Whether you want to spend the day on jaw-dropping thrill rides, put in hours chasing down the best fair food or bask in the sun as you float down a lazy river, the best amusement parks in the U.S. offer something for everyone. Theme parks are usually fairly easy to drive to depending on where you live, and they can be quite affordable to visit – especially if you book ahead. The best theme parks also tend to have lodging options nearby, including spacious, family-oriented hotels with pools, campgrounds and more.
That said, some of the best amusement parks focus more on dizzying coasters than family fun, and others offer more ride options for the little ones in your crew. With that in mind, it’s smart to plan your family trip based on park features and amenities in addition to geographic location.
To help in your decision, we wanted to highlight some of the best amusement parks from…