Theme parks provide children of all ages with a space where they can truly soak up the wonder and magic of childhood. The vibrant streetscapes, whooshing rides, interactive characters and immersive experiences make these destinations a place where dreams come to life. As a result, families are often searching for kid-friendly theme parks in the U.S. that will provide them with a memorable vacation.
Below, we detail the 10 best theme parks for kids in the U.S. to help you plan a trip fit for your whole family.
1. Walt Disney World
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 2 and 18
Not surprisingly, Walt Disney World tops the list as one of the best theme park destinations for kids in the U.S.
Located in Orlando, Florida, this sprawling resort consists of four theme parks, two water parks and more than 30 hotels on the property, allowing families to truly enter the Disney bubble. Whether you choose to visit Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom with your kids, you will find that magic awaits you around every corner. Walt Disney World is known for its immersive theming, exceptional service and personalized attention to detail, allowing you to enjoy all of the Pixie Dust that comes your way. To make your visit even easier, you can save on tickets to Walt Disney World or Disneyland through AAA.
2. Disneyland
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 2 and 18
Offering a more intimate and nostalgic experience than the mammoth Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland is the perfect alternative for families who want to enjoy a slower pace and a more relaxed atmosphere. Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland includes two parks, Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, both of which offer that quintessential Disney experience that theme park aficionados have come to know and love. There are rides, character meet-and-greets, themed dining opportunities and, of course, evening fireworks to cap off another wonderful day at the Happiest Place on Earth.
3. Hersheypark
- Best for: Families with children of all ages
Situated in the heart of the Sweetest Place on Earth, Hersheypark is a whimsical theme park that celebrates everyone's favorite chocolate confections. The park itself has been operating for more than 115 years and was originally designed to provide the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Factory with a place to relax and enjoy time with their families. Today, it is the largest theme park in Pennsylvania and one of the top theme parks for kids in the U.S. Children of all ages will delight in the immersive theming, which brings their favorite candy bars to life and there are rides and attractions suitable for all levels of thrillseekers. In addition, families will find chocolate-themed restaurants and candy bar meet and greets, making for a truly unforgettable day in the world's most famous candy town.
4. LEGOLAND
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 2 and 12
Blending the creativity and ingenuity of brick-building with the iconic characters that children have come to love, LEGOLAND theme parks and resorts are an ideal option for families with young children. With locations in Goshen, New York, Carlsbad, California and Winter Haven, Florida, each LEGOLAND theme park offers unique rides, attractions and experiences dedicated to providing families with an immersive and inviting experience. Perhaps the most iconic attraction at each LEGOLAND park is the Miniland area, which features a variety of life-sized buildings and attractions created entirely from Lego bricks. From brick-building areas to family-friendly rides and Minifigure meet-and-greets, there is something for everyone at LEGOLAND.
5. Universal Studios
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 5 and 18
Bringing the magic of movies to life with larger-than-life attractions, interactive experiences and thrilling rides, Universal Studios is a favorite theme park of families with kids who are ready for a more lively and rousing experience. Universal Studios has locations in both Orlando, Florida and Universal City, California and while each park offers something for guests of all ages, many patrons find that this park is ideal for school-aged children, tweens and teens.
Most recently, Universal Studios made headlines in Orlando with the opening of its newest park, Epic Universe. Considered to be one of the most immersive theme parks in the United States, Epic Universe invites guests to step into different portals, such as Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe or the Isle of Berk. Leveraging the power of the most advanced theme park technology, Epic Universe offers a one-of-a-kind amusement park experience for families searching for cutting-edge fun.
6. Dollywood
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 5 and 10
Set against the backdrop of the mystical Smoky Mountains, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dolly Parton's Dollywood is a treasured family theme park that provides guests with the chance to enjoy authentic moments together. Designed with children between the ages of 5 and 10 in mind, this Pigeon Forge theme park is the largest of its kind in the region and is famous for its exceptional theming. Between the theme park and the water park, there are more than 50 rides and attractions for families to enjoy, as well as world-class dining and delightful entertainment. Paying homage to the traditions of the local area, this park also offers crafting stations, where guests can learn how to handcraft their own creations. It's truly the friendliest theme park in the country and one of the top theme parks for kids in the U.S.
7. Sesame Place
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 2 and 7
Based on the iconic, award-winning children's show Sesame Street, Sesame Place brings some of the world's most beloved characters to life in their detailed and immersive theme parks. The original Sesame Place theme park is located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and the park recently opened a second location in Chula Vista, California. While many other theme parks are created with older kids in mind, Sesame Place is one of the best theme parks for toddlers in the U.S. The themed rides and attractions are perfect for kids who are enjoying their first theme park visit and people of all ages will delight in the character greetings as well as the parades. There's truly nothing like the memories that are made while walking with your young children down Sesame Street.
8. SeaWorld
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 5 and 12
Combining classic theme park thrills with a purpose-driven mission to protect marine life, SeaWorld provides one of the most unique theme park experiences in the U.S. SeaWorld has locations in Orlando, Florida, San Diego, California and San Antonio, Texas and while each park has its own collection of rides and attractions, all of them offer the marine wildlife shows and presentations that have made the park famous over the years. Currently, visitors of all ages can enjoy informative and engaging performances with Orca whales, dolphins, sea lions and more.
9. Cedar Point
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 5 and 18
Resting on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, Cedar Point is one of the largest theme parks in the region. Affectionately known as America's Roller Coast, this park is home to well over a dozen gravity-defying rollercoasters. Due to the thrilling nature of many of the rides at Cedar Point, this park is often recommended for families with school-aged children, tweens and teens, though there are family-friendly attractions for kids of all ages. In addition to the amusement park, Cedar Point also has an on-property water park, giving you the opportunity to enjoy several days of fun in Sandusky, Ohio.
10. King's Island
- Best for: Families with children between the ages of 2 and 18
With a wide range of attractions for kids of all ages, King's Island has quickly become a top theme park destination in the U.S. The park itself is located in Mason, Ohio and consists of an amusement park as well as a water park, giving guests the ability to choose their own adventure. In this theme park, you will find heart-stopping rollercoasters as well as imaginative kiddie rides, ensuring that every member of the family has the best day ever. The water park boasts 36 different water slides as well as wave pools and relaxing lagoons, allowing you to take a break from the summer heat in the most exciting and memorable way. Families of all ages and stages love heading to this theme park near Cincinnati for a weekend getaway.
Plan Your U.S. Theme Park Trip with AAA
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