50 Best Amusement Parks in Every US State

The United States is home to many amusement parks catering to thrill-seekers of all ages, and each state boasts one specific park that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a water park junkie, a roller coaster snob, or a combination of both. If you find yourself at any one of these 50 fantastic theme parks, you’ll guarantee yourself some of the best and most fun times of your life. So what are you waiting for? Start planning that itinerary.

Alabama: OWA

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The pride and joy of Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a 520-acre water park called OWA. (It’s pronounced exactly as it sounds, “Oh-Wah.”) OWA was developed and run by the local Muscogee tribe, and the name is loosely translated to “big water” in their native language. The park has it all: lazy rivers, coasters, and plenty of opportunities to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Southern sunshine.

OWA is open from January to October, giving water park fans ten months to experience one of the most unforgettable attractions in Alabama. It doesn’t get more exciting than OWA.

Alaska: H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark

Although many travelers believe the best part of visiting Alaska is taking in some of the best ocean views anywhere in the world, the H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark proves you can experience the fun associated with Alaskan water even indoors.

Located in Anchorage (making it easily accessible for anyone flying in from the continental United States), the waterpark has earned the nickname of the “tropical island in the last frontier.” Don’t worry; the park is fully enclosed, meaning all the state’s famous wild animals stay far away from thrillseekers.

Arizona: Trail Dust Town

Arizona is actually home to more abandoned amusement parks than you would think, but one park has stood the test of time: Tucson’s Trail Dust Town. The park is as Western as it comes: visitors can participate in gold-panning, ride a real train, and enjoy traditional amusement rides (including a vintage carousel).

Thanks to the Arizona climate that doesn’t see frigid temperatures during winter, Trail Dust Town is open year-round, ensuring that thousands of men and women can experience this adorable little theme park whenever they want.

Arkansas: Magic Springs and Crystal Falls

Sometimes, the best amusement parks are hidden where you’d least expect them. Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, located just an hour from Little Rock, Arkansas, has everything a thrillseeker would want in a very affordable package. (Single-day tickets start around $60, which is a bargain in 2024.)

As a hybrid amusement and water park, experiences like the Sky Shark skydiving ride and the Brain Drain free-fall coaster put Magic Springs and Crystal Falls on the map. It’s the ideal place to spend an unforgettable day, especially for families. Time a trip to the park in the summer and take advantage of their extended hours to maximize your visit.

California: SeaWorld

Although the Golden State is chock full of famous amusement parks (Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and LEGOLAND California, to name a few), no park can compare to the majesty known as SeaWorld. Nestled in San Diego, SeaWorld represents the best way to experience the creatures of the sea up close and personal.

While the park has received bad press in the last decade thanks to the documentary Blackfish (2013), ocean lovers still flock to SeaWorld by the millions. Since it’s located in sunny San Diego, it’s another open year-round park.

Colorado: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is unlike any other amusement park on this list because it’s located on a mountaintop. How cool is that? Perched in Glenwood Springs, it’s Colorado’s best opportunity to experience the thrills of an amusement park way above sea level.

The scenery makes every ride that much more special. When the Rocky Mountains are the backdrop of an epic roller coaster ride, you know you’ve chosen the right place to have an unforgettable day.

Connecticut: Lake Compounce

While many people believe Disney World is the only place kids can be kids, residents of Connecticut know better: Lake Compounce is widely regarded as the best amusement park for kids.

Lake Compounce opened its doors in 1846 and has operated with a family-friendly focus ever since. Sitting on over 500 acres and offering both land and water rides, it’s a no-brainer, affordable option for families looking to experience an amusement park on a budget. Remember, roller coasters don’t need to go a million miles an hour for riders to have the best day ever.

Delaware: Funland

Many tourists believe the best boardwalk in the United States is in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which coincidentally is the home of the state’s best amusement park: the appropriately named Funland. The quaint, neighborhood-feeling amusement park has been on the boardwalk since 1939.

