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This holiday season, you have all the time in the world to spend with your children. And what better way to engage in fun with friends and family than to visit an amusement park? We bring you the best theme parks for kids in the USA where you can enjoy thrilling rides, animal performances, family-friendly games, and picture-perfect moments to last a lifetime. Amusement parks are ideal holiday destinations for kids of all ages, so find your spot and enjoy.
Key Pointers
- Theme parks offer age-appropriate thrilling rides, family-friendly games, and animal performances.
- In California, Legoland is considered one of the top-most parks with different themed areas and an attached hotel.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Hersheypark, Hershey, Victorian Gardens, New York, and Story Land, New Hampshire, are exciting places that entertain your children.
11 Best Theme Parks For Kids In USA
Here are ten theme parks in the US that are guaranteed to deliver a day of thrill and laughter. Whether you are looking for a fun time with family or a toddler-friendly vacation, these theme parks offer the best of both worlds.
1. LEGOLAND, California
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The LEGOLAND, packed with activities, exhilarating rides, and endless photo opportunities, is an enchanted oasis of family fun. This 150-acre theme park in America has around 50 attractions, including a botanical garden. The park has ten themed areas, including Dino Island, where the dinosaurs guard the territory and the Caste Hill, where the Lego kings and queen rule.
Even the safety standards of this park are very high. For instance, the Duplo Train has key locks so kids cannot climb out when the ride is moving. You can even book a suite at the LEGOLAND Hotel if you are planning an overnight or weekend stay.
Rachel Teodoro, a mother of three from Seattle, shares her experience of visiting Legoland with her family. She says, “Legoland’s weekday hours are 10-5. To get the most out of the price of admission, we made sure we were at the gate early. Before even walking through the gates there were several lines (parking lot, admission tickets and turnstile) to wait in. Thankfully, none were too long. Parking is $12 a day and several area hotels offer free shuttles or even a private entrance to the park (Sheraton). Legoland will have you constantly saying “ooh” and “ah” and “look!” at all of the life-size models throughout the park. We were constantly amazed at the detail on the sculptures and loved seeing them placed throughout the park (i).”
2. Disneyland, California
Image: disneyland.disney.go.com
With over 60 attractions and rides, Disneyland Park is the stuff of every kid’s dream. The theme park has some impressive attractions, be it the Pirates of the Caribbean boat tour or the Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging, where the little ones can compete with the beam lasers.
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, then explore the ill-fated temple at the Indiana Jones Adventure. Kids will also get endless opportunities to interact with their favorite Disney characters. Just like the LEGOLAND, Disneyland too has hotel accommodations with remodeled rooms, a toddler splash zone, and a pool with three slides. This is one of the top theme parks in the USA to have fun with your kids.
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando
Image: Jennifer Lynn – Disney Animal Kingdom
When it comes to theme parks in the United States, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been at the forefront of family entertainment for years. Here, your little ones can get up close and personal with the utterly cuddly animals at the Affection Section, where cows, pigs, donkeys and sheep rule the roost. Continue the fun at The Boneyard’s, the park’s archeological digging site where visitors can explore the world of dinosaurs. If your kid is 44 inches or taller, then allow him to take the Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, a thrilling roller coaster ride weaving throughout the Himalayan mountain setting.
Did you know?4. Universal’s Islands Of Adventure, Orlando
Image: Kjersti Holmang
Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the first TV based theme park in the USA, make two of the children’s’ favorite book series come alive. The tiny tots will adore the Seuss Landing featuring rides inspired by Dr. Seuss’ classic tales. They even have themed-food like green eggs and ham for lunch. School going kids will be amazed seeing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Do not forget to try out the ever popular non-alcoholic, wizarding beverage, butterbeer!
5. Sesame Place, Philadelphia
Image: visitphilly.com
If your kids insist on seeing the adorable puppets of Sesame Street, then take him to Sesame Place in Philadelphia. The Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Elmo are a few of the many friendly, furry characters that your kids will encounter in this 14-acre cherry amusement park.
Water activities like crawling through the water-spraying mazes and tubing past the spraying geysers will keep them cool on a hot afternoon. You can even pop into one of the park’s shows, the most noted being Elm – the Musical.
6. Hersheypark, Hershey
Image: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company
Created originally to provide a recreation area for employees, Hershey Park is a massive theme park with abundant rides and roller coasters for kids to enjoy. There are more than 30 rides for kids who are under three feet, and plenty of roller coaster rides to woo the thrill-seeking teens and parents. You can even escape the heat by exploring the shaded zoo or slipping into the air-conditioned Chocolate World.
Quick fact7. Santa’s Village Azoosment Park, Illinois
Image: themeparkreview.com
After shutting his workshop at the North Pole, Santa packs up his sleigh and heads to his summer home, Santa’s Village Azoosment Park! Santa’s Village Azoosment Park gives a year round tribute to the most thoughtful man in the world, Santa Claus. Even the park’s animals will provide a fun diversion, especially the Bunny Tree, where bunnies hop in and around the boxes laid underneath the Christmas tree. Most importantly, do not forget to grab a bite at the Reindeer Ridge on your way to see the Denizens of Petting zoo or Tortoise Island. This is one of the best US theme parks to visit during the holiday season.
