There are certain activities that provide a thrill that you can’t find in a day at the beach, a camping trip in the mountains, or a motorcycle trip with your friends down the highway. That’s where amusement parks come in, as these facilities provide a variety of rides that take you to incredible heights and move you at amazing speeds for a unique experience.
North America is full of options for adrenaline junkies looking for a new challenge, and the spots on the list below range in size and activities for people of all ages, making them great for trips with friends or the whole family. Check out our recommendations for amusement parks in the United States to visit and note that some of these parks are also on our list of top amusement parks in the world.
1. Six Flags Great Adventure
If you’re looking for a place that has rides for the whole family, then we advise giving Six Flags Great Adventure a try. This spot comes with a variety of superhero-themed roller coasters and other rides that will be a treat if you or your kids into superheroes.
Located in Jackson, NJ, Six Flags also has a safari for the whole gang so that you can check out animals from the around the world. Adventure Alley, Frontier Adventures and Fantasy Forest are among the 11 parks you get to choose from.
2. Universal Island of Adventure
Having a variety of rides close together is a big convenience for those looking to get a lot done in a short period of time. That’s where Universal’s Island of Adventure in Orlando, FL comes in, as you can walk from Jurassic Park River Adventure to the Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Fans of 3-D rides will get a hit out of this spot, as rides themed from Harry Potter, King Kong and Spider-Man are a blast and take you on fun adventures. The Dr. Seuss section will be a hit for the kids while you enjoy the bigger rides.
3. Hersheypark
Some parks don’t make it easy to enjoy water rides and traditional roller coasters in one setting. You don’t have to worry about that with Hersheypark, as the Coastline Plunge has a variety of water slides that you can go on by yourself or with a friend or relative.
Other rides in this park in Hersehy, PA comes with the Comet, Cocoa Cruiser and other smaller roller coasters for different ages, as well as Fahrenheit, Lightning Racer, Great Bear and similar rides older guests can enjoy. You can also enjoy a great view of the area from the ferris wheel or Kissing Tower.
4. Cedar Point
Some of you may be looking for different a place that offers different ways to get your adrenaline going. In this case, heading over to Cedar Point in Erie County, OH so that you can try more than just roller coasters for some thrills.
As long as you don’t have a problem with heights or spinning at high speeds, you’ll be in good shape at this spot. The WindSeeker and maXair will take you spinning at high speeds, and the SlingShot and Professor Delbert’s Frontier Fling take you soaring through the air like you’re a superhero. Blue Streak, Magnum XL-200 and Rougarou will satisfy roller coaster fans.
5. SeaWorld San Diego
There are certain parks that have a niche because of the chance guests have of getting to see and learn about different creatures. If you and/or your friends and family are a fan of aquatic life, then it’s best to stop by SeaWorld in San Diego, CA for a weekend.
The shows and presentations allow you to watch dolphins, whales, sea lions and other animals perform different entertaining tricks, and part of the park is saved for tours for turtles, fish and other creatures. You can also try out the Electric Eel, Journey to Atlantis, Manta and other rides before or after you do your animal tours.
6. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
In case you’re more of a fan of land animals and are in need of a weekend spent on rides, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom is your best bet. You will get to see tigers, bears, lions, elephants, gorillas and other amazing creatures hang out thanks to the Kilimanjaro Safaris and Maharajah Jungle Trek.
This spot in Bay Lake, FL also comes with Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids and other rides to satisfy the adrenaline junkies, and there are options for different ages in case you’re stopping by with either your friends or family. You can also check out Pandora – The World of Avatar for entertainment and rides such as the Flight of Passage.
7. Disneyland Park
When it comes to movie and fantasy-themed parks, Disneyland in Anaheim, CA takes the cake. This is a chance to take your kids to see and take pictures with their favorite Disney characters. You can also take the whole gang on rides like Space Mountain, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Jungle Cruise.
Sources of entertainment themed around Disney princesses, Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean are spread throughout the whole park. You can stay for Disney After Dark if you want to enjoy an amazing firework show.
Book a vacation for these parks when you get the chance so that you can seek thrills and make memories with your friends and family.
