FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Top Amusement Parks in the US for Families -2024

From traditional roller coasters to enchanted kiddie amusement parks, there is something for everyone in the family. With unlimited options available, it is important to choose among the best amusement parks that suit your family’s interests and age groups.

Author avatar

Hobihop Staff

Updated: Sep 11, 2024

Published: Aug 16, 2024

At Hobihop Travel Inc., we specialize in helping families find their perfect adventure destinations. Whether you need more information about this year's top amusement parks in the United States, here is our list of favorite ones guaranteed to create lifelong memories for everyone involved – because life’s too short not to have fun!

Exploring The Best Family-Friendly Amusement Parks

When planning a trip with young children, safety should always come first along with other factors such as age-appropriate attractions or amenities like restrooms, etc.; luckily, many theme parks in the USA cater to such needs, so finding one suitable should not pose much problem at all. Furthermore, different themed experiences can be found within these establishments—some might offer bigger rides meant for older kids, while others may have entire toddler areas dedicated solely to the littlest members. In addition to this variety, most places also feature water slides, which are an absolute hit among youngsters, plus live performances taking place every now and then, hence keeping them entertained throughout their stay. However, what truly sets apart one park from another lies mainly behind its facilities; therefore, good restaurants will afford families the opportunity to refuel between exciting activities, as well as first aid stations to ensure comfort during emergencies too. Having said this, let us not forget about timing too; peak periods could lead to overcrowding, thus reducing chances of fully enjoying a visit, so plan wisely by considering off-peak seasons instead when numbers are relatively low but still offer the same level of thrill, if not more. In this article, we shall explore different parks across the USA while highlighting their unique offerings as well as providing tips on how best parents can maximize fun while visiting such locations.


Top US Amusement Parks for Families

Disneyland Resort, California

Disneyland Resort, California steve-dimatteo-FwFCIjMGKKA-unsplash.jpg

Disneyland Resort is often referred to as the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ and with good reason. The park boasts an array of enchanting rides, beloved characters, and themed lands that allow visitors to make magical memories at every turn. From Space Mountain, which takes adventurers through stars at incredible speeds, to It’s a Small World, where dolls dance merrily along singing “it’s a small world” in multiple languages – there really is something here for all ages! Plus, there are plenty of other kid-friendly attractions like dining options, parades, and nighttime spectaculars that will keep everyone entertained until bedtime. The ideal times to go would be during the less crowded fall/spring seasons when lines are short and the experience is sweet. Be sure to check the Disneyland Resort map to plan your day efficiently.


Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

Universal Studios Orlando, Florida josh-rich-oKHhThOuQX8-unsplash.jpg

If your family loves movies or action-packed adventures, then Universal Studios Orlando should definitely be added to their bucket list. The park has created thrilling attractions around famous films such as the Harry Potter series and Minions, allowing fans of all ages to feel part of these stories themselves. There are also shows performed throughout the day, keeping audiences engaged alongside various dining options available, making this place perfect for an entire day outing with loved ones. Timing-wise, it’s always best visited during the shoulder season when the weather is pleasant enough without being too hot or rainy, yet crowds remain tolerable. For accommodations, consider staying at hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood for added convenience.


Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Walt Disney World Resort renato-mitra-Sl-NrXlM9ns-unsplash.jpg

The largest and most popular amusement park in the world is Walt Disney World Resort. Among the attractions are four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each has its own unique experience for families. There is something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to interactive character meet-and-greets. Families can dine with characters and attend special events throughout the year. Plan your trip during off-peak times for fewer crowds and use the FastPass system to reduce wait times. For the best stay, explore Disney value resorts or Disney moderate resorts for comfort and affordability.


Cedar Point, Ohio

Cedar Point, Ohioaaron-burden-pQ3NZy0hGWs-unsplash.jpg

Cedar Point is considered the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” and is perfect for families who love thrills. With over 70 rides, including 17 roller coasters, there is never a dull moment at this park! On hot summer days, you can even cool off at their waterpark too! Not only does it have great food options, but also tons of kid-friendly rides, making it enjoyable for kids of all ages. The best time to visit Cedar Point would be during the summer when everything is up and running full blast, with many family-oriented events happening. Cedar Point is one of the best amusement parks in the United States for those who crave adventure.


Legoland California – California

Legoland California  keerthi-e-8hcTi0vwId4-unsplash.jpg

The amusement park of Legoland California is unique as it has been designed specifically for families with small children. It offers them over 60 rides, shows, and attractions that are all based on the much-loved LEGO brand. There are various themed areas within the park, such as Miniland USA, where iconic structures are replicated using bricks from this famous company, among others, like the interactive ride called Dragon Coaster. In addition to these features, there is also a water park and an aquarium, which provide even more options for entertainment among families visiting this establishment. Considering that this place was created with kids aged between two to twelve years old in mind, safety has been given priority, thus making it enjoyable too. The best times would be during spring or autumn when there aren’t as many people around, i.e., off-peak seasons.


Universal Studios Hollywood – California

Universal Studios Hollywood  john-ruddock-0Hgi8HxWysk-unsplash.jpg

Universal Studios Hollywood provides families with a unique experience that combines behind-the-scenes movie-making magic with some truly thrilling rides and attractions! For instance, you can enter the world of Harry Potter or go face-to-face with a T-Rex in Jurassic Park. Additionally, guests are able to explore actual movie sets during their Studio Tour, among other things too. They have dining options available as well if hunger strikes while exploring these great experiences, so don’t worry about going hungry either here, folks! If possible, try coming during off-peak seasons because this place tends to get packed, so beat those crowds by getting here early! Consider staying at one of the hotels close to Epcot for a convenient and comfortable stay.


Tips on Visiting Amusement Parks

sunscreengetty-images-tWdVrG8pe4w-unsplash.jpg

Families should prepare themselves well if they want their trip to an amusement park to go smoothly. Here are some tips that will help. First, buy tickets online in advance so as not to wait in long lines at the entrance. Get there early so you can enjoy popular rides without having to wait too long. Take note of where everything is in relation to each other within the park map, and make sure to catch must-see shows, especially those geared towards younger kids. And don’t forget sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks, which should be packed alongside energy bars, which will come in handy during breaks. You need to take breaks between rides, rest up, and hydrate properly, particularly during hot summer days. Last but not least, check the schedule to see if there are any special events or shows going on that may interest your family. This way, you are guaranteed a fun-filled day at the amusement park!


Extraordinary Family Experiences in Theme Parks

parade jordis-small-fQyMQ8T-B_0-unsplash.jpg

Laughter and excitement fill the air as families make memories together at theme parks. One family remembers when they visited Disneyland; their children met all their favorite Disney characters during a magical parade. Another group tells a story about going to Cedar Point: it was there that they rode on their very first roller coaster, bonding over fear and adrenaline rushes. These moments highlight how much joy can come from spending time with loved ones while trying new things or reaching milestones in life—such as riding big coasters, for instance! Whether it’s watching live shows or experiencing thrills yourself, these are memories that will stay with us forever, so let’s go have fun now and talk later.


Final Reflections on Your Trip to an Amusement Center

getty-images-aBiinXiNNrQ-unsplash.jpg

Keep in mind that adequate organization and being open to change are key elements of successful amusement center trips for families. Selecting theme parks in America that match your family’s interests and ages, plus using what they have to offer, can make all the difference. Discovering new rides and attractions should be exciting, so take a lot of pictures. All it takes is some good planning and positive thinking; then you’ll have memories from the best amusement parks in America forever. So hurry up! Pack up everything now because we’re going on an adventure that will stay in our hearts till eternity—or at least until next week when school starts again!