Are you searching for a few extra pumps of adrenaline this summer? If you’ve had your fill of the place where dreams come true, you can dream up a few new adventures anywhere from Georgia to Idaho.
Below, we’ll sail through 15 different theme parks that pack just as much of a punch as the magical fairyland that is Disneyland.
Busch Gardens, Florida
If you’ve traded in your resident pass to Disney, you can detour from Orlando to Tampa for all the fun on deck at Busch Gardens.
It’s arguably one of the most beautiful theme parks in the country – with another one up in Virginia. Here, they combine lush gardens, friendly zoos, and a whole host of rides to enjoy.
Given its beautiful surroundings, there will be plenty of selfie spots throughout the park, filled with bright flowers, delicious snacks, and colorful rides like the can’t-miss Serengeti Flyer.
Lake Winnepesaukah, Georgia
While Florida stakes its claim to fame in the land of theme parks, its neighbor up north has a special little treasure.
Locals and visitors lovingly call it Lake Winnie as it steals the hearts of kids year after year. It offers rides aboard plenty of the classics like bumper cars and ferris wheels. It also has its fair share of rollercoasters and a thrilling little water park.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, Arkansas
This is, indeed, a magical theme park because it’s the only one in America on the grounds of a US National Park.
Hot Springs National Park is well-worth a visit, all on its own. But, this theme park and water park ups the ante if you have kids on board.
There are over 80 attractions in the main park. Then, the water park, Splash Island, features over 10 slides for everyone to zip down.
Dollywood, Tennessee
Sweet Dolly – is there anything she can’t do? For a lovely dose of cheer, stop by this theme park that neighbors the breathtaking Smoky Mountains.
With plenty of snacks to enjoy, as well as musical delights at night, the one ride you can’t skip is The Wild Eagle coaster, where you’ll soar through the air on the wings of an eagle.
There’s also a water park here for you to enjoy. And, if that’s more your speed, we also have a detailed list of affordable water parks all across the US.
Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
This part of Pennsylvania has so many wonderful resorts for you and your loved ones to luxuriate in. But, while in this corner of the state, be sure to stop by the “sweetest place on earth.”
A full blown resort in its own right, you can easily zip back and forth from your rooms to a huge menu of roller coasters and water slides. Hersheypark really has it all, and it’ll leave you with a mashup of memories you’ll always look back on.
If you think you’d enjoy a package deal like Hersheypark, check out this list of America’s top 25 theme park hotels.
Luna Park in Coney Island, New York
Luna Park is located in world-famous Coney Island. While it’s most noted for its boardwalk and Tom Hanks’ movie, Big, it also showcases 29 adrenaline-pumping rides.
The Coney Island Cyclone is its most visited ride. But, you can also slow things down with a spin around the carousel and the Luna 360 as you take in the views over the boardwalk.
While you’re here, you also have to indulge in a hot dog from Nathan’s – maybe after everyone’s ridden the rides.
Adventureland, Iowa
If you find yourself in Iowa, stay a while at the Adventureland Resort. Most notably, its bright green roller coaster will spin you through the air with the greatest of ease.
Two parks in the list below have a nice Wild West theme. Here, you’ll find a vivacious Viking theme, meaning you have to go for a ride on the Flying Viking.
Silverwood Theme Park, Idaho
Idaho put all that open space to good use when Silverwood was created. It showcases over 70 rides, making for an action-packed day.
If you have a mind to test your equilibrium, go for a spin on Spincycle, a dizzying ride that will spin you through the air, leaving your arms and legs dangling helplessly in the air.
Kentucky Kingdom, Kentucky
Ah, Kentucky. The beautiful land of bourbon. After a fun-filled day in the sun, you can relive your adventures with a glass of Woodford Reserve.
Kentucky Kingdom is only open in the summer. But, it’s right outside Louisville, so you can really make a nice trip out of this theme park.
While inside, you’ll white-knuckle it through a whole host of rides. Then, you can cool off in Hurricane Bay, its on-site water park.
Frontier City, Oklahoma
If you ever find yourself in Tornado Alley, take a spin in this theme park chock full of character, thanks to its Wild West theme.
As you soar through the air, you’ll also be able to dip back in time with its replicas of old saloons, banks, and western stores.
Cedar Point, Ohio
Cedar Point also has an enchanting Wild West theme. This is a famous theme park in Sandusky with a family-friendly resort attached, like Hersheypark.
With nearly 70 rides on offer, they’re actually still expanding the park. They have the Top Thrill 2 on tap for the summer of 2024. When it opens, it will have the proud privilege of being the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster.
Valleyfair, Minnesota
The jewel in this bright light of a theme park is Power Tower where riders are slowly drawn upwards, only to freefall 250 feet, leaving their stomachs behind, suspended somewhere in the air. Locals like to come here in the summer to cool off in Soak City, its on-site water park.
By the way, if you’d like to expand your search, here are the must-visit amusement parks around the world.
Glenwood Caverns, Colorado
While Colorado has a monopoly on ski resorts, it also has a few theme parks worth a visit. Glenwood Caverns is tucked away in the mountains near Glenwood Springs – a gorgeous city in its own right.
Glenwood Caverns makes use of its mountainous location with thrilling rides like the Alpine Coaster and Canyon Swing. This is a truly special place where you can soak up the Rockies while enjoying the rides of your life.
Six Flags Great Adventure, California
After you leave Coney Island, you can head south to Six Flags in New Jersey. But, there’s also another spot in California, about an hour outside Los Angeles.
Six Flags is up there with Disney, in terms of doing it right. With 20 roller coasters and plenty of family-friendly shows to attend, this is a wonderful experience that can last the whole day and well into the night.
Oaks Amusement Park, Oregon
If you’re ever enjoying the sights of the Pacific Northwest, consider a stopover at Oaks Amusement Park.
It’s a manageable afternoon activity, with only about 20 rides on offer. Its featured ride is the Adrenaline Peak with a steep vertical drop, followed by a dizzying corkscrew.
Its claim to fame, however, is that it welcomes visitors year over year to one of the largest roller skating rinks in the USA. Indeed, there are plenty of memories in the making in this colorful little park.
Make It a Thrill-Seeking Summer
While many of these parks are open year-round, they’re even a little more fun in the summer because of their attached water parks.
Wherever you’re headed in this great, glorious nation, we have a destination guide to help you maximize your time in each theme park, as well as the surrounding areas.