Best Theme Park In Each U.S. State

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Whether you prefer to drift in a lazy river or plummet to the ground in a roller coaster, here are the best theme parks in the United States.


Alabama: Waterville USA

This water park in Gulf Shores has been open since 1986 and features the Screamin’ Demon, a 60-foot drop down waterslide.


Alaska: H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark

Alaska is pretty cold most of the year, so sticking to an indoor park might not be such a bad idea. This one in Anchorage is family-friendly and contains 56,000 square feet of fun.


Arizona: Flintstones Bedrock City

You may not find water slides or roller coasters at this park, but if you’re a fan of The Flintstones, it’s a must-see. There’s a movie theater where you can watch the original cartoons, there are recreations of buildings from the show, and you can munch on Bronto Burgers at Fred’s Diner.

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Arkansas: Magic Springs Theme And Water Park

This theme park in Hot Springs has roller coasters, water slides, and rides for the little ones. It’s also known for its summer concerts, so if you like theme parks and music, check it out.


California: Disneyland

I mean, come on. Are you really going to pick something over the original Disney, the “happiest place on Earth”? Let’s not kid ourselves.


Colorado: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Though the only attraction was cave tours until 2003, this mountaintop theme park in Glenwood Springs now features a zipline, a theater with moving seats, and the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster, which is the highest elevation in North America at 7,100 feet.


Connecticut: Lake Compounce

11th best wooden coaster: Boulder Dash This is a coaster I used to considerably underrate and not put on any woodie list due to rider discomfort and straight up roughness… but now I see some desirability in that after riding some more woodies. What makes this better than Balder: A frickin’ smooth perfect Intamin Prefab? 1. Airtime – PTC trains probably allow for more air than a prefab does. And when this ride does airtime, it’s not in between a pair of turns, it’s all in a row, especially at the end of the ride. And that’s awesome. 2. Pacing – Unlike Balder, Boulder Dash doesn’t really have any truly slow parts, save for the drop before the turnaround. 3. Laterals – Balder has some nice laterals in some of its turns – but Boulder Dash is known for having some of the most insane laterals ever. The turnaround to the way back has some of the most intense sustained laterals ever, apparently. 4. Environment – Balder is in a cool Swedish city. Yeah, cool, but wouldn’t you rather be on a mountainside dashing through the woods and dodging (a few) boulders? Yeah, I’d say Boulder Dash is better than Balder. Consider me on the “Boulder Dash is underrated” bandwagon now. Photo courtesy of @amusement_park_outlaw

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Located in Bristol, this is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States. The highlight of your trip will be riding the Wildcat–the fourteenth oldest wooden rollercoaster in the country–and the Boulder Dash, which has won the Golden Ticket Award for #1 wooden roller coaster in the world for five years in a row.

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Delaware: Funland

Travel to Rehoboth Beach and check out this park with a traditional indoor arcade and amazing outdoor rides. Check out the haunted house–it’s super spooky.


Florida: Disney World

Is it cheating to pick Disney twice? Yes? I don’t care. This one is the “most magical place on Earth” and in addition to the traditional Magic Kingdom, there are so many different theme parks within Disney that there is literally something for everyone.


Georgia: Wild Adventures Theme Park

This attraction in Valdosta has a theme park, a water park, and a zoo all in the same place. You can even attend shows where the audience is allowed to interact with the animals.


Hawaii: Wet n Wild Hawaii

Hawaii isn’t big on the theme parks, understandably, because there are so many other things to do. This is the only water park in the state and kind of wins by default, but it’s pretty cool! There are 25 rides and attractions at this park on Oahu, including the Shaka, a u-shaped slide that is almost vertical.


Idaho: Silverwood

Silverwood, located in Athel, is the largest theme park in the Pacific Northwest. Just look at that rollercoaster!

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Illinois: Magic Waters

This park was rated the #4 publicly owned waterpark in the U.S. and has a wide variety of attractions, from the 75-foot Double Dare Drop to the Little Lagoon for children under age 6. It is located in Cherry Valley.


Indiana: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

This theme park is in a city called Santa Claus and that alone is enough reason to visit. Louis Koch created it several decades ago because he wanted to do something nice for the children during his retirement and he realized how upset some of them were once they realized that they wouldn’t be seeing Santa Claus in the city of Santa Claus. In an effort to be more inclusive, there are now there are rides and waterslides that are themed for many holidays.


Iowa: Adventureland

This is Iowa’s Largest and Most Complete Family Resort Complex. Wow. When you’re in this park in Altoona, make sure to ride the Monster Infinity coaster and Dragon Coaster.


Kansas: Schlitterbahn Kansas City

In a state that doesn’t have too many theme parks, this water park in Kansas City stands out. The park has high-speed slides, pools, lazy rivers, and more.


Kentucky: Beech Bend Park

Beech Bend Park is just outside Bowling Green. It has three coasters, a giant water slide, a variety of other rides, and an automobile race track.