Experiencing Funland is like stepping into a time machine back to simpler times. Carnival games line the aisles, and old-timey rides and attractions never fail to put smiles on families’ faces. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a great day on the beach.

Florida: Universal Orlando

Although Disney World garners most of the attention from visitors worldwide, locals know the truth: Universal Studios in Orlando is the greatest amusement park Florida has. Composed of three distinct theme parks in one (Universal Studios, Universal Islands of America, and Universal Volcano Bay), the park is the only place to experience classic franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Spider-Man.

While Disney World caters to a younger crowd, Universal Orlando has older movie buffs in mind. If Disney World is too childish for your needs, this park will deliver what you want.

Georgia: Six Flags Over Georgia

Six Flags operates many excellent amusement parks across the country, but Six Flags Over Georgia is considered the best the famous company offers. Located in Austell, high-speed thrill experience lovers will be in heaven from the moment they step into the park. Heart-pounding, lightning-fast rides and attractions are the name of the game at Six Flags Over Georgia.

The park’s highlight? Six Flags’ first wooden roller coaster: the Great America Scream Machine. It’s a face-rattling experience that coaster fans will never forget, and it is worth the admission price.

Hawaii: Wet N’ Wild

When visiting Hawaii, there are endless activities to partake in. From beautiful beaches to delicious local food options, you’ll never be bored in Hawaii. With that being said, visitors to the island of Oahu owe it to themselves to visit Wet N’ Wild, the perfect amusement park for adrenaline junkies on vacation.

With rides like Tornado and Volcano Express, Wet N’ Wild combines the best elements of amusement and water parks to create a unique experience. Wet N’ Wild is all about balance, though: many low-key rides are available for those who want to relax instead of having a possible heart attack.

Idaho: Silverwood Theme Park

Featuring an impressive lineup of over 70 thrilling rides, Silverwood Theme Park is the largest amusement park in the Pacific Northwest. Its attractions include world-famous coasters like Corkscrew and Aftershock, which send riders upside-down and back countless times over.

Value-minded families should seriously consider visiting. After all, admission to Silverwood Theme Park also includes entry into Boulder Beach. This family-friendly waterpark sounds like it would be heaven on Earth during Idaho’s hot summer months.

Illinois: Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America is the only place to experience Goliath. This famous wooden roller coaster holds three distinct world records: it’s the fastest (it reaches 72 miles per hour), boasts the largest vertical drop (180 feet), and has the steepest drop (85 degrees) of any wooden coaster in existence.

Many amusement park fans consider Six Flags Great America as a bucket list location, and based on reviews across the internet, the park lives up to the hype.

Indiana: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Talk about a unique amusement park. Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, this park is the only one on this list with a year-round holiday theme. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari fully embraces the Christmas spirit. It combines modern roller coasters and attractions with old-school charm.

The park’s highlight is Mammoth, the world’s longest water coaster. (And yes, it’s just as fun as it sounds.) Celebrate Christmas in July with a visit to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari!

Iowa: Adventureland Resort

Talk about bang for your buck: Adventureland Resort, located just outside Des Moines, boasts over 100 rides and attractions, making it one of the most attractive amusement park options on this list. One of our favorite parts of the park is Idaho’s largest wave pool, which sounds like something everyone would like to experience at least once.

Adventureland Resort is much more than water-based rides and attractions. It’s also home to some of the best double-loop roller coasters in the United States.

Kansas: Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park

Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park is one of those rare water parks that does all the little things right. Admission is super low (adults pay, at most, $7, which is a bargain) and balances small-town thrills with sensible rides and features. If you want to swim, that’s fine. If you want to experience jaw-dropping waterslides, that’s okay, too. It’s all there at Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park.

There are even a few old-fashioned diving boards in the pool area, so kids of all ages can show off their best cannonballs and jackknives.

Kentucky: Kentucky Kingdom

Roller coaster fans know the secret Kentucky Kingdom holds: it’s one of the best places in the country for lovers of those kinds of amusement park rides. Storm Chaser and Thunder Run are just two of many well-known coasters found in the park, and thrillseekers owe it to themselves to visit at least once.

