A trip to an amusement park promises a day filled with thrills, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Across the United States, each state has its own gem, offering unique attractions and experiences. There’s something for everyone, from roller coasters that defy gravity to enchanting themed lands. Here’s a tour of the best amusement parks in each state, highlighting what makes them memorable.
Alabama’s Owa Amusement Park
Southern charm meets high-energy excitement at Owa Amusement Park. Rollin’ Thunder leaves riders breathless, while the Wave Rider guarantees a splashy good time. For a calmer experience, Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark offers a relaxing escape from the heat.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Alaska’s Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park in Alaska offers a historical twist on traditional amusement. Travel back in time to Gold Rush Town and enjoy the nostalgic charm of the carousel. Nature lovers can also appreciate the beautiful Chena River views, making it a picturesque outing.
Source: Tripadvisor
Arizona’s Castles N’ Coasters
In the desert, Castles N’ Coasters brings medieval magic to life. Heart-pounding loops await on the Desert Storm roller coaster, and panoramic views of Phoenix can be seen from the Sky Diver. Mini-golf courses and arcade games round out a perfect family day.
Source: Tripadvisor
Arkansas’ Magic Springs
Combining theme park thrills with a refreshing water park, Magic Springs has something for everyone. The Arkansas Twister roller coaster is a must-ride and offers exhilarating excitement, while Crystal Falls Water Park helps beat the summer heat. Concerts at the Timberwood Amphitheater add a musical note to the adventure.
Source: Tripadvisor
California’s Knott’s Berry Farm
With a rich history, Knott’s Berry Farm is a Californian classic. GhostRider, the park’s wooden roller coaster, is a fan favorite, and younger guests are delighted by Camp Snoopy. Don’t miss the famous boysenberry pie for a sweet end to your visit.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Colorado’s Elitch Gardens
Located in Denver, Elitch Gardens presents a mix of thrilling rides and beautiful gardens. True to its name, the Mind Eraser roller coaster leaves riders breathless, while the Big Wheel, which is a Ferris wheel, provides stunning city views. Water attractions and live shows ensure a full day of fun.
Source: Tripadvisor
Connecticut’s Lake Compounce
As America’s oldest amusement park, Lake Compounce continues to charm visitors. The Boulder Dash coaster is a wooden wonder that races through the woods. Crocodile Cove Water Park offers splashy fun, and the Haunted Graveyard provides Halloween thrills year-round.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Delaware’s Funland
Rehoboth Beach’s Funland packs a lot of excitement into a small space. The Haunted Mansion ride is a spooky favorite, and bumper cars guarantee laughs. Its beachfront location makes it easy to switch between rides and ocean waves.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Florida’s Disney World
Disney World needs no introduction, as it’s the crown jewel of amusement parks. Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle stands as an iconic centerpiece. Epcot’s World Showcase delivers a taste of global cultures, and thrilling rides like Space Mountain and Splash Mountain keep the excitement high.
Source: Tripadvisor
Georgia’s Lake Winnepesaukah
Blending classic and modern attractions, Lake Winnepesaukah, or “Lake Winnie,” gives vintage thrills with the Cannon Ball roller coaster and modern adrenaline rushes with the Oh-Zone drop tower. The water park, SoakYa, adds a refreshing twist to the experience.
Source: Tripadvisor
Hawaii’s Wet ‘N’ Wild
Wet ‘N’ Wild in Hawaii is an excellent escape with its tropical setting and thrilling water rides. The Tornado ride is a must-try for adrenaline junkies, while the lazy river provides a relaxing journey through lush landscapes. Families can enjoy the Keiki Cove, which is designed especially for younger children.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Idaho’s Silverwood
At Silverwood in Idaho, adventure seekers find paradise with over 70 rides and attractions. The Aftershock roller coaster offers heart-stopping drops, and the Boulder Beach Water Park provides a cool retreat. The park’s live entertainment keeps guests entertained throughout the day.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Illinois’s Six Flags Great America
Thrills are endless at Six Flags Great America in Illinois, home to some of the country’s most exciting rides. Goliath, the world’s tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster, draws coaster enthusiasts from far and wide. Hurricane Harbor water park ensures everyone can cool off on hot summer days.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Indiana’s Holiday World
Holiday World in Indiana combines festive fun with thrilling attractions. The park’s themed areas celebrate different holidays, with rides like the Thunderbird Wing coaster providing high-flying excitement. Splashin’ Safari water park, included with admission, adds extra value to the experience.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Iowa’s Adventureland
Adventureland provides a wide range of rides and attractions. The Monster steel roller coaster offers exhilarating loops and twists, while the water park keeps guests happy and cool. Live entertainment and family-friendly rides make it a well-rounded destination.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Kansas’ All-Star Adventures
Kansas’ All-Star Adventures offers a mix of amusement and entertainment for all ages. The go-kart tracks and mini-golf courses provide hours of fun, while the amusement rides cater to thrill-seekers and younger visitors alike.
