Disney's glittering theme parks draw the crowds year round – but there are plenty options more besides its fairy-tale offerings. From huge sites dotted with hair-raising roller coasters to smaller family-owned affairs, the US has no shortage of amusement parks offering plenty of fun days out.
Click through the gallery to discover the best theme parks in the country that aren't Disney...
A cross between a high-thrills theme park and a world-class zoo, Busch Gardens in Tampa has plenty to entertain visitors young and old. The relentless Iron Gwazi is considered one of the best coasters in the world, while the all-new Serengeti Flyer (pictured) features twin duelling arms that reach speeds of 68 miles per hour (109km/h) at a maximum height of 135 feet (41m). New for 2024 is Phoenix Rising, which sees riders soar above the Serengeti Plain and drop into fun-filled twists and turns. Among the animal highlights are getting up close and personal with lions, admiring the sheer speed of a cheetah, and feeding a giraffe some lettuce leaves.
A slew of wiggling, looping roller coasters dot this bold site in Charlotte. Fury 325 is the jewel in Carowinds’ dizzying crown: the world’s tallest, fastest giga coaster, it soars to 325 feet (99m) and reaches speeds up to 95 miles per hour (153km/h). There’s also the sprawling Carolina Harbor waterpark to splash about in, plus the 55-acre Camp Wilderness cabin and RV park for when it's time to hit the hay – and do it all again the day after.
The whole clan is catered for at this park in Santa Claus, southwest Indiana. The Thanksgiving-themed Good Gravy! is Holiday World’s newest family coaster, while those with a head for heights should brave the mighty arch of The Voyage, whose wooden track reaches 173 feet (53m) at its highest point. Visitors wanting a gentler ride can try HallowSwings, a ‘flying carousel’ that circles passengers at 34 feet (10m). The park recommends staying at Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort, less than a mile (1.6km) from the action.
This site dates back to 1975 and has been growing its selection of rip-roaring rides ever since. Project 305, a startling red and yellow coaster, stands head and shoulders above the rest, warranting its fearsome former name, Intimidator. Twisted Timbers, with its undulating steel and wood track, has finally reopened after years of renovations. Annual events include Grand Carnivale (July), a dazzling parade of performers and a street party showcasing plenty of tasty international cuisine, and if you stay at Kings Dominion KOA campground, you'll enjoy a discounted admission fee.
Open from May to November and spanning more than 325 acres, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun sit side by side in Kansas City. There are rides galore, like Cyclone Sam, designed to emulate a storm, and Detonator, which drops riders from 150 feet (45m). Oceans of Fun has plenty of twirling waterslides and a vast wave pool. Opened last year, the Zambezi Zinger is a wooden coaster that races through the African Serengeti
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The residents of Green Bay are proud of Bay Beach, a pint-sized park near the mouth of the Fox River. With 23 rides in total, the star attraction 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 ’n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. There’s also the new Bay Beast and NebulaZ thrill rides and some old-fashioned fun on the park’s big wheel. The 600-acre Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is next door.
The bright green steel tracks of infinity coaster The Monster dominate this Altoona park. Its cars slowly climb up a 133 foot (40m) high vertical hill, before spinning through upside-down loops, banked curves, twists, stall loops and corkscrew turns, reaching speeds of more than 65 miles per hour (105km/h). Two new Viking-themed rides debuted in summer 2023 – the Flying Viking and Draken Falls.
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 waterpark deserve a special mention too). It's made up of themed ‘islands’. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is on one, including the majestic Hogwarts Castle, and a chance to board Hogwarts Express. The Marvel Super Hero Island is home to iconic green roller coaster Hulk, while the highlight of the Jurassic Park area is the 155 foot (47m) tall VelociCoaster.
With 18 roller coasters and 50 other rides, Cedar Point park in Sandusky near Cleveland fancies itself as the ‘roller coaster capital of the world’. As well as Wild-West-themed ride Steel Vengeance, in summer 2024, the park is gearing up for the opening of Top Thrill 2, the world's tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster. Sleek, aerodynamic vehicles launch you three times as you drive the sky in an epic competition to reach the finish line. There are plenty of spots to stay on site and nearby, including the cabins of Lighthouse Point campground.
There are several stateside parks in the Six Flags portfolio, but Magic Mountain, around an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles, edges the rest for its sheer stock of hair-raising rides. Among the 20 world-class coasters – more than any other theme park on the planet, there is Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, which debuted in 2022 as the tallest and longest single-rail coaster on the planet, and X2, a trail-blazing fifth-dimension roller coaster. Those not possessed by the need for speed can take in one of the family-friendly shows.
The park that describes itself as ‘the sweetest place on Earth’ began life as grounds for Hershey’s Chocolate Factory workers, and has now grown into a mammoth family resort with heady roller coasters, gushing water rides and spirited shows. Highlights include wood-and-steel hybrid coaster Wildcat’s Revenge, which opened in 2023; and Jolly Rancher Remix, a reimagined coaster that takes you and your senses back and forth on a flavourful track. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can stay on site at Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey.
This loud, proud park in the foothills of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains is co-owned by country music 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 in the Wilderness Pass area is a highlight. Riders are strapped to the ‘wings’ of seven steel eagles, soaring above the park at more than 200 feet (61m). In true Parton style, the evening unfolds with musical shows and you can stay over at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa.