Like a few other parks on this list, admission to the park includes entry to the attached waterpark. This is a family-friendly option that keeps the kids occupied while dad spends the day riding some of the best wooden coasters in the United States.

Louisiana: Wonder Oasis Water Park

With a name like Wonder Oasis, you know it’s a great amusement park. Wonder Oasis Water Park is the most fun you can have in Louisiana without ever stepping foot on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. However, the water park caters primarily to families, so visitors who want a high-end thrill-seeking experience should learn to embrace their softer sides.

Located in Shreveport, Wonder Oasis Water Park offers competitive, family-friendly pricing. Season passes are only $60 per person, making it one of the better deals in the industry.

Maine: Funtown Splashtown USA

Maine is synonymous with one special amusement park: the hilariously named Funtown Splashtown USA. Yes, the name is a mouthful, but visitors will experience one of the largest and highest-rated amusement parks in New England when stepping through the front gates.

The park is known for its water rides and pools, but there are plenty of traditional attractions for the old-school amusement park fans, including a few wooden roller coasters. Like many parks on this list, visiting Funtown Splashtown USA is like stepping back in time.

Maryland: Six Flags America

With attraction names like Apocalypse and Dare Devil Dive, it’s clear to visitors what kind of heart-pounding action the rides at Six Flags America delivers. Like most Six Flags locations, men and women can expect nothing but some of the most high-end and modern roller coasters when here.

Its proximity to Baltimore makes it an easy ride for many families living in the I-95 corridor. (And after a long day at the amusement park, what better way to end it than by enjoying some delicious Maryland crab cakes at a local restaurant?)

Massachusetts: Six Flags New England

If you’re wondering why so many Six Flags locations are on this list, it’s because the company sets the bar so high for its amusement parks. There’s a constant level of excellence at every Six Flags, which keeps people coming back for more every year.

Six Flags New England is, bar none, the best amusement park in Massachusetts (and probably the entire region). It is located in Springfield and is the oldest property in the Six Flags portfolio (it opened in the late 1800s). It offers high-end, exciting attractions like The Joker 4D Fly Coaster.

Michigan: Michigan’s Adventure

When Michigan’s Adventure is brought up in conversation, one word comes to mind: speed. The breathtaking park sits on 250 acres in Muskegon, Michigan. It boasts the fastest wooden roller coaster in the state: the formidable Shivering Timbers. Wooden coasters are a dying breed in the United States; you can feel every twist and turn.

As an added bonus, visitors receive entry to the Wildwater Adventure Waterpark with admission to Michigan’s Adventure. Over 20 waterslides are at your disposal as the perfect complements to an adventure-filled day.

Minnesota: Nickelodeon Universe

The Mall of America has hundreds of shops, restaurants, and unique experiences. Nickelodeon Universe is one of those one-of-a-kind features. While Nickelodeon doesn’t have as many fans as Disney, tons of fans still flock to Minnesota’s Nickelodeon-themed amusement park.

The park boasts 27 rides that will quench the appetite of any thrillseeker. The best part is that the rides are as intense as they come despite being kid-themed. “Shell Shock,” a wild roller coaster based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, is a crowd favorite.

Mississippi: Geyser Falls Water Theme Park

Suppose you can’t make the trip to Alabama to visit OWA. In that case, Mississippi’s Geyser Falls Water Theme Park is the next best option. The park has it all. An epic lazy river? Check. Wild waterslides nicknamed the “Whitewater Express?” Check. Oversized wave pools and plenty of food options? Check.

Geyser Falls Water Theme Park is Mississippi’s top-rated amusement park because it knows how to give water lovers of all ages memories that will last a lifetime.

