 2009 addition, Diamondback, is causing quite a stir already, so we can’t wait to get up there again to check it out.
King’s Island also features an admission-included waterpark and multi-award-winning Kid’s park called Nickelodeon Universe.
Daily hours from late May to September. Learn more.
2. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
What isn’t there to say about Disney World? The largest, most-attended recreational complex in the world and home to some of the most iconic landmarks and imagery on the planet, Walt Disney World is an American pastime. You can call it expensive, you can call it corporate, but you can’t deny to sense of wonder that greets you at every turn.
The Disney World Resort is a collection of four theme parks and numerous other attractions like waterparks, shopping districts, concert venues and restaurants. The original park, and still the most popular to this day, is the Magic Kingdom, home of the world-famous Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A. where the dazzling parades thrill the little ones and ignite the nostalgia of parents every day of the year. Guests also owe it to themselves to visit Epcot, unmistakable for its flagship attraction and landmark, Spaceship Earth. Though it wasn’t eligible for this list, Disney’s Animal Kingdom was one of our Top 10 Zoos in America.
Open year-round, seasonal hours. Park Hopper® tickets available. Learn more.
1. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio
We had to go all the way to Ohio to find it, but it was well worth the trip. At 364-acres with 75 rides, ten shows, a water park and seventeen roller coasters, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio packs more thrills per square foot than anywhere else on the planet, and that makes it our choice for the very best amusement park in America. Among the 17 coasters, the most of any park on Earth, you’ll find several notable must-rides. Magnum XL-200 was once the tallest and fastest steel coaster in the world. Mean Streak is surely one of the most visually arresting wooden coasters we’ve seen. And with its astonishing 120-mph, 400-ft. 90-degree drop, the Top Thrill Dragster separates the thrill-maniacs from everyone else in only 17 seconds!
If you’re heart needs a rest, settle into the audience for one of several award-winning shows, all brimming with good tunes and good laughs without too much cheese. Cedar Point has an adjacent waterpark, Soak City, available with either separate admission or with a combo ticket, not that the main park won’t have enough for you to do.
Daily hours last from late May to early September. Combo tickets available. Learn more.
There you have it! The 10 best amusement parks in America! There’s nothing else to wait for, so get out there and make it an unforgettable summer!
Related Posts
- Top Amusement Parks in America – Lagoon Park, Utah
- Top Amusement Parks – Six Flags Great America in Chicago, IL
- Top Amusement Parks – Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Best Amusement Parks – Walt Disney World Resort
- Best Amusement Parks – Legoland in Carlsbad, California
- Fun Amusement Parks – Frontier City in Oklahoma City
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68 Comments
I have to comment on Joe s.’s statement that several of the rides at Cedar Point require a 36 inch waist. I agree that Millennium and Top Thrill have limitations as to size, but I have a generous 42 inch waist and have been able to fit on these rides – just barely, but I fit! I am 5′ 10″ and have no problem with height issues on any of the rides at Cedar Point. I have seen many 6 footers on all of the roller coasters. My brother is 6′ 2″ and has had no problems getting on any of these rides. I could see where those who are 6′ 4″ or so would have problems on some of the rides, but to make it sound like many people of average size can’t ride on all the rides at Cedar Point is simply not true. Cedar Point is without a doubt one of the world’s greatest amusement parks. That said, you all should go somewhere else so that I can get on the rides faster this summer!
i have been to all of these and cedar point is by far the funnest!!!! i would rather go there than anywhere else in the whole wide world!!!
I am taking my family on a first ever vacation this year. We have 8 children. Ages 14, 13, 12, 12, 10, 7, 6, and 2. One of the children that is 13 is afraid of heights. He can ride rides if they are not to high but does not like roller coasters. We are wanting to try out Cedar Point, Busch Gardens, or Kings Island. I was hoping that someone could inform me as to which one of these would be the best for my family. I have been trying to check the websites out but cannot tell which one would be the best for fear of hights and a couple of small children. Please HELP.
Sonja, my recommendation is Busch Gardens – both Williamsburg and Orlando parks are absolutely dripping with theme. They have good shows, decent food, and a wonderful atmosphere that you and your children will get lost in.
