There are many amusement and theme parks and attractions here in the U.S. with some having millions of visitors a year. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), they expect to see a 2 percent boost in North American theme park attendance, representing more than 300 million visits in 2024. Consumer spending is expected to match the pace, with more than $32 billion projected to be spent.
Looking to plan the perfect theme park vacation and trying to pick which park to visit can potentially be overwhelming. To help narrow down the options, USA TODAY, 10 Best asked a panel of experts to nominate their top 20 parks across the country. Then, their readers voted for their favorites.
2 Florida Theme Parks Are Some of the Best in the U.S.
You may have guessed it, and yes, an Orlando theme park is on their list. SeaWorld Orlando scored spot number 3. The park was highlighted for its high-octane thrill rides, specifically Manta, which they said is one of the only coasters of its kind in the world. They also pointed out Mako, a hypercoaster with "deep dives, high speeds, and thrills aplenty." Some upcoming events coming to the park include its 60th Anniversary Celebration, Seven Seas Food Festival 5k, a Mother's Day Brunch, and other events.
Lower on the list at number 9 is Tampa's Busch Gardens. "While Busch Gardens is most famously known as an amusement park filled with thrill rides, the Tampa location is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and offers abundant animal encounters as well," they said. Right now, the park continues its featured event, the Food and Wine Festival, until May 19. There are also live performances planned for this month, which you can check out here.
The Number One Theme Park in the U.S.
The number one best theme park on their list is Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City. This city has an 1880s mining town theme and, according to the ranking, attracts 2 million visitors annually. They were highlighted for their combination of entertainment, festivals, 100 resident craftsmen, and more than 40 rides and attractions. The park is also home to Time Traveler, the "world's fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster." This year, the theme park has a Bluegrass & BBQ event planned, a Summer Celebration, a Harvest Festival, a Christmas event, and other events, according to its website.
Take a look at the complete list of best theme parks in the U.S. here.
10 Best Amusement Parks in America
America doesn't lack for having the best amusement parks. Whether you're a daredevil and want to ride the tallest, scariest roller coasters in the world or prefer just eating park food, a day at the park can be a super fun experience.
One great thing about theme parks is that you can usually find one within driving distance. This makes amusement parks a reasonable choice for a family vacation or weekend giveaway, especially if money is an issue. Amusement parks are also great for capturing memories for kids. When I was a child, my family took me to several parks in Michigan, California, Ohio and Florida, so I have great memories from those trips.
The best theme parks also have convenient lodging nearby, making the trip truly seamless. That's not to mention the awesome water parks that are often attached to today's theme parks. Also, even though theme parks are meant for kids, it's obvious that adults can have just as much fun at them, too.
Read on for our list of the 10 best amusement parks in America, from Cedar Point to Hersheypark. All of these are famous for their attractions, food and more. What's your favorite? Reach out to us on social media and let us know.
10. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood is a favorite that's located in the Great Smokey Mountain area. Of course, it's named after the one and only Dolly Parton. If you're a country music fan, this is a must-see stop. Even if you aren't a huge country music listener, it's a great, traditional amusement park.
9. Kings Island, Mason, Ohio
Kings Island Theme Park is a little bit off the radar, but it's a great park. It's known for not only its amusement park but also its fantastic water park. Kings Island features a range of coasters, Planet Snoopy for the kids and more.
8. Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland is simply legendary. Whoever had the idea to make an entire amusement park dedicated to Legos is a genius. The amusement park offers fun rides, live entertainment and more. You'll find a Legoland Water Park, too.
7. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of those parks that you just hear about a lot. I feel like I've been hearing about it since I was a little kid, but I've never been there. Busch Gardens is known for being extremely beautiful and scenic, which is rare for an amusement park.
6. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California
Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is another spot that I've had the pleasure of visiting. When I was a kid, my family took me to California to see my aunt, and we went to not only Disneyland but also Knott's Berry Farm. The amusement park has more than 165 rides, attractions and more. They also have fun holiday and Halloween events.
5. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California (and in many other states)
Six Flags Magic Mountain is another huge name when it comes to parks. The spot, located in Valencia, California, is known for its amazing coasters. What's cool is that the park offers a mix of scary-type coasters for the big kids (and adults) and tame coasters for the kids (and wimpy adults, like me). Other Six Flags parks also belong here, too, as the chain has lots of locations across America.
4: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, California
If you want that Disney experience but live on the West Coast, then you're much closer to Disney California Adventure Park, aka "Disneyland," than you are to Disney World. I've actually been to both parks, since my aunt lives near Disneyland, and I went as a kid. The park is super fun for those of any age, and it really gives you that Disney movie experience, but in a park. The park has been updated over the years, but it's more classic than Disney World.
3. Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
If you're in the Pennsylvania area, then you absolutely have to go to Hersheypark. The park, which is owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, helps to keep Milton S. Hershey's legacy alive. Not only do you get chocolate (yum!), but Hersheypark also offers roller coasters, water rides and more fun.
2. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
There is something simply classic about Walt Disney World. It should be every kid's right of passage to go here. I'm fortunate that my parents took me to Disney World twice when I was little. I loved meeting my favorite princesses, but there is plenty to do for adults at the park, too.
1. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Cedar Point is legendary in the Midwest. The park is considered the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World," since it has so many fantastic coasters to ride. If you're looking for major thrills, plus stuff to do for the family, Cedar Point is a great spot. Plus, it's not as pricey as some of the major parks.