Missouri: Silver Dollar City

For over 50 years, Branson, Missouri, has been a destination for families seeking an adrenaline rush. In that time span, the number one destination for that has been Silver Dollar City, a pioneer-themed park with 30 rides, live shows, and workshops to teach about the ways of the Old West.
That’s right. Not only will your family love the roller coasters and water slides, but they can also cool off and take a class in candy making or glass blowing. How cool of a souvenir is that to take home to their friends? Plus, you won’t be shelling out top dollar for a poor-quality trinket that will break on the way home.

Montana: Big Sky Waterpark

The small town of Columbia Falls is smack dab in the middle of the mighty Colorado Rockies. This gives the Big Sky Waterpark epic views of the mountains as you slide down one of its ten monster waterslides. It almost feels like you found a wild stream, letting it take you down the rapids.
In addition to the ten slides, the park also has a whirlpool, rock climbing wall, mini golf course, and bumper cars. If you are dreading the remaining summer months and are close by, the staff at Big Sky invite you and your family to come cool off with them.

Nebraska: Fun Plex

Fun Plex is Omaha, Nebraska’s biggest and best amusement park, by far. How do we know? It was once home to the state’s only rollercoaster, the Big Ohhhhhh!!! Sadly, it closed in 2018.
That’s okay, though! The park still has numerous rides for younger kids, as well as go-karts, bumper boats, and a massive water park. It also has something special for parents: a swim-up bar where you can enjoy some adult beverages while your kids explore the lazy river and water slides.

Nevada: Adventuredome

In the last twenty years or so, Las Vegas has transitioned to a more family-friendly vacation destination. One example of this is Adventurdome, an amusement park in the heart of the Vegas Strip. The indoor park attached to Circus Circus spans 5 acres and contains 25 rides and attractions.
Take a break from gambling with your money and gamble with your stomach. The highlight rides include Canyon Blaster, a double corkscrew ride that reaches 55 miles per hour. Or strap into El Loco, a coaster that defies gravity and features a 45-degree banked curve and a 240-degree roll into an inverted drop. Are you nervous?

New Hampshire: Canobie Lake Park

Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire, really has something for everyone in the family. Scary coasters? Yup. Kid rides? Sure. Waterpark? You betcha. Lake cruises? Of Course! You could easily spend a long weekend here.
General admission tickets are only $60, and they get cheaper the smaller your kids are. I am honestly jealous I don’t live in Nesrby because I am dying to ride UNTAMED, a ride that raises you 72 feet in the air only to drop you at an inverted 97 degrees. What a rush!

New Jersey: Six Flags Great Adventure

If you are an avid adrenaline junkie willing to risk your life on a roller coaster, you probably already know about this place. The park is home to numerous rides, but nothing strikes fear into more riders’ eyes than Kingda Ka. This behemoth stands over 450 feet high and drops its brave riders 418 feet at a speed of 128 miles per hour, making it one of the most electrifying rides on Earth.
Still, there are plenty of other rides for younger and sane people. Grab a corndog and check out the kid-friendly rides for an equally fun day without getting sick.

New Mexico: Cliff’s Amusement Park

Located in Albuquerque, Cliff’s offers throwback to old-time roller coaster fun. The park’s trademark ride is the Rattler, a wooden coaster with stiff turns and sharp drops. While it doesn’t look intimidating, the old wooden tracks add a hint of terror.
Cliff’s also provides a waterpark to cool off in the hot Southwestern summer. In fact, there is an entire play area for kids, which includes slides, water pads, blasters, and a giant dump bucket to soak your friends.

New York: Coney Island

Coney Island was opened to the public in 1823. The iconic location has changed a lot over the centuries, but one thing stays certain: It is a must-visit whenever you are in the Big Apple.
The park is home to three rides that have become National Landmarks. The Cyclone, Wonder Wheel, and Parachute Jump are synonymous with Coney Island. Experts recommend you grab a hot dog and roam the park for some old-fashioned fun and a little bit of American history.

