Incredible thrill rides and dazzling roller coasters can be found all over the United States, but which ones are truly the best? Check out TripAdvisor.
With thousands of users and reviews of tourist destinations around the world, TripAdvisor is a treasure trove of highly recommended and great places to visit on your next vacation. We asked travel review sites for the best amusement parks in the United States. Naturally, there are many great amusement parks.
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From sea to sparkling sea, there are plenty of places to enjoy a tranquil Ferris wheel, ride a classic wooden roller coaster, or scream on a state-of-the-art thrill ride. Of course, Disney World and Disneyland are at the top of the list. These two locations seem to have something for everyone. Both parks are designed for family fun for all ages, so Disney rides generally tend to be pretty mild in terms of thrills. But if you’re a true coaster enthusiast, there are some great parks with record-breaking rides that will truly blow your mind.
Some are owned by popular international brands, while others are local favorites, but all of the parks listed below are virtually guaranteed to give you a full day of fun.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the best theme parks in the United States.
1. Magic Kingdom Park — Orlando, Florida
With classic family attractions, beloved Disney characters, and the iconic Cinderella Castle at its centerpiece, it’s no wonder Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park takes the number one spot. This Disney theme park is not only the most popular among TripAdvisor users; Magic Kingdom was the most visited theme park in the world in 2019, with approximately 21 million guests.
2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure — Orlando, Florida
Universal’s Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort has become a fan-favorite theme park with exciting thrill rides and Harry Potter-themed lands, including the new VelociCoaster, set to debut this summer.
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Orlando, Florida
Since opening in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has wowed audiences with its immersive animal-centric experiences. The addition of Pandora – The World of Avatar and its amazing Avatar Flight of Passage attraction in 2017 has made the park a popular destination for nature lovers and ride enthusiasts alike.
4. Universal Studios Florida — Orlando, Florida
Guests can step into their favorite movies and TV shows, including The Simpsons and Harry Potter, at Universal Studios Florida, the second of Universal Orlando Resort’s two theme parks.
5. Universal Studios Hollywood — Los Angeles, California
This movie studio theme park features many of the same popular attractions as East Coast theme parks, as well as a studio tour that takes you on a tram through the movie set.
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6. Dollywood — Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is located in Tennessee’s picturesque Great Smoky Mountains and offers a unique combination of thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, musical entertainment, and delicious comfort food. doing.
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7. Disneyland Park — Anaheim, California
The theme park that started the Disney Parks empire is number 7 on TripAdvisor’s list of best theme parks. Packed with nostalgic experiences and cutting-edge attractions, Disneyland Park is truly one of the most iconic amusement parks in the world.
8. Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Orlando, Florida
Thanks to the additions of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this Disney World theme park is becoming increasingly popular with guests of all ages looking to follow in the footsteps of their favorite characters.
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9. Silver Dollar City — Branson, Missouri
Located in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-style theme park with more than 40 rides and attractions, as well as artisan demonstrations and live entertainment.
10. Disney California Adventure Park — Anaheim, California
Although this California-inspired park isn’t as popular as the iconic nearby Disneyland park, it’s still a top choice for fun attractions and themed lands, including Avengers Campus, which is scheduled to open this summer.
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11. Bay Beach Amusement Park — Green Bay, Wisconsin
This Green Bay amusement park opened in the 1890s, so it’s been entertaining families for over 100 years. Additionally, admission is free (although you must purchase a ticket to enjoy the rides).
12. Fun Spot America — Kissimmee, Florida
Arcade and carnival-style games, as well as classic amusement park rides like bumper cars and go-karts, make it a fun and affordable option in Central Florida.
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13. Knobel’s Amusement Resort — Elysburg, Pennsylvania
As the nation’s largest free-admission park, Knobels has something for the whole family, from thrilling coasters to kid-friendly rides and pay-as-you-go attractions.
14. Santa’s Village — Jefferson, New Hampshire
Santa’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire is a holiday-themed amusement park with winter and Christmas-themed rides and attractions, so it’s Christmas all year round.
15. Sea Breeze Amusement Park — Rochester, New York
This amusement park in Rochester, New York, has all kinds of kid-friendly rides, coasters, a water park, and wholesome family fun.
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16. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — Tampa, Florida
This African-themed amusement park features exciting rides for the whole family, as well as over 200 species in one of the most accredited zoos in the country.
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17. Funland — Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
No list of America’s top amusement parks would be complete without the classic Beach Boardwalk Park. Funland features more than 10 of his carnival-style rides (mostly for kids), games, arcades, and more.
18. Dutch Wonderland — Lancaster, Pennsylvania
This children’s amusement park is located just an hour and a half from Philadelphia and is next door to the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed hotel.
19. Canobie Lake Park — Salem, New Hampshire
This amusement park is located on Canobie Lake, New Hampshire, and offers over 85 rides and attractions, as well as classic snacks like popcorn, caramel apples, and lemonade.
20. Silverwood Theme Park — Athol, ID
Located in northern Idaho, Silverwood Theme Park is the largest theme park in the Northwest with dozens of water slides, rides, and attractions.
21. Kingdom of Kentucky — Louisville, Kentucky
This Louisville amusement and water park features six coasters, a Ferris wheel, rides for kids, and more.
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22. Nickelodeon Universe — Bloomington, Minnesota
Located in Minnesota’s Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe is a comic book-inspired indoor theme park packed with family-friendly fun.
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23. Busch Gardens Williamsburg — Williamsburg, Virginia
Visit Italy, Germany, France, and more in an afternoon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a European-themed amusement park near historic Virginia City. What could be better than a coaster followed by internationally influenced cuisine?
24. Cedar Point — Sandusky, Ohio
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point is known for its thrilling roller coasters (the park has a whopping 18, to be exact) and its history dating back 150 years.
25. Legoland California — Carlsbad, California
Legoland California, the first Legoland amusement park in the United States, offers a variety of Lego-themed rides, attractions, and experiences primarily aimed at children and their families.