Open throughout the summer months, this Louisville park includes a motley assortment of thrill and family rides, plus waterpark Hurricane Bay. Brave Cyclos, a huge pendulum-style ride that rotates 360 degrees, then get your breath back on the water slides and rapids, including the exciting Adventure River. All-American comfort food is dished up at various spots throughout the site – try Swampwater Jack’s for juicy burgers and crispy chicken tenders.
They say everything is bigger in Texas and that is certainly the case at this Six Flags offering, 20 minutes away from downtown Dallas in Arlington. The highlight is a clutch of dramatic DC superhero-themed rides, including Batman: The Ride and Catwoman Whip. The all-new Aquaman: Power Wave water coaster debuted in 2023 and launches riders back and forth on 2,000 feet (610m) of track and up two 150 foot (45m) towers.
Situated in the midst of the Rockies, this park makes the most of its mountaintop location by serving up a hefty dose of adrenaline. The Giant Canyon Swing is perched on a cliff 1,300 feet (396m) above 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 stay in overnight in the city of Glenwood Springs.
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 whirls them full circle, legs dangling, arms in the air. Towering water slides such as Rumble Falls and Velocity Peak are highlights at Boulder Beach Water Park, which is opening a four-acre expansion in 2024, with the crown jewel being Eagle Hunt, the longest duelling water coaster in the US.
The aptly named Delirious was the latest ride to be built at Valleyfair, in 2018. A great big circle with a 24-seat train scooting around its centre, it is lit up in neon at night. An already established favourite is the Space Shot and Turbo Drop combo Power Tower in which riders are inched upwards, before free-falling a stomach-churning 250 feet (76m) from the tower's summit. Soak City, the on-site waterpark, is a hit in summer, and you can find a comfortable hotel in the city of Shakopee, where the park is based.
This laidback park in Denver is one of America’s prettiest, with its pastel-coloured rides and lily-padded pond. A historic swinging carousel called Turn of the Century is at the site’s centre and was moved here from France. There are heart-pumping juggernauts in the park too, from seven-storey Brain Drain to the mighty loop that is Sidewinder, each affording fleeting views over the Mile High City. The retro games arcade is also a must-visit spot.
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 feet (804m) 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 such as Whac a Mole and Grab a Duck. Electric Eden Raceway is a new attraction for 2024.
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 remains 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 are still popular. The Cannon Ball roller coaster has been sating thrill-seekers since 1967, while 2013 saw the addition of the SOAKya waterpark.
When this Wild West-themed park in Oklahoma City opened in 1958, it was merely 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. There is also fun to be had on the park’s newest ride, Frankie’s Mine Train, and old classic Silver Bullet.
This pocket-sized park in Portland still features over 20 rides, including Adrenaline Peak (pictured), with its beyond-vertical drop and a head-spinning corkscrew. AtmosFear replaced Scream ’n’ Eagle in 2017. It is a popular ride with a gigantic arm that swings and twirls passengers 360 degrees. You’ll also find one of the biggest roller-skating rinks in the USA, a go-kart track and a riverside miniature golf course.
The only theme park located in a US National Park – Hot Springs – Magic Springs offers over 80 attractions including the Arkansas Twister roller coaster and thrill rides such as The Gauntlet and Plummet Summit. There’s also a brilliant waterpark, Splash Island, that has 10 water slides and a bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons (3,785 litres) of water on guests below every 10 minutes.
Adventuredome is tucked inside Las Vegas’ Circus Circus Hotel & Casino. It's spread over five acres and daredevils can rock-climb, bungee jump or hop onto one of the roller coasters here: Canyon Blaster, which speeds off at more than 55 miles per hour (88km/h), 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.
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 (pictured), opened in 2015 and is the most striking ride. Meanwhile, Scenic Skyway takes passengers up and over the park on a triple chairlift ride to a nearby mountaintop. The Crystal Pool (here before the rides built up around it), is good for a cooling dip, while 18-hole Knoebels Golf Course is nearby too. Knoebels Campground is the ideal place to crash after a busy day.
In West Mifflin, down the Monongahela River, southeast of Pittsburgh, you'll find a park that is home to exciting roller coasters and family attractions. Adventure-seekers can check out thrilling rides such as the popular Phantom's Revenge coaster, while there are more sedate options for youngsters, like paddle boats, a merry-go-round and the all-new Potato Patch-themed bumper cars. Throughout the year, Kennywood hosts firework parties, parades and food festivals.
The curling course of MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress used to be this park’s biggest thrill, reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour (80km/h) in less than three seconds. But with that ride being revamped (set to open in 2025), the next best is the 150-foot (45m) Hangtime – the first dive coaster in California. The site is in Buena Park and you can lodge at Knott’s Hotel. Visit during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival in March and April for live music, craft brews and a chance to sample the tasty fruits that gave the park its name.
The nostalgic Pioneer Village is a unique attraction at this Farmington amusement park – it includes a replica schoolhouse, smokehouse, town hall and ice cream parlour from the late 1800s. Lagoon A Beach is the ‘ultimate aquatic playground’, brimming with rapids, lazy rivers and water slides twisting in every direction. Giant roller coasters Colossus: The Fire Dragon and Cannibal (pictured) are both white-knuckle rides, the latter surpassing 200 feet (61m). You can bed down at Lagoon’s RV Park and Campground.
Funtown visitors should head 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 make your stomach drop before slipping through the winding green tubes of Triton’s Twist. For younger family members, there’s Pirates Paradise Aquaplay. You could set up camp in Portland, Maine or even make the 90-minute trip from Boston.
Now take a look at captivating then and now images of America's oldest theme parks