Source: Tripadvisor
Kentucky’s Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
It promises a double dose of fun with its amusement and water park attractions. Lightning Run coaster provides high-speed thrills, and the wave pool at Hurricane Bay is perfect for cooling off. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere ensures everyone has a great time.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Louisiana’s Carousel Gardens
Carousel Gardens is a charming, nostalgic experience. The park’s antique wooden carousel is a highlight, enchanting visitors of all ages. Beautiful gardens and classic rides make it a great spot for a leisurely day out with the family.
Source: Tripadvisor
Maine’s Funtown Splashtown
It presents the best of both worlds with amusement and water attractions. The Excalibur wooden roller coaster provides classic thrills, while Splashtown’s water slides offer refreshing fun. The Grand Prix Racers go-kart track is a favorite for competitive spirits.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Maryland’s Jolly Roger
Maryland’s Jolly Roger amusement park delivers seaside fun with a variety of attractions. The park’s roller coasters and water slides provide thrills, while the mini-golf and go-karts add a touch of classic amusement park charm. Its location near the beach makes it an ideal summer destination.
Source: Tripadvisor
Massachusetts’ Edaville
This is a haven for families, featuring charming rides and seasonal events. The Thomas Land attraction brings the beloved children’s character to life, while Dino Land offers prehistoric adventures. Holiday lights and events make Edaville a year-round destination.
Source: Tripadvisor
Michigan’s Adventure
Adventure combines amusement and water park fun in one exciting destination. Shivering Timbers, a wooden roller coaster, delivers adrenaline-pumping drops, while WildWater Adventure keeps visitors cool. The family-friendly atmosphere ensures there’s something for everyone.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Minnesota’s Nickelodeon Universe
Inside the Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe offers endless indoor fun. The SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster thrills with its daring drops, and the Fairly Odd Coaster spins riders into a frenzy. Rain or shine, this park guarantees a good time.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Mississippi’s Geyser Falls Water Theme Park
Geyser Falls provides a tropical retreat with its extensive water attractions. The Clearwater Key wave pool mimics ocean waves, and the Mt. Everwet slide complex offers high-speed thrills. A sandy beach area enhances the laid-back atmosphere.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Missouri’s Silver Dollar City
This park in Branson combines Ozark’s charm with modern thrills. Time Traveler, the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning roller coaster, is a standout attraction. The park’s craftsman demonstrations and festivals add unique cultural experiences.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Montana’s Big Sky Waterpark
Big Sky Waterpark offers a refreshing escape to Montana’s beautiful scenery. The park’s water slides, including the twisting Geronimo Speed Slide, provide plenty of excitement. Mini-golf and bumper cars add dry-land fun to the mix.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Nebraska’s Fun-Plex
Fun-Plex in Nebraska boasts a mix of water and amusement park attractions. The Big Ohhhh! roller coaster promises thrills, while the Lazy River offers a relaxing float. The park’s go-karts and mini-golf ensure a day filled with variety.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Nevada’s Wet’N’Wild
Wet’N’Wild in Nevada brings cool relief to the desert with its extensive water attractions. The Hoover Half Pipe slide offers an adrenaline rush, and the Colorado Cooler lazy river provides a tranquil escape. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere appeals to all ages.
Source: Tripadvisor
New Hampshire’s Story Land
Located in New Hampshire, this park captivates with its fairy tale-themed attractions. Kids can meet their favorite storybook characters while the Roar-O-Saurus coaster delivers family-friendly thrills. Interactive play areas and gentle rides make it perfect for young children.
Source: Tripadvisor
New Jersey’s Land of Make Believe
Land of Make Believe merges classic amusement with water park fun. The park’s pirate-themed water area, Pirate’s Cove, excites young adventurers, while the roller coasters and Ferris wheel delight thrill-seekers. It’s a nostalgic experience with modern twists.
Source: Tripadvisor
New Mexico’s Cliff’s Amusement Park
Cliff’s Amusement Park promises thrilling adventures with its diverse rides. The New Mexico Rattler, a wooden coaster, delivers spine-tingling excitement, while the WaterMania! water park offers refreshing fun. Family-friendly attractions ensure enjoyment for all ages.
Source: Reader’s Digest
New York’s Coney Island
Coney Island in New York is synonymous with classic amusement park fun. The historic Cyclone roller coaster thrills visitors with its wooden tracks and sharp turns. Luna Park’s modern rides and the famous boardwalk provide endless entertainment options.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Carowinds in North Carolina
Straddling the North Carolina-South Carolina border, Carowinds presents high-energy thrills. The Fury 325 coaster, one of the tallest and fastest in the world, is a must-ride. Water attractions and family-friendly areas ensure a full day of excitement.
