While it’s no surprise Disney dominates the theme park industry, CNN reports park attendance is on the rise and for good reason, it is the epitome of summer. But if everyone went to Disneyland every summer, where’s the real fun in that?
With August being the last month of summer, it’s time to start enjoying the great outdoors and make some very welcomed memories with the ones you love most!
Road trips or European vacations might seem like the best way to celebrate the season, but there is nothing like heading to some of the nation’s best theme parks. Since Coney Island’s inception in the early 1890s, the U.S. has long been charmed by the allure of amusement parks and for good reason. They’re fun, filled with excitement, laughter and a plethora of delicious fare for your summer indulgences.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz, CA
Regarded as one of the few seaside parks left on the West Coast, this oceanfront amusement park is also the state’s oldest. Set alongside a beautiful stretch of water, this theme park evokes nostalgia with a ’60s Californian vibe like no other. Boasting a variety of old-fashioned Carnival games and rides, guests will love spending the afternoon here only to watch the sun setting over the Pacific as you dine on funnel cakes and cotton candy in this 24-acre park. While here, don’t forget to visit the Boardwalk’s red and white landmark, The Giant Dipper — a rollercoaster ride that’s welcomed more than 60 million visitors since its opening in 1924.
Dollywood
Great Smoky Mountains, TN
Dollywood is more than just a theme park — it’s the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in the state of Tennessee. As a complete getaway for families offering cabins as summer homes, a Dream Resort (complete with salon and spa!) and theme and water parks, you really will “Love Every Moment” at this world-class amusement park. Providing numerous opportunities to banish life’s stresses, this 295-acre park hosts 3 million guests in a typical season and hosts a number of concerts, festivals and musical events each year.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Santa Claus, IN
From rides and slides, to shows and events, TripAdvisor proclaimed Splashin’ Safari to be the third best water park in the U.S. Operating from April through October, guests can revel in free parking, free beverages offered all day and allergy sensitive menus for your little ones. Divided into four sections that celebrate Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July with rides, live entertainment, games and attractions, this value friendly theme park features three wooden rollercoasters and two of the world’s longest water coasters.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA
If you’re looking to add a dose of Tinseltown to your summer, look no further than to Universal Studios Hollywood. Welcoming The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this past spring, this glittery theme park is a world of wonders with studio tours, rides, and action-packed attractions straight out of the movies. With plenty of shopping and dining, this park is a unique experience for the whole family. With new attractions popping up frequently, guests can fight for survival this July in a fully immersive (and creepy) journey as a survivor based on AMC’s The Walking Dead.
Six Flags
This mega theme park chain operates 18 amusement parks across North America between California to Massachusetts featuring theme parks, thrill parks, water parks, and entertainment centers for the whole family. Because of the many parks spread across the country, guests can expect cheaper entry fees as they dive into fun-filled adventures. Thanks to its Warner Brothers connection, families can meet with Looney Toons characters and be a part of the DC Universe with rides like Justice League: Battle for Metropolis or Batman: The Ride, which is a staple at most Six Flags parks.
What are some of your favorite amusement parks in the United States?
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