North Carolina: Carowinds

Just south of Charlotte, Carowinds sits on the border of both North and South Carolina. With over 400 acres of park, it is the largest waterpark in each state. It also has some seriously frightening coasters, like Fury 325, a ride that reaches 90 miles per hour with 300-foot drops and multiple barrel rolls.
But like most other parks on the list, it has something for everyone. There are plenty of less scary rides, and the park is well-known for its commissions. Grab some Southern BBQ and relax in the shade while your friends and family stare down death in the face.

North Dakota: Thunder Road Amusement Park

Due to it’s climate and lack of population, you won’t find many roller coasters in North Dakota. Still, there are some fun parks for friends and family to spend an afternoon at.
Thunder Road Amusement Park is open from April to the end of August. The facility has added go-karts, laser tag, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages, and an indoor arcade. Multiple pricing options are available, including day passes for hours of fun.

Ohio: Cedar Point

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, has coined itself the roller coaster capital of the world. If that is the case, then this park has no doubt to make our list of the best amusement parks in each state.
Does the park live up to its nickname? Well, that is for you to decide. But, with intimidating coasters like Maverick, Magnum XL, Gatekeeper, Gemini, and MaXair. The last one is sending riders hundreds of feet in the air while spinning them in a carousel; I think they know how to build a thrill ride.

Oklahoma: Frontier City

Frontier City in Oklahoma City, unfortunately, gets the nod for the best amusement park in the state by default. It is the only amusement park in the state. Still, that doesn’t mean there is not much fun to have here.
The Wild West theme automatically makes it appealing to kids. I mean, who doesn’t like pretending to be a cowboy in the Old West? Combine that with some live shows, shopping, thrill rides, kid rides, and a water park, and you have a weekend made at Frontier City.

Oregon: Oaks Park

The next time you are in Portland, Oregon, looking for some thrills, head over to Oaks Park. Not only does this place have some cool rides, it also has some history. The park still runs its original wooden carousel, built in 1913. Plus, the park has over 20 rides ranging from daredevil to toddlers.
The place has become a Portland Landmark. If rides are not your thing, rollerskating, mini golf, and an arcade offer ways to cool off or stay dry in the rainy months of the Pacific Northwest.

Pennsylvania: Hersheypark

When you combine an amusement park with chocolate, you are going to have a hard time beating it. That is the magic of Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
This park has everything you could ever want in an amusement park. There are rides for kids ages 2 to 18. There is a water park, live shows, dining options, shopping, special events, and even a Zoo! Also, I mentioned that the park was built around a chocolate factory, right? Why are you still reading? Go book your tickets now!

Rhode Island: Adventureland

Adventureland in Narragansett, RI, holds the spot for the best amusement park in this tiny state. Locals wait for the summer months each year for the park to open in late June. From there, it is free for all to enjoy good old-fashioned summertime fun.
The place is a great way to spend an afternoon. Visitors can ride go-karts, swing in the batting cages, cool off on the bumper boats, or try their skills on the mini-golf course. Be sure to ask about group rates or day passes next time you visit.

South Carolina: Family Kingdom Seaside Amusement Park

Carowinds, which we explored earlier, is the most popular park in the Carolinas. Still, it sits on the border, so Family Kingdom holds the number one spot strictly in South Carolina. Located right in the center of Myrtle Beach, the facility has over 40 rides, including their signature ride, Sling Shot, which has a 100-foot free-fall.
Myrtle Beach is one of the more famous boardwalks in the United States. Thousands visit it yearly, and many spend hours in the Family Kingdon Park. Be sure to add it to your list if you plan on visiting.

South Dakota: Rush Mountain Adventure Park

South Dakota is not known for roller coasters, but Rush Mountain in Rapid City has the only one you need to know. The Rushmore Coaster reaches 30 miles per hour with sharp turns through underground tunnels and rolling hills.
After conquering the coaster, visitors can explore the underground cave, take a zip-line course, or overcome the rope obstacle course. The park is open from early May to late October, with special openings in April on weekends.