8. Victorian Gardens, New York
Finally, the most popular theme parks in the US that won’t cost you a fortune. The Victorian Garden is the perfect start to explore the iconic Central Park. It has 12 handcrafted rides like flying swings, bumper boats and Mini Mouse, the mini roller coaster to delight its young visitors. The interactive live shows will keep both you and your kid singing, dancing and hula hooping. And the unlimited ride pass will allow kids several rides in a row. This theme park in the US draws in crowds and offers them crazy fun.
9. Diggerland, New Jersey
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Is your kid fond of cars, trucks, and jeeps? Does he dream of driving his very own monster truck? Then here’s a theme park that will make your kid’s dream a reality. Diggerland, the first and only construction theme park, allows kids to get behind the steering of the construction equipment and operate the bright yellow machines. The massive machines at Diggerland are identical to the ones you see on a real construction site. Other attractions include multiple train rides, rock climbing, and a swamp, buggy attraction. It can be the best theme parks in the United States, probably for a thrill seeker.
10. Story Land, New Hampshire
Image: stonehurstmanor.com
This magnificent amusement park is a lovely escape into the kid’s favorite fairy tales. Inspired by fantasy and magic, it has 22 rides, shows, and attractions modeled after the kids’ favorite folk tales. This charming theme park comes packed with unique rides, shows, and delicious treats. Some of the unique rides include Crazy Barn, Tea Cups, and Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach. The antique cars and choo-choo trains will give ample thrills to the toddlers. The back of the park offers some of the modern day attractions like a steel roller coaster, a wonderful raft ride, and a log flume ride.
11. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens is a vast amusement park in Florida. Tailored for toddlers and children of all ages, the park has many attractions, including rides, play areas, water activities, games, and shows. The live entertainment at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay featuring world-class performers adds to the magical experience. The park offers several child-friendly rides, from the Air Grover roller coaster to splash zones. Busch Gardens is decked up with twinkling lights during Christmas and hosts numerous festive shows, including those featuring Sesame Street characters. Additionally, the Serengeti Safari tour provides an up-close encounter with African wildlife, promising unforgettable moments and opportunities to click stunning photographs of your child’s favorite animals.
Illustration: Best Theme Parks In USA For Kids
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What safety precautions must one take in a theme park?
Some of the safety precautions one must observe include following safety rules according to each ride, staying hydrated and using sunscreen, always looking out for your surroundings, staying seated in the ride until it comes to a complete stop and getting off when instructed, and keeping your arms, legs, and feet within the ride at all times.
2. Are there any theme parks in the USA with age-appropriate attractions for toddlers?
Yes, toddler-friendly activities are available at theme parks like Legoland and Disneyland. You may check out these activities in detail and ensure they are safe for your toddlers.
3. What are some of the must-see shows and entertainment options for kids at theme parks in the USA?
Children at theme parks in the USA can enjoy a variety of popular shows and entertainment options. These include parades, character meet-and-greets, live performances, interactive exhibits, and themed attractions inspired by beloved franchises such as Disney, Universal Studios, and LEGOLAND.
4. How do theme parks for kids in the USA cater to different age groups?
Theme parks in the USA cater to children of different ages, providing a range of attractions, rides, and activities tailored to each age group. They have designated areas, height limits, and themed experiences to ensure fun and safety of all children.
5. What role do characters and mascots play in theme parks for kids in the USA?
Characters and mascots at children’s theme parks in the United States are iconic symbols and provide immersive experiences. They boost the atmosphere, create memorable interactions, and bring beloved stories and brands to life, adding excitement and magic for young visitors.
6. How do theme parks for kids in the USA incorporate technology and virtual reality?
Theme parks for children in the USA integrate technology and virtual reality, providing interactive rides and attractions with VR headsets, motion tracking, and augmented reality. These advancements heighten the overall experience, offering captivating and immersive adventures that engage young visitors.
7. What are some family-friendly dining options available at theme parks?
Many theme parks feature a range of dining experiences, including themed restaurants and quick-service spots suitable for children and adults. It’s a good idea to visit the park’s website for details on available dining options and any special dietary needs they might address.
Children and adults love to hit an amusement park since the adventure and thrill of these parks are beyond comparison. Therefore, this holiday season, plan a vacation and take your children to the theme parks and water parks for kids in the US. Ensure buying the tickets in advance so the admission is smooth. These parks will help you have great fun and revive your childhood days. A day of roaming around, cheering, laughing, and rejoicing will uplift your spirits and help you create precious memories. So, explore theme parks such as LEGOLAND, Disneyland, Sesame Place, etc. Choose the one that attracts you the most and has easy accessibility, and get ready for a joyous day out. While coming back, don’t forget to buy souvenirs for a memory.
Ready to find out which theme park is the #2 best in America? You won’t believe it! Join us as we count down the top 10 BEST theme parks in America!
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Visiting San Diego and Legoland with kids;https://www.rachelteodoro.com/2011/10/our-trip-to-san-diego-and-legoland.html
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