Louisiana: Carousel Gardens

Louisiana isn’t big on amusement parks, but this place in New Orleans is pretty awesome. There are 16 rides, the most famous of which is an antique wooden carousel.


Maine: Palace Playland

This theme park in Old Orchard Beach has been in the same place since 1902, so it certainly has a history. Some people say it has ghosts, too. Why don’t you go find out?


Maryland: Jolly Roger Amusement Park

This park in Ocean City has games, rides, and a 1952 antique train that sets it apart from the others on this list.


Massachusetts: Six Flags New England

Every adrenaline junkie can appreciate Six Flags and this one is absolutely massive.

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Michigan: Michigan’s Adventure

This is the state’s largest amusement park and water park and it’s located in Muskegon.


Minnesota: Nickelodeon Universe

Nickelodeon Universe is located in the Mall of America and features cray attractions based on your favorite shows.


Mississippi: Geyser Falls Water Theme Park

Located in Philadelphia (I did not know they had a Philadelphia in Mississippi until now), this massive water park has a tropical islands theme with slides, rides, and wave pools.


Missouri: Worlds of Fun

This park in Kansas City has rides, water attractions, and something called “Dinosaurs Alive” where you can interact with animatronic life-sized dinosaurs. On second thought, this might be a little too reminiscent of Jurrasic Park


Montana: Big Sky Waterpark

This park in Columbia Falls has 10 waterslides, a whirlpool, mini golf, an arcade, and bumper cars.

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Nebraska: Fun-Pex

This park in Omaha is family-friendly and has both water rides and roller coasters.


Nevada: Adventuredome

This five-acre indoor theme park in Las Vegas has 25 attractions and is absolutely iconic. You’ll never want to leave.


New Hampshire: Story Land

Live out your fairytale dreams in this cute park.


New Jersey: Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach

This set of rides on the boardwalk of Seaside Heights goes on this list because it’s where I spent my summers as a child and because it’s made such an incredible recovery after its destruction during Hurricane Sandy. If you’re ever on the boardwalk, go to Lucky Leo’s. The owner is a great guy and the games are lots of fun!


New Mexico: Cliff’s Amusement Park

Originally known as “Uncle Cliff’s Kiddieland” (which is kind of creepy, TBH), this Albuquerque theme park has some pretty amazing rides.


New York: Luna Park Coney Island

I just feel like nowhere else can be chosen over Coney Island. It’s so famous and for a good reason–the Coney Island Cyclone is 91 years old and it’s absolutely wild. The beach is a huge plus, too.


North Carolina: Land of Oz Theme Park

This theme park on Beech Mountain has a literal yellow brick road and there are singing and dancing actors throughout your journey.


North Dakota: Super Slide Amusement Park

This attraction in Bismark is big on the rides and the slides.


Ohio: Cedar Point

This amusement park in Sandusky has been called the Roller Coaster Capital of the World and it’s the second oldest operating amusement park in the country, so it’s definitely a winner.


Oklahoma: Frontier City

This wild west-themed park has plenty of roller coasters and family activities.

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Oregon: Enchanted Forest

This park has some statues that are cool and some that are creepy, but it’s definitely unique. It’s a must-see if you like Alice in Wonderland.


Pennsylvania: Hershey Park

There are rides, there are water rides, and there is a giant store full of chocolate souvenirs. This is an obvious winner.


Rhode Island: Atlantic Beach Park

This charming place has a classic carousel, mini golf, Flying Chairs, and lots of history.


South Carolina: Family Kingdom Fun

This theme park in Myrtle Beach is right on the water and has 35 spectacular rides.


South Dakota: Rushmore Mountain Adventure Park

This park in Keystone has tours of the Rushmore Cave, rides, and a zip line.


Tennessee: Dollywood

Dollywood, named for Dolly Parton, is the largest employer in the Pigeon Forge Area. It may be cheesy but’s super entertaining.

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Texas: Morgan’s Wonderland

Morgan’s Wonderland is so wonderful because, in addition to being super fun, it’s also very accessible for special-needs individuals.


Utah: Nightmare on 13th

There are amusement parks with rides, but let’s do something a little different. This haunted house in Salt Lake City is 36,000 square feet of spookiness.


Vermont: ArborTrek Canopy Adventures

This amusement park in Jeffersonville has zip line tours and a treetop obstacle course.

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Virginia: Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion is 20 miles north of Richmond and 75 miles south of D.C. and offers many rides and water slides to choose from.


Washington: Wild Waves Theme & Water Park

Just one glance at this picture suggests that it’s as wild as the name.


West Virginia: Valley Worlds of Fun

This Fairmont attraction has bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and more.


Wisconsin: Noah’s Ark Waterpark

This is America’s largest waterpark and one of the best places to visit if you’re going to Wisconsin.


Wyoming: Snow King Mountain

This resort has a bungee trampoline, a rollercoaster, and an alpine slide in Jackson.




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