Source: Reader’s Digest
North Dakota’s Super Slide Amusement Park
Super Slide Amusement Park offers a delightful mix of attractions in North Dakota. The giant slide remains a nostalgic favorite, while mini-golf and go-karts provide additional fun. It’s a wonderful spot for a leisurely day with family and friends.
Source: Tripadvisor
Ohio’s Cedar Point
Known as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point is located in Ohio. With record-breaking coasters like Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force, thrill-seekers find their paradise here. Water rides and family-friendly areas round out the amusement experience.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Oklahoma’s Frontier City
Frontier City transports guests to the Wild West with its themed attractions. The Diamondback coaster delivers intense thrills, while the Wild West Gunfighter Stunt Show adds a theatrical touch. The park’s unique atmosphere makes it a standout destination.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Oregon’s Enchanted Forest
Oregon’s Enchanted Forest blends fairy tales with thrilling rides in a wooded setting. The Ice Mountain Bobsled roller coaster offers a whimsical ride, while the Storybook Lane enchants younger visitors. The park’s natural beauty enhances the magical experience.
Source: Tripadvisor
Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark
Hersheypark in Pennsylvania fuses chocolate-themed fun with exhilarating rides. The Candymonium coaster provides sweet thrills, while the water park offers a fantastic escape. Chocolate World’s attractions and tastings make it a delicious destination.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Rhode Island’s Atlantic Beach Park
Atlantic Beach Park in Rhode Island offers seaside amusement with a classic charm. The historic carousel and bumper cars delight visitors, while the nearby beach provides an excellent spot for relaxation. It’s a charming combination of nostalgia and fun.
Source: Reader’s Digest
South Carolina’s The Family Kingdom
In South Carolina, The Family Kingdom offers beachfront amusement with a variety of rides. The Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster provides vintage thrills, while the water park ensures plenty of splashy fun. Its oceanfront location adds to the park’s appeal.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Wild Water West in South Dakota
It is a thrilling escape with its water park attractions. The Tornado Alley water slide twists and turns, providing an exhilarating ride. The lazy river offers a more relaxing experience, perfect for unwinding under the sun.
Source: Tripadvisor
Tennessee’s Dollywood
Dollywood in Tennessee combines country charm with thrilling rides and entertainment. The Lightning Rod roller coaster is a standout, offering the world’s fastest wooden coaster experience. Live shows and themed areas celebrating Appalachian culture add to the park’s appeal.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Texas’s Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington offers a thrilling experience with its lineup of roller coasters and attractions. The Texas Giant coaster has heart-pounding drops, while the Titan coaster offers high-speed twists and turns. Family-friendly rides and live entertainment ensure there’s something for everyone.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Utah’s Lagoon Park
Lagoon Park in Utah is a treasure trove of fun with its variety of rides and attractions. The Cannibal roller coaster offers a breathtaking vertical drop, while the Lagoon-A-Beach water park promises an incredible time. Family rides and games round out the park’s offerings.
Source: Tripadvisor
Vermont’s Santa Land
Santa Land in Vermont brings Christmas magic to life year-round. The park’s Santa’s Village offers a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer, while the North Pole Express train ride delights visitors of all ages. The park’s holiday-themed attractions make it a unique destination.
Source: Tripadvisor
Virginia’s Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion is a thrill-seeker’s paradise with its lineup of roller coasters and rides. The Intimidator 305 coaster offers intense speed and drops, while the Planet Snoopy area caters to younger guests. Water rides and live entertainment ensure a full day of fun.
Source: Tripadvisor
Washington’s Wild Waves
Wild Waves has a blend of amusement and water park attractions. The Timberhawk roller coaster provides thrills, while the Zooma Falls water slide offers a refreshing plunge. The park’s scenic setting adds to the overall experience.
Source: Reader’s Digest
West Virginia’s Camden Park
It is a fun, classic amusement park with a variety of rides and attractions. The Big Dipper roller coaster provides a nostalgic thrill, while the log flume ride offers a splashy adventure. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Wisconsin’s Wilderness Resort
Wilderness Resort offers a unique indoor and outdoor water park fun blend. The Klondike Kavern indoor water park delivers year-round excitement, while the outdoor water parks offer seasonal thrills. The resort’s lodging options make it a fantastic destination for a family getaway.
Source: Tripadvisor
Wyoming’s Snow King Mountain
Snow King Mountain in Wyoming is a winter wonderland of fun. The Snow King Alpine Slide provides a thrilling ride down the mountain, while the mini-golf course offers a more leisurely activity. The park’s stunning mountain views make it a picturesque destination.
Source: CBS News
