9 Best Theme Parks in the USA

Disneyland Park was built in 1955 by Walt Disney and features 8 themed areas that are packed with rides, colourful characters, live music, and street parades. Located on Disneyland Drive, it’s easily one of the best theme parks in the USA (and world). 

Thrill seekers can enjoy exhilarating rides at the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, while families with young kids can explore the Sleeping Beauty Castle and meet Disney princesses at the Royal Hall.

Universal Studios Florida draws in the bumper crowds with its long line-up of Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions. Taking up half of the wider Universal Orlando complex, you get to get up-close with those naughty yellow minions from Despicable Me, fly across Springfield with The Simpsons, ward off alien attacks in the Men in Black simulator, or get lost in a world of magic on the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride. 

Compared to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the action here is more focused on delivering an immersive movie experience, with state-of-the-art technology used throughout the range of simulators.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is one of the largest theme parks in the USA – you can have fun at 6 different lands inspired by popular fairy tales. The iconic Cinderella Castle stands as the park’s centrepiece, and is lit up every night at 10pm by the famous fireworks display (that can be seen for free if you get close enough). 

Entrance into the park – which starts at around $100 – unravels a whole world of Disney-inspired shows, parades, roller coasters, rides and simulators, most of which cater more towards the younger kids. Among the available areas are Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Main Street, and Liberty Square.

Luna Park, founded in the early 1900s, is a longstanding theme park on New York’s Coney Island. Visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 25 thrilling rides and dozens of traditional fairground and arcade games. 

One of the busiest theme parks in the USA, its iconic Coney Island Cyclone is a roller coaster ride that has been thrilling visitors since 1937. It has 12 drops and 27 elevation changes, as well as a 26-metre plunge with speeds of up to 60 mph.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is made up of 7 different areas, namely the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, and Marvel Super Hero Island. Opened in 1999, the park has live action stunt shows for entertaining both adults and kids. 

Rollercoasters and themed rides tower overhead, and immersive simulators place you in the middle of your favourite movies – ideal for those who prefer their adrenaline fix to be a bit closer to the ground.

Cedar Point has more than 70 thrilling rides, 17 of which are roller coasters of varying sizes and speed. Founded in 1870, it’s the oldest theme parks in the USA. A popular ride here is Valravn, a dive coaster that rides up to 67 metres before dropping at a 90-degree angle. 

For something a little less daunting, Cedar Point has family-friendly attractions such as water playgrounds, kid-sized slides, carousel, and mini cars.

Knott’s Berry Farm has been entertaining many with its family-friendly rides and live shows since 1920. Located in Anaheim’s Buena Park, the 160-acre park features Ghost Town, an Old Western town that hosts entertaining shows all year round. 

You get to explore the town on a stagecoach and check out Old West artefacts at the Western Trails Museum. One of its most popular rides is GhostRider, a wooden roller coaster that towers almost 40 metres above the town.

Disney California Adventure Park offers plenty of thrilling rides, from simulated hang gliders to rope bridges surrounded by evergreen trees. Located in Disneyland Drive, you get to experience Walt Disney’s life back in 1923 by enjoying a trolley ride through Buena Vista Street, a vibrant walking street that’s filled with Art Deco buildings, retro restaurants, and cafés. 

The Pixar Pier features classic rides, such as midway games, a rollercoaster, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel decorated with characters from The Incredibles, Inside Out, and Toy Story.

Six Flags Magic Mountain has more than 18 roller coasters, some of which are inspired by DC characters such as the Green Lantern and Batman. Located in California, the theme park is known for its CraZanity ride, which is one of the fastest pendulum rides in the world. You get to experience speeds of up to 75 mph and dangle from a height of 50 metres above the ground. 

There are also many immersive experiences at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis is a 4D theatrical experience featuring life-like animatronic characters, special effects, and moving seats that travel through 10 scenes.