Tennessee: Dollywood

Who would have thought that country singer Dolly Parton would open one of the most prestigious amusement parks in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains? Well, that is exactly what Dolly did, and since opening its gates in 1986, Dollywood has become more popular than ever.
The park has hotels, resorts, spas, and restaurants within walking distance, so visitors never have to leave the premises. Be sure to ride their iconic coaster, Tennessee Tornado, Thunder Head, and Lightning Rod, before settling in for one of their amazing nightly shows.

Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas

We all know the state of Texas is massive. That being said, it was hard to choose between which Six Flags to win, but ultimately, San Antonio’s Six Flags Fiesta won outright.
Why do you ask? Well, San Antonio has two unique coasters that you have to try. First, the Thunder Rapids Water Coaster was the first blast water ride in the United States. Second, the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso was the first single-rail roller coaster on the planet. This might be controversial, but we can debate in the comment section.

Utah: Lagoon Park

The state of Utah is known for its winter festivities, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have some summertime fun. One place is Lagoon Park in Salt Lake City, which has over 50 rides, including roller coasters and water rides.
That’s right, parents. The park features a makeshift beach, a reconstructed pioneer town, live shows, and a couple adrenaline-rushing rollercoasters. There is so much to this fun park; you just have to be there. Book your tickets starting at only $75.

Vermont: Killington Pico Adventure Center

After Killington melts off the winter, it transforms from a ski town to a small summer destination. The park continues its thrills with rock climbing walls, zip line courses, alpine tubing, trampoline parks, and mountain bike trails.
Lastly, the park’s claim to fame is its titanic rollercoaster, the Beast Mountain Coaster. This thing rips through the woods with a mission to scare its riders silly. At 4,800 feet long and with tight corkscrews, riders can’t help but admit how scary the ride was.

Virginia: Busch Gardens

The Loch Ness Monster is the prized coaster of Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. The towering Loch Ness Monser ride was at one time the tallest and fastest roller steel roller coaster.
Busch Gardens will still satisfy your need for adrenaline coasters. The park has added Appollo’s Chariot, Griffon, Verbolten, Pantheon, and Alpengeist. This lineup is dedicated to satisfying those with a sick and twisted need for adrenaline.

Washington: Wild Waves Theme and Water Park

Federal Way, in Washington State, is home to Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, a two-in-one theme park with rides and water slides. The best part is that one ticket gets you entry into both parks. Usually, these types of places act separately.
From now until the end of July, the park will be holding a special event. Buy one day pass, and get free entry for the rest of the summer. That means for $75, you can cool off in the water park for the rest of the hot months any time you want. What a deal!

West Virginia: Camden Park

Camden Park has been entertaining its guests with classic carnival games since 1902. The 26-acre park in Huntington, West Virginia, started as a picnic site but slowly added rides, like an old-fashioned carousel.
Today, Camden Park has over 30 different rides for all levels of thrillseekers, a rollerskating rink, and a small zoo. The biggest ride is the Big Dipper, a wooden rollercoaster that will send shivers down anyone’s spine. The park is only open from May to early September, so get your tickets now!

Wisconsin: Kalahari Resorts

In Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells holds a monopoly on awesome theme parks. But, inside the Dells, the Kalahari Resorts is the cream of the crop. This 100,000-square-foot facility has one of the coolest rides in the country, Maximum Foolocity, a whirly ride that takes you 50 feet up and down.
The park has an indoor and outdoor section, so the weather can’t stop you from enjoying the waterpark. There are many options for staying in Wisconsin Dells, but you will have a hard time beating the features at Kalahari Resorts.

Wyoming: Star Plunge

At first glance, Star Plunge might not be the dictionary definition of a waterpark. The water is sourced from natural hot springs, and although there are water slides, most visitors enjoy the relaxing pools and steam rooms. This makes it an ideal vacation spot for couples without kids.
Located in Thermopolis, the resort has 2 pools, 3 slides, 2 hot tubs, a vapor cave, 2 baby pools, a 10-foot-high dive, a game room, a snack bar, and tanning beds. Sounds like a great getaway for a romantic weekend.

Source. Reader’s Digest.