From coast to coast, each state has an amusement park that stands out for its thrills, family-friendly activities, or unique experiences. Each of these top-rated amusement parks offers something unique from thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, to water parks perfect for summer. Let’s check out these parks across all 50 states, which promise memorable experiences for everyone, no matter where you live.
Alabama: OWA in Foley
OWA, located in Foley, Alabama, is one of the top-rated amusement destinations in the state. With over 20 rides, a downtown district filled with restaurants and shops, and frequent live events, OWA combines Southern charm with fun. Visitors love its family-friendly atmosphere and exciting roller coasters like Rollin’ Thunder.
Alaska: Pioneer Park in Fairbanks
Pioneer Park may not be your typical amusement park, but it’s beloved by locals and visitors alike for its historical exhibits, mini-golf, and the scenic railroad ride. TripAdvisor reviews praise its unique Alaskan charm, making it a must-visit in Fairbanks.
Arizona: Castles N’ Coasters in Phoenix
Phoenix’s Castles N’ Coasters continues to be a popular choice among families, offering a mix of thrilling rides like Desert Storm, mini-golf, and arcade games. The park’s TripAdvisor reviews highlight the variety of activities, making it a perfect day out for all ages.
Arkansas: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park in Hot Springs
Magic Springs remains a favorite destination in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The park’s dual attractions—a thrilling theme park and a refreshing water park—keep families coming back. According to TripAdvisor, rides like the Arkansas Twister and Crystal Falls are top crowd-pleasers.
California: Disneyland Resort in Anaheim
Disneyland Resort consistently ranks as the top amusement park in California. As “The Happiest Place on Earth,” visitors on TripAdvisor rave about iconic attractions such as Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the immersive experiences across various lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Colorado: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers stunning mountain views and thrilling rides. This park is highly rated on TripAdvisor for unique attractions like the Haunted Mine Drop and Alpine Coaster, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Connecticut: Lake Compounce in Bristol
As the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the U.S., Lake Compounce blends history with thrills. TripAdvisor reviewers love its top-rated Boulder Dash wooden roller coaster and water park. It’s a top pick for families looking for a day of fun.
Delaware: Funland in Rehoboth Beach
This small, family-owned amusement park is a favorite at Rehoboth Beach. Funland’s classic rides, like the carousel and bumper cars, make it a nostalgic destination. TripAdvisor reviews emphasize its affordability and beachside location as a plus for summer visitors.
Florida: Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando
While Disney World may be iconic, Universal Orlando takes the TripAdvisor crown for its thrilling rides and immersive experiences. From The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the adrenaline-pumping Hulk coaster, Universal is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and film enthusiasts alike.
Georgia: Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell
Six Flags Over Georgia continues to dominate as the top amusement park in the state. Visitors love the variety of roller coasters, especially Goliath, one of the tallest hypercoasters. Water rides like Thunder River make it a summer favorite according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Hawaii: Wet’n’Wild Hawaii in Kapolei
Wet’n’Wild Hawaii, located on Oahu, is a tropical water park that’s perfect for escaping the heat. TripAdvisor reviewers highlight the park’s array of water slides, including the adrenaline-pumping Tornado, and the serene lazy river for family relaxation.
Idaho: Silverwood Theme Park in Athol
Silverwood is a Pacific Northwest gem, with roller coasters like Aftershock and a massive water park, Boulder Beach. According to TripAdvisor reviews, visitors love the balance between thrilling rides and scenic beauty, making it a top choice for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Illinois: Six Flags Great America in Gurnee
Just north of Chicago, Six Flags Great America remains a favorite. TripAdvisor reviews recommend coasters like Goliath and the Maxx Force as must-rides for adrenaline junkies. The attached Hurricane Harbor water park is also a hit for cooling off during the summer months.
Indiana: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus
Holiday World offers a unique experience by combining holiday-themed sections with thrilling coasters and an expansive water park. According to TripAdvisor, the park’s free soft drinks, sunscreen, and Wi-Fi enhance the overall value, making it a family favorite.
Iowa: Adventureland Resort in Altoona
Adventureland in Altoona provides a fun mix of thrill rides and water attractions. Visitors love The Monster, a steel roller coaster known for its inversions. According to TripAdvisor, the park’s cleanliness and friendly staff make it stand out among other Midwest amusement parks.
Kansas: Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO
Worlds of Fun, technically in Missouri but close enough to Kansas City, offers classic thrill rides and water attractions. TripAdvisor users praise the park for its family-friendly environment and thrilling coasters like the Mamba.