Don’t get me wrong, Cedar Point and King’s Island are GREAT parks – but their focus is more on the ride, and “thrill rides” at that, and that might make finding stuff the 13 year old is into difficult, or entertaining the other’s difficult while the 13 year old is interested in the tamer stuff. Check out Busch Gardens. You won’t regret it. =)
I have been to Knobels for a school trip we I was in 7th grade and out of all the parks I went to I didn’t like it. At least the rides noo kid is going to pay attention to the foood. I have been to disney world, six flags in pa, hersey park in pa, universal in fl, Great Wolf lodge pa, Sea World fl, Discovercove fl, and bucsh gardens in va. And those 8 parks were great. But knobels is at the bottom.
I loved disney land the time I went there so I definitely agree it should be on the top 10. I must say though nautsberry farm was totally awesome though too, forgive the misspelling if I did. I’m going to orlando to a convention but will be able to have a couple days free so am hoping to check out islands of adventure particularly for the harry potter world. I’ve yet to go to disney world but I may wait a couple years till my little boy is a bit older so he can actually go and remember it. I just don’t think a baby would get much out of being at an amusement park.
I live in wv but I have Ben to bush gardens and kings island. But, I have also been to Disneyland in California over spring break and I think it should #1 on the list. Goffy’s kitchen is the best resturant, and, to me, space mountian and the tower of terror are the best rides. I love thrill rides !!!
Ive been to hershey park seaworld universal discovery cove buscb gardens florida and williamsburg all 4 disney parks. FL and disneyland Ca. I OWN in Disney and recommend its for families there is somethimfor. Evryage. I go. Least 1 a year and still do different hints Orlando has lots to offer dinner shows putt putt shopping and. Many waterparks. Also san diego for the zoo and wild animal parks
KINGS ISLAND FTW! LITERALLY THE BEST PLACE I’VE EVER BEEN!
I definitely agree that Cedar Point is the best! (Of course, I have a season pass) Kings Island is wonderful as well! You should check out King’s Dominion outside Richmond. That park is nice as well. However, I will say I went to Universal’s Islands of Adventure this spring and was very disappointed. It was not worth the admission price (even if we did get to see the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter).
I agree that Disney is the best! Kings Dominion in Richmond is the best as well. (: !! go and visit
I’m originally from Ohio, If you haven’t been you’ll love Cedar Point and the whole area, It also has a nice water park area, Not mention there are other activities in the area (Put in Bay) as you’re on the lake, Jet Skis and Island hopping is nice. Get your hotel reservations in ADVANCE.
I like Kings Island as it it’s a nice sit down park if you get tired nice shops entertainment etc. Plus it was only 75 mils from Columbus.
note: Son of Beast isn’t running this year,
Knotts Berry Farm in CA is nice too more for smaller kids – hmm owned by owners of Cedar Point
Thanks, Rich! And thanks to everyone for all your comments and suggestions. We really appreciate you keeping our list alive.
I might be biased but the islands of adventure park is my favorite thus far. My cousin Manages the Harry Potter portion as well as co manages the park. I love it there!
“OHIO is the BEST state to come to to have fun. Mainly with Theme Parks. Obviously. We got the1st and 3rd best theme parks in America. I go to both of them and will be at Cedar Point 2mrw!!! I live by the Coaster-Head Motto ” FRONT SEAT HANDS UP” Cedar Point is hands down the best Theme Park in America, if not the World. The Millineum Force is the Best Ride! Farillz. Kings Island Go Hard 2 tho…”
-HayZe Illy
I was very disappointed with Cedar Point. Most of their rides seemed old and unimpressive. I drove a long way to get there anticipating great rides and mainly to ride Millineum Force, but it shut down minutes after opening and never reopen. We waited the last 4 hours in line with hopes to ride but never got to experience this ride. Their park’s manager was a real butt and offered no incentive to stay another day to try to ride that coaster. I can say I enjoyed 3 rides there, but all the rest were forgetable. Even if Millineum Force was opened I still would never put this as #1 on the list of so many more deserving of that top spot and they also have “hospitality” to boot unlike Cedar Point.
You all aren’t thinking, Cedar Point is UNBEATABLE!!! NO DOUBT!!!
i have to say i heavily disagree with this for one, six flags great america is way outta place definitively top five not 9th place 2nd: cedar point? really?! i have to say your wrong there Thorpe park should be number 1 but since this is america were talking about i say magic mountain! i mean its not even on the list and it should be number one for sure you idiots don’t know what you talking about and knoebels shouldn’t even be on this list at all very stupid my friend.