If you’re an amusement park family, keep reading! I’ve been researching the best amusement parks for kids to add to my list of favorite we’ve been to. Whether you’re planning a full-blown family vacation, squeezing in a quick day trip, or surprising the kids with a birthday party getaway, these are all great options: rides for little kids, excitement for older kids, and enough fun to keep the whole family happy.
Here’s our list of the best amusement parks across the United States, plus a couple of international favorites, including what makes each one such a great place for kids of all ages.
Amusement Parks in the U.S.
Sesame Place
Just outside Philadelphia in Langhorne, PA, Sesame Place is one of the best places in the United States for young children and younger kids.
Everything revolves around Sesame Street, which makes it perfect for a first time park visit. There are kid-friendly rides, splash areas, a full water park with water slides and a wave pool, plus live shows and live entertainment throughout the day. For little kids who adore Elmo, this park is pure magic.
Get your tickets to Sesame Place here.
Dutch Wonderland
In Lancaster, PA, Dutch Wonderland is often described as a “kingdom for kids,” and that’s exactly what it feels like.
It’s ideal for younger children, with plenty of kiddie rides, a classic Ferris wheel, a small wooden roller coaster, and fun splash areas. It’s one of those great amusement parks that keeps things manageable and low-stress, which parents appreciate just as much as the kids.
Disneyland Resort
Located in Anaheim, Southern California near Los Angeles, Disneyland Resort truly feels like the ultimate theme park.
There’s something for kids of all ages. Younger kids love the slower, storybook rides, while older kids and thrill seekers head for bigger thrill rides. Between special events, live shows, good food, and immersive lands, it’s always an amazing time. Yes, ticket prices can be high, but for many families, it’s worth visiting at least once.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Right in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood is perfect for older kids and adrenaline junkies.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is incredibly immersive, and Jurassic World is a must for dinosaur fans. There are several thrill rides for thrill seekers, along with live entertainment experiences that make it feel different from other great amusement parks.
Universal Studios Florida
Located in Orlando Florida, this park blends movie magic with family fun.
It’s a great balance for families with kids of all ages. There are kid-friendly rides for younger children, immersive attractions for older kids, and plenty of live shows and live entertainment throughout the day. If your family loves movies and high-energy thrill rides, this is definitely worth visiting during your Orlando family vacation.
The recently opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe (which debuted on May 22, 2025 as part of Universal’s exciting new Epic Universe park) brings a whole new level of magic!
Book your Universal Orlando tickets here.
LEGOLAND California
In Carlsbad, Northern San Diego County, LEGOLAND California is one of the best amusement parks for younger kids.
The entire park is designed with young children in mind. There are kid-friendly rides, interactive attractions, splash areas, and even a small water park section. It’s colorful, creative, and such a great experience for kids who love building and exploring.
Book your LEGOLAND California tickets here.
Peppa Pig Theme Park
Located in Winterhaven, FL, Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida is specifically designed for preschoolers and younger guests. The rides are gentle, colorful, and easy for young kids to navigate. If you have little kids who love Peppa, this is absolutely the best place for a first theme park visit.
Cedar Point
On the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, OH, Cedar Point is famous for its world-class roller coasters.
This park is a dream for older kids and thrill seekers. It’s packed with massive thrill rides, but it also includes Planet Snoopy for younger guests, offering plenty of kid-friendly rides. The Soak City water park adds water slides and a wave pool for even more family fun.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, VA, Busch Gardens Williamsburg combines thrill rides with beautiful gardens and European-themed areas.
It’s such a great place for families who want both excitement and scenery. There’s a wooden roller coaster, live shows, seasonal special events, and great food options. Right next door is Water Country USA, making it easy to turn your trip into a full water park and theme park combo.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is perfect if you want a mix of thrill rides and wildlife experiences.
This park is ideal for older kids and thrill seekers thanks to its intense coasters, but it also offers family rides and kid-friendly attractions for younger children. The animal exhibits make it feel different from other great amusement parks, giving you both education and adrenaline in one amazing time.
Walt Disney World
In Orlando, FL, Walt Disney World is often considered the best place for a multi-day family vacation.
With four theme parks, water parks, and nonstop entertainment, it truly works for the entire family. Younger children have endless kiddie rides, while older kids and adrenaline junkies can chase bigger thrill rides. It’s one of the best theme parks in the United States for kids of all ages.
Read more here: A Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando, FL blends marine life encounters with coasters and family attractions.
Younger kids love the animal shows and splash areas, while older kids enjoy the growing lineup of thrill rides. It’s a great place to mix live entertainment, educational experiences, and traditional theme park fun, making it a solid option for kids of all ages.
Dollywood
In the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, TN, Dollywood is one of those great amusement parks that feels charming and personal.
It offers thrill rides, family rides, live entertainment, and seasonal festivals. The atmosphere is welcoming, the food is surprisingly good, and it’s a wonderful option for families traveling through the Southeast.
Hersheypark
In Hershey, PA, Hersheypark blends chocolate and coasters in the best way.
There are rides for younger kids, high-speed coasters for older kids, and a full water park section called The Boardwalk. It’s a great experience for kids of all ages, and yes, the sweet treats are part of the fun.
Silver Dollar City
Located in Branson, MO, Silver Dollar City offers a unique experience with its 1880s theme.
There are thrill rides, family rides, live shows, and craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills. It’s a wonderful mix of education and family fun that makes it truly worth visiting.
Knott’s Berry Farm
In Buena Park, CA (also in Southern California), Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the best amusement parks for balancing thrill rides and family-friendly attractions.
Camp Snoopy is perfect for younger kids, while older kids can dive into bigger coasters. The adjacent Soak City water park adds even more splash areas and water slides during summer.
International Favorites
Disneyland Paris
Just outside Paris, Disneyland Paris offers a magical European version of the Disney experience. It’s a unique experience and ideal for kids of all ages traveling abroad.
Read more here: Visiting Disneyland Paris: A Family Travel Guide
Tokyo Disneyland
Near Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland is known for its cleanliness, hospitality, and immersive theming. It’s truly one of the best theme parks in the world. It also has some really amazing food & snacks!
Read more here: The Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Tokyo Disney Trip with Kids
Why We Love Amusement Parks for Kids
From Northern California to Southern California, from the East Coast to the Midwest, there are so many great amusement parks across the United States that deliver real family fun.
Whether your crew includes little kids, older kids, thrill seekers, or one serious adrenaline junkie, there’s a perfect fit out there. Between water slides, wave pools, Ferris wheels, live shows, special events, arcade games, mini golf, and world-class roller coasters, these parks do a great job creating an amazing time for the entire family.
And honestly? That mix of excitement, sticky fingers from snacks, and the proud smile after conquering a ride for the first time, that’s what makes amusement parks for kids such a great experience every single time.