Kentucky: Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville
Kentucky Kingdom is a top-rated amusement park with standout attractions like the Lightning Run roller coaster. Visitors also enjoy the expansive Hurricane Bay water park. TripAdvisor reviews frequently mention the park’s affordable pricing and wide variety of rides.
Louisiana: Blue Bayou Waterpark & Dixie Landin’ in Baton Rouge
Blue Bayou Waterpark & Dixie Landin’ provides a mix of traditional amusement park rides and water-based fun. Visitors on TripAdvisor appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and recommend cooling off in the wave pool on a hot Louisiana day.
Maine: Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco
Funtown Splashtown USA offers a perfect mix of dry rides and water attractions. Popular with TripAdvisor users, the Excalibur wooden coaster and Thunder Falls Log Flume are must-rides, while the water park provides much-needed relief during the summer.
Maryland: Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro
Six Flags America offers a mix of thrill rides and family attractions. The Superman Ride of Steel is a favorite for adrenaline junkies, while TripAdvisor reviews highlight the park’s value with the inclusion of Hurricane Harbor for water park lovers.
Massachusetts: Six Flags New England in Agawam
Six Flags New England is known for its intense coasters, including Wicked Cyclone and Superman: The Ride. According to TripAdvisor reviews, the park’s variety of thrill rides and family-friendly options make it a top pick in New England.
Michigan: Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon
Michigan’s Adventure offers a wide variety of rides, from the massive Shivering Timbers roller coaster to the Thunderhawk, Michigan’s first suspended looping coaster. TripAdvisor users love the water park and commend the park’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Minnesota: Valleyfair in Shakopee
Valleyfair in Shakopee is Minnesota’s largest amusement park. Popular rides like Wild Thing and Renegade offer thrills for adrenaline seekers, while the park’s water park is a hit during hot summers. TripAdvisor reviews frequently mention the friendly staff and clean facilities.
Mississippi: Geyser Falls Water Theme Park in Choctaw
Geyser Falls, though primarily a water park, is Mississippi’s top amusement destination according to TripAdvisor. With a lazy river, wave pools, and exciting water slides, it’s perfect for a fun family outing during the hot summer months.
Missouri: Silver Dollar City in Branson
Silver Dollar City remains a beloved destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. The park blends 1880s Ozark culture with modern attractions like the Time Traveler roller coaster. TripAdvisor users rave about the park’s friendly staff, cleanliness, and top-tier entertainment.
Montana: Big Sky Waterpark in Columbia Falls
Big Sky Waterpark is Montana’s largest water park, featuring water slides, a lazy river, and family-friendly activities. TripAdvisor reviews highlight the park’s stunning views of Glacier National Park and the relaxing atmosphere perfect for families.
Nebraska: Fun-Plex in Omaha
Fun-Plex is Nebraska’s largest amusement park, offering a mix of water rides and roller coasters. According to TripAdvisor, the park’s Big Ohhhhhh roller coaster and water attractions like the lazy river are top reasons visitors keep coming back.
Nevada: Adventuredome in Las Vegas
Adventuredome at Circus Circus in Las Vegas is a popular indoor amusement park. TripAdvisor reviews recommend thrill rides like Canyon Blaster and El Loco, which offer a break from the Vegas heat. The park is a hit for families and thrill-seekers visiting the Strip.
New Hampshire: Story Land in Glen
Story Land is a family-oriented amusement park that brings classic fairy tales to life. TripAdvisor reviewers love the park’s scenic setting and charming attractions like the Polar Coaster and Alice in Wonderland-themed rides, making it a top pick for young families.
New Jersey: Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson
Six Flags Great Adventure is home to Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world. According to TripAdvisor, the park offers an exciting mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions, along with a safari experience where guests can see animals up close.
New Mexico: Cliff’s Amusement Park in Albuquerque
Cliff’s Amusement Park offers a mix of family rides and roller coasters, with the New Mexico Rattler standing out as a fan favorite. TripAdvisor reviews praise the park’s affordability and classic fairground atmosphere.
New York: Luna Park at Coney Island in Brooklyn
Coney Island’s Luna Park is an iconic New York destination, offering classic rides like the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel. According to TripAdvisor reviews, visitors love the nostalgic atmosphere, beachside location, and historic attractions.
North Carolina: Carowinds in Charlotte
Carowinds straddles the border between North and South Carolina, offering top-notch roller coasters like Fury 325 and a massive water park. TripAdvisor reviews highlight the park’s cleanliness, thrilling rides, and its perfect mix of attractions for all ages.
North Dakota: Super Slide Amusement Park in Bismarck
Super Slide Amusement Park in Bismarck is a small, family-friendly park with go-karts, mini-golf, and classic amusement rides. TripAdvisor reviewers recommend it for a relaxing day out, especially for families with young children.
