Beyond Disney: the best theme parks in America
The top theme parks in America
Disney's glittering theme parks draw the crowds year round – but there are plenty more besides its fairytale offerings. From huge sites dotted with hair-raising roller coasters, to smaller family-owned affairs, the USA has no shortage of amusement parks. We've picked the best across the country.
Universal's Islands of Adventure, Florida
Spreading itself over 110 eye-popping acres, Islands of Adventures is one of three theme parks at Universal's Orlando Resort (Universal Studios and Volcano Bay water park deserve a special mention too). It's made up of themed "islands". There's a great section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on one, including the majestic Hogwarts Castle, and a chance to board the Hogwarts Express. The Marvel Super Hero Island includes a stellar green roller coaster themed around the Incredible Hulk.
Cedar Point, Ohio
This park in Sandusky fancies itself "the roller coaster capital of the world". It's not undeserving of its self-afforded monicker, either, with 18 tumbling roller coasters and 53 other rides. This year, the park gears up for the opening of Steel Vengeance, a Wild-West-themed ride set to smash records: among other things, it'll be the world's largest steel-wood hybrid roller coaster. There are plenty of spots to stay on site and nearby, including the cabins of Lighthouse Point campground.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, California
There are several stateside parks in the Six Flags portfolio, but this one edges above the rest for its sheer stock of hair-raising rides. There’s Viper, a spiralling coaster that rattles off at 70 miles per hour, and SUPERMAN: Escape from Krypton, which shoots passengers more than 400 feet up a near-vertical track. Those not possessed by the need for speed can take in one of the family-friendly shows. The park lies around an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles.
Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
This park describes itself as “the sweetest place on Earth”. It began life as grounds for Hershey’s Chocolate Factory workers, and has now grown into a mammoth family park with heady roller coasters, gushing water rides and spirited shows. Highlights include The Shore, a 23,000-square-foot wave pool, and the wooden, double-tracked Lightning Racer coaster, the first of its kind in the USA. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can stay on site at Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey.
Dollywood, Tennessee
This loud, proud park in the foothills of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains is co-owned by country legend Dolly Parton. It has been in operation since 1986 and covers 150 acres, each one crammed with all manner of colourful rides and amusements. The Wild Eagle coaster is a highlight. Riders are strapped to the “wings” of seven steel eagles, soaring above the park at more than 200 feet. In true Parton style, the evening unfolds with musical shows and you can stay over in the Dollywood Resort.
Carowinds, North Carolina
A slew of wiggling, looping roller coasters dot this bold site in Charlotte. Fury 325 is the jewel in the park’s dizzying crown: the world’s tallest, fastest giga coaster, it soars to 325 feet. Back on the ground, the Dinosaurs Alive! attraction draws crowds with its lumbering, life-size dinosaur models, and there’s also a sprawling water park. Camp Wilderness Lodge, made up of little wooden cabins, is on the park’s doorstep.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Indiana
The whole clan is catered for at this park in Santa Claus in southwest Indiana. Those with a head for heights should brave the mighty arch of The Voyage, whose wooden track reaches 173 feet at its highest point. Visitors after a gentler ride can try HallowSwings, a "flying carousel" that circles passengers at 34 feet – this one's particularly pretty when lit up at night. The park recommends staying at Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort, less than a mile from the action.
Six Flags Over Texas
Another Six Flags offering, you’ll find this park a 20-minute drive away from downtown Dallas – the highlight is a clutch of dramatic superhero-themed rides. BATMAN: The Ride beats a pulse-quickening path over 2,700 feet, while CATWOMAN Whip is a giant wheel that tips its riders upside down as it spins. Live entertainment includes a daily Looney Tunes dance party and karaoke for kids.
