When someone mentions a theme park vacation, most people immediately think of the incredible parks in Orlando, Florida. But the truth is that there are plenty of other theme parks around the country where families can enjoy a day of roller coasters, adorable characters, wild food, and more. Places like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm are steeped in history and beloved characters, while Dollywood and Hersheypark offer down-home family-friendly fun. Even better, our list of the best theme parks outside Orlando for every age group features a few little kid-friendly parks where even the youngest thrill enthusiasts can step onto made-just-for-them attractions.
So if you’re planning your next vacation and want to add on a theme park day, keep reading. With exciting theme parks all around the country, there’s likely one near your next vacation location.
Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California
Best for: families and nostalgia seekers
Disneyland Park is brimming with history. In fact, this year, the park will continue to celebrate its 70th anniversary through August 9. Families with kids of all ages will find plenty of things to do at the park from morning to late at night. Little kids will enjoy Mickey’s Toontown, where multiple kid-friendly rides, large green spaces to run around, and the chance to meet classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse all converge in one land. Adults looking to relive their youth will love taking a spin on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or taking a tranquil journey on the Mark Twain Riverboat around the Rivers of America.
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Where to stay nearby: Hotel Lulu, a budget-conscious hotel that’s just a short walk to the Disneyland Parks.
Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California
Best for: families with teens and adults traveling together
If your travels take you to Southern California and you’re traveling with teens or a group of adults without kids, you’ll love the adult-centric Disney magic at Disney California Adventure. While the park does have some attractions for little kids, a large chunk of the rides are larger thrill rides, including my favorite, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission – BREAKOUT. Additionally, the park features some of the best dining options at the Disneyland Resort, including a host of Asian-fusion quick-service spots in San Fransokyo Square and an upscale table-service spot, Carthay Circle Restaurant.
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Where to stay nearby: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort, a luxury property that feels a world away from the theme parks.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California
Best for: thrill-seekers and Peanuts fans
Just down the road from Disneyland is Knott’s Berry Farm, a fantastic theme park where roller coasters and historic charm come together in one spot. The park has a great mix of attractions for older kids looking for high-speed thrills and more tame rides for little kids. Additionally, there’s a fantastic land all themed to the Peanuts gang, dubbed Camp Snoopy. You can even meet the land’s namesake dog here. Don’t leave without trying a handful of the park’s boysenberry snacks, including boysenberry punch, boysenberry funnel cake, and boysenberry stuffed churros.
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Where to stay nearby: The Knott’s Hotel, an on-site hotel with upgraded amenities and close proximity to the park.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, California
Best for: families with kids under 8
LEGOLAND California is a fantastic option for families with younger kids who love all things LEGO. The park is filled with more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, allowing families to have a full day of fun. On March 6, the park will open its newest land, LEGO Galaxy, featuring an indoor space-themed coaster, which is perfect for families.
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Whatever you do, don’t forget to grab an order of Granny’s Apple Fries before you end your day at the park. The deep-fried apple sticks are dusted with cinnamon sugar and are one of LEGOLAND’s signature treats.
Where to stay nearby: LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, an exciting LEGO-themed hotel where kids can continue to live out their brick-building dreams.
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Best for: rollercoaster enthusiasts and country music fans
National treasure and all-around icon Dolly Parton has her own theme park nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood is a fantastic park for roller coaster enthusiasts and country music fans. For thrill-seekers, nine high-speed coasters await. One of the most intense is Tennessee Tornado, which has a 128-foot drop and reaches speeds of 70 miles per hour.
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Another exciting thrill ride coming to the park this year is NightFlight Expedition, an indoor adventure coaster that will combine a traditional roller coaster with a water ride for something truly unique. Outside of the rides, the park is filled with all types of live music from country to gospel, so when you need a break, grab a loaf of cinnamon bread and sit down to enjoy a live performance.
Where to stay nearby: Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, an upscale rustic lodge with plenty of Dolly touches.
Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri
Best for: history fanatics and families with tweens
Silver Dollar City is one of my favorite regional theme parks for its incredible history and sheer variety of things to do. The park is built on top of a cave with a storied history of its own. (Pro-tip: you can sign up for cave tours at the front of the park, which is a truly unique experience worth an hour of precious park time.) History fanatics will love the park for its 1800s charm and numerous craftspeople doing things like wood carving and blacksmithing. Additionally, tweens will find the park’s coasters to be over-the-top thrills. It shouldn’t be surprising to parents if tweens keep rejoining the same lines over and over.
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Where to stay nearby: Hampton Inn Branson on the Strip, a basic hotel with free hot breakfast and clean rooms.
Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Best for: candy lovers and water park fanatics
Hersheypark is filled with rides, but I love that the park has an entire water park, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, right in the middle of candy-themed attractions. Even better, the water park is included with your ticket into Hersheypark, so you don’t have to worry about forking over more cash for a few hours of splashing fun. The water park features an exciting water coaster, the world’s longest mat racing slides, a lazy river, and more. Besides the water park, be sure to get your photo taken with one of the Hershey candy characters, like Twizz and Jolly Rancher.
Where to stay nearby: Hersheypark Camping Resort, a campground with tent and RV campsites, plus cabins and tiny homes.