Ohio: Cedar Point in Sandusky
Cedar Point is dubbed “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World” for good reason. With 18 coasters, including Millennium Force and Steel Vengeance, it’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers. TripAdvisor reviews often mention the park’s well-maintained rides and stunning views of Lake Erie.
Oklahoma: Frontier City in Oklahoma City
Frontier City offers a Wild West theme with a variety of family-friendly rides and shows. Visitors on TripAdvisor enjoy the park’s old-time atmosphere, highlighting rides like Silver Bullet and the Wildcat roller coaster.
Oregon: Enchanted Forest in Turner
Enchanted Forest is a whimsical park featuring fairy tale-themed attractions. TripAdvisor users love its charm, especially the Ice Mountain Bobsleds and the immersive walk-through fairy tale scenes. It’s a magical experience for kids and families alike.
Pennsylvania: Hersheypark in Hershey
Hersheypark combines thrilling coasters like Candymonium with chocolate-themed fun. Visitors on TripAdvisor appreciate the clean park, friendly staff, and wide variety of rides. The adjacent Hershey’s Chocolate World is a bonus for those looking to indulge.
Rhode Island: Atlantic Beach Park in Westerly
This small amusement park offers classic rides like a carousel and bumper cars, making it a charming summer destination. TripAdvisor reviews highlight its beachfront location and nostalgic appeal for families vacationing in Westerly.
South Carolina: Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach
Family Kingdom offers classic seaside amusement with rides like the Swamp Fox wooden coaster and the Sling Shot. TripAdvisor reviewers enjoy its beachfront setting and affordable ticket prices, making it a popular stop for Myrtle Beach tourists.
South Dakota: Rush Mountain Adventure Park in Keystone
Rush Mountain Adventure Park combines thrill rides with cave exploration. Visitors on TripAdvisor recommend the Rushmore Mountain Coaster for its scenic views and exciting turns, and the park’s mountain setting makes it a unique adventure spot.
Tennessee: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge
Dollywood is one of the most beloved amusement parks in the country, combining Southern hospitality with thrilling coasters and live entertainment. TripAdvisor reviews rave about the park’s clean facilities, friendly staff, and immersive attractions like the Wild Eagle roller coaster.
Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio
Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio offers a variety of thrilling rides, from Superman Krypton Coaster to Iron Rattler. According to TripAdvisor, the park’s entertainment, water park, and stunning cliffside views make it a must-visit in the Lone Star State.
Utah: Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington
Lagoon Amusement Park is Utah’s top amusement destination. Coasters like Cannibal and Wicked are crowd favorites, while the park’s Lagoon-A-Beach water park is a great spot to cool off. TripAdvisor reviews frequently highlight the friendly staff and the wide variety of attractions.
Vermont: Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Cambridge
Best known for its skiing, Smugglers’ Notch also offers family-friendly amusement during the summer. Visitors enjoy the resort’s water slides, zip lines, and adventure courses. TripAdvisor reviews highlight the park’s scenic beauty and kid-friendly activities.
Virginia: Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is often ranked as one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world, with European-themed sections and thrilling rides. According to TripAdvisor, rides like Griffon and Apollo’s Chariot are must-tries, while the park’s landscaping and animal exhibits enhance the experience.
Washington: Wild Waves Theme & Water Park in Federal Way
Wild Waves is the premier amusement destination in Washington state, featuring water slides, roller coasters, and family-friendly rides. TripAdvisor reviews highlight the Timberhawk roller coaster and the park’s fun mix of water attractions.
West Virginia: Camden Park in Huntington
Camden Park is West Virginia’s only amusement park and has been a family staple for over 100 years. Visitors on TripAdvisor appreciate its vintage rides like the Big Dipper and the relaxed atmosphere, making it a nostalgic favorite for locals.
Wisconsin: Noah’s Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells
Noah’s Ark is the largest water park in the United States, featuring massive water slides and wave pools. TripAdvisor reviews commend the park for its cleanliness, variety of attractions, and fun atmosphere, especially for families with kids.
Wyoming: Star Plunge in Thermopolis
Star Plunge in Hot Springs State Park offers a mix of natural hot springs and water park attractions. Visitors enjoy the hot mineral pools and thrilling water slides. TripAdvisor users frequently recommend the park for its relaxing yet fun-filled environment.
Looking for more tips and recommendations to enhance your travel adventures? Whether you’re planning your next trip to one of these incredible amusement parks or just exploring new travel destinations, we’ve got you covered with our in-depth guides. For more travel tips and hacks, visit our website and explore our resources to enhance your next adventure.