Kentucky Kingdom, Kentucky
Open through the summer months, this Louisville park includes a motley assortment of thrill and family rides, plus a decent-sized water park. Brave Cyclos, a huge pendulum-style ride that rotates 360 degrees, then get your breath back on the watery slides and rapids of Hurricane Bay. All-American comfort food is dished up at various spots throughout the site – try the Bayside Grill for juicy burgers.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Colorado
This Colorado park serves up a hefty dose of adrenaline. Situated in the midst of the Rockies, the park makes the most of its mountaintop location. The Giant Canyon Swing dangles riders 1,300 feet over the Colorado River, while the Alpine Coaster sees individual cars clatter down a rocky slope. Once you’ve had your fill of thrills, you can explore the vast Glenwood Caverns or clamber up the on-site climbing wall. There are plenty of cosy spots to overnight in Glenwood Springs.
Kings Dominion, Virginia
This site dates back to 1975 and has been growing its selection of rip-roaring rides ever since. Intimidator 305, a startling red and yellow coaster, stands head and shoulders above the rest, warranting its fearsome name. Twisted Timbers, with its undulating steel and wood track, will soon join the ranks. Events include Taste of Virginia, bringing the state's best produce and local makers to the park, and if you stay at Kings Dominion KOA campground, you'll save on your admission fee.
Silverwood Theme Park, Idaho
There are more than 70 rides at this park in northern Idaho, whose closest city is lakeside Coeur d'Alene. One of the most pulse-quickening coasters is Tremors, with dramatic drops and a winding wooden track. Another is Spincycle, a circular ride that dizzies passengers as it revolves them full circle, legs dangling, arms in the air. Towering water slides such as Rumble Falls and Velocity Peak are highlights too, and Silverwood's RV Park, open May through to October, is right by the park.
Worlds of Fun, Missouri
Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun sit side by side at this Kansas City park. There are rides galore, like Cyclone Sam, meant to emulate a storm, and Detonator, which drops riders from 150 feet. Then there’s Oceans of Fun, with twirling waterslides and a vast wave pool. The park will be getting some updates in 2018: a new loop will be added to Timber Wolf, the first wooden coaster here. Nordic Chaser, a family ride built from lots of mini ships, will become the latest addition.
Bay Beach Amusement Park, Wisconsin
The city of Green Bay is proud of Bay Beach, a pint-sized park close to Fox River, with 22 rides in total. The star is Zippin' Pippin', one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the USA, dating back to the early 1900s. It was once housed in Libertyland, Memphis and was purportedly the favourite ride of rock-and-roll legend Elvis Presley. If you're not keen to reach Zippin' Pippin's dizzying heights, there's some old-fashioned fun to be had on the park's big wheel.
Valleyfair, Minnesota
Aptly named Delirious is the latest ride to be built here – lit up in neon by night, it's a great big circle with a 24-seat train scooting around its centre. An already established favourite is lofty Power Tower: riders are inched upwards, before free-falling a stomach-churning 250 feet from the tower's summit. Splash City, the on-site water park, is a hit in summer, and you can find a comfortable hotel in the city of Shakopee where the park is based.
Lake Winnepesaukah, Georgia
Kids take centre stage at this park in Rossville. Lovingly nicknamed "Lake Winnie", it has a long history, first opening back in the 1920s – but years of modern updates mean it's still a well-loved spot. The Tour Train, which chugs its way around the park, is a perennial favourite, while old-school attractions like the bumper cars and a Ferris wheel remain. The Cannonball Rollercoaster has been sating thrill-seekers since 1967, while 2013 saw the addition of a sizeable water park.
Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park, Colorado
This laidback park in Denver is one of the nation’s prettiest, with its pastel-coloured rides and lily-padded pond. A historic swinging carousel is at the site's centre: it’s called the Turn of the Century and was moved here from France. The usual heart-pumping juggernauts stud the park, too, from seven-storey Brain Drain to the mighty loop that is Sidewinder, each affording fleeting views over the city. The retro games arcade is also a must-visit spot.
Luna Park, Coney Island, New York
This Coney Island playground doesn’t apologise for its kitschness. There are 29 rides here, from the legendary Coney Island Cyclone which hurtles passengers over 2,640 of track, to Luna 360, which offers sweeping views across the beach and boardwalk as it swings 360 degrees. Beyond the rides, there are plenty of traditional fairground and arcade games ("Whac a mole" and "Grab a Duck" to name a few), plus some gloriously gaudy souvenir shops.
