Top 20 Theme Parks

Every amusement park guest will have their own ranking of the top 20 theme parks, but what makes parks consistently popular, and what parks are a sure bet for a great theme park getaway?

The best parks have something for everyone.

Ranking Theme Parks

Many characteristics must be considered when deciding if a park is one of the best. Factors include:

• Rides: The core attraction of any amusement park is its ride collection, and a diverse selection of fun and thrilling rides is a better option for a great vacation.
• Family Attractions: Parks that feature rides and activities for all ages, from young children to teenagers to adults to seniors, will give a better experience for the whole family to enjoy.
• Location: Everyone’s top park list is influenced by their location and local parks, and the best parks are easily accessible to travelers as well.
• Entertainment: In addition to exciting rides, parks with great shows are more enjoyable to visit.
• Food: A wide selection of dining options including healthier menu options, children’s portions, classic fare, and full service restaurants is sure to entice visitors to rank a park highly.
• Affordability: The best parks are not only great destinations, but they offer fabulous value for their price. While everyone’s price range differs, no one can argue with a great deal.

LoveToKnow’s Top 20 Theme Parks

LoveToKnow Theme Parks has chosen the 20 best parks in North America based on what they offer visitors, their affordability, and their general excitement for guests. In no particular order, our top 20 theme parks are…

• Cedar Point Amusement Park: This 364-acre park in northern Ohio features world class roller coasters, classic rides, diverse shows, and extensive children’s areas, giving it truly something for everyone.
• Hershey Amusement Park: Guests will have a sweet experience when they visit this chocolate-themed park in Pennsylvania. Adding to this park’s prestige is the proximity of additional Hershey chocolate attractions, including a factory tour and chocolate spa.
• Disney World: The collection of fantastic Disney theme parks in Florida is a fantasy destination for young and old. From castles to coasters to water parks to zoos, guests will never leave disappointed.
• Disneyland: Both the Disneyland theme park and Disney’s California Adventure are fantastic parks for the whole family to enjoy. While they are smaller than their sister parks in Florida, they still deliver a magical getaway.
• Six Flags Magic Mountain: This thrill park in Los Angeles has a staggering selection of roller coasters and other rides and is conveniently located near many other exciting attractions in southern California.

Have a splash at the best water parks!

• Busch Gardens: Williamsburg: This Virginia park not only offers beautifully themed hamlets and carefully groomed gardens, but the historic attractions in Williamsburg make this destination both fun and educational.
• Noah's Ark Water Park: This 70-acre Wisconsin Dells water park is one of the largest in the country and has a wide range of splashtastic attractions, including water slides, rivers, pools, and more. Children’s areas are available for younger guests, and visitors who want to stay dry can enjoy arcades and other attractions.
• King’s Island Theme Park: This Ohio park features two of the world’s most famous wooden roller coasters, Beast and Son of Beast, as well as other rides, shows, and attractions that make it a superb value.
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Located in San Antonio, this Six Flags theme park location is consistently recognized for the best shows in the amusement industry. Furthermore, its thrill rides are top notch and it offers exciting attractions for all ages.
• Canada's Wonderland: This Toronto park features a diverse collection of more than 65 rides, as well as a 20 acre water park for guests to enjoy.
• Sea World Orlando: Enjoy the Kraken roller coaster, intimate animal exhibits, and exciting educational shows at this sea life park in Florida.
• Islands of Adventure: No park in the world comes close to the incredible theming of this Florida park, whether guests prefer the Incredible Hulk roller coaster on Marvel Comic island, the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, or the magical world of Harry Potter.
• Las Vegas: Though not a theme park in the traditional sense, Las Vegas is a park-like destination featuring stunning shows, roller coasters, fine dining, and more.
• Knott’s Berry Farm: This southern California park delivers family fun with good roller coasters, amazing food, and more, all at an affordable price.
• Schlitterbahn Water Parks: This trio of water parks in Texas are some of the highest rated in the world, featuring innovative rides and the most thrilling aqua-attractions on the planet.
• Six Flags Great Adventure: This New Jersey park combines exciting rides, exotic animals, and a fabulous water park into one for a great vacation.

Kingda Ka, Six Flags Great Adventure

• Kennywood Amusement Park: The nostalgic rides of this family-friendly park are perfect for all ages to enjoy.
• Kalahari Water Park: This immense indoor water park is one of the largest in the nation, featuring slides, surfing simulators, a wave pool, rivers, and more.
• Holiday World: This Indiana park is a great way to celebrate favorite holidays all season long with its unique theming, great rides, free soda, and jovial atmosphere.
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: The oldest theme park in California, this classic seaside park has fun rides and a great lineup of events all year long.

Choosing Your Own Top 20 Parks

Every visitor will make their list of the top 20 theme parks based on their experiences, preferences, and enjoyment. Let this list be a guide for discovering what different parks have to offer so you can plan your next getaway to a guaranteed great park.

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