Adventureland Resort, Iowa
The vivid green tracks of The Monster dominate this Altoona park – it's the newest roller coaster here, whisking passengers along its course at more than 60 miles per hour. There's often a queue for Dragon, too, which rises up in two massive loops. Once you've fuelled your adrenaline, take refuge in the Alpine Games Area where there's a host of family-friendly activities. The resort includes a hotel and campground if you want spend longer than an afternoon here.
Frontier City, Oklahoma
This Wild-West themed park in Oklahoma City is celebrating its 60th birthday this year. When it opened in 1958 it was a replica frontier town, with a saloon, a bank and some western stores. Today it's a colourful park rivalling the States' biggest players when it comes to thrills and amusements. The biggest ride of the bunch is Wild Cat: a back-to-basics wooden roller coaster with plenty of stomach-dropping peaks and troughs.
Oaks Amusement Park, Oregon
This pocket-sized park in Portland features over twenty rides, including Adrenaline Peak, the park's latest addition. The new roller coaster's pink and purple track includes a beyond-vertical drop and a head-spinning corkscrew. It joins Scream 'n' Eagle: a popular ride with a gigantic arm that swings back and forth. You'll also find one of the biggest roller-skating rinks in the USA and a riverside miniature golf course here.
Magic Springs & Crystal Falls, Arkansas
This Hot Springs Park will enter into its 40th season this year, with a summer concert series and the "Cooler Sundays" event, which encourages visitors to bring a picnic to the park. Beyond the usual collection of thrill rides, there's a brilliant water park, home to large slides like the Rapid Falls Raceway and the Seven Falls Slide Tower.
Knoebels Amusement Resort, Pennsylvania
Entry to this family-owned park in Elysburg is completely free, so it's a great bet if you're on a budget. Impulse, with its bold blue and yellow track, is the most striking ride, while Scenic Skyway takes passengers up and over the park on a chairlift ride to a nearby mountaintop. The Crystal Pool (here before the rides built up around it) remains a favoured place for a dip, while 18-hole Knoebels Golf Course is nearby too. Knoebels Campground is the ideal place to crash after a busy day.
Adventuredome, Nevada
Adventuredome is tucked inside the lavish Circus Circus hotel in Las Vegas. It's spread over five acres and daredevils can rock-climb, bungee jump or hop onto one of the indoor roller coasters here: Canyon Blaster, which speeds off at more than 55 miles per hour, includes the world's only indoor double loop. There are also hi-tech attractions such as a 4D Ice Age ride and a stimulating laser challenge – the latter involves breaking as few beams as possible in a quest to escape.
Funtown Splashtown, Maine
Funtown visitors should make straight for Excalibur, an enormous wooden roller coaster that towers over this Saco park. Splashtown is worth exploring, too: you can plunge down the colossal Corkscrew slide or slip through the winding green tubes of Triton's Twist. For younger family members, there's Cactus Canyon, on which kids can sail a lazy river in their own little boat. You could set up camp in Portland, Maine or even make the 90-minute trip from Boston.
Knott’s Berry Farm, California
The curling course of Montezooma’s Revenge is this park's biggest thrill, reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour in less than three seconds. But a brand new ride may seize the crown come summer 2018, as 150-foot Hangtime will become the first dive coaster in California. The site is in Buena Park and you can lodge at Knott's Berry Farm Hotel. Visit during Knott's Boysenberry Festival in spring for live music, craft brews and a chance to sample the tasty berries that gave the park its name.
Lagoon, Utah
Nostalgic Pioneer Village is a unique attraction at this Farmington amusement park – it includes a replica schoolhouse, smokehouse and a town hall from the late 1800s. Lagoon A Beach is another top spot, brimming with rapids, lazy rivers and water slides twisting in every direction. Giant roller coasters Colossus: The Fire Dragon and Cannibal are both white-knuckle rides, the latter surpassing 200 feet, and you can bed down at Lagoon’s RV Park and Campground.
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