Amusement Parks in the United States

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located in Tampa Bay, Florida and is meant to take you on a thrilling adventure into Africa. Visitors will find numerous rides to hop on which range from roller coasters to river rapid rides. For those who might want something a bit calmer, there are cable car excursions across the park. In addition to rides, you’ll discover many animals living in the park, like lions, elephants, rhinos, gorillas, and cheetahs. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also puts on many different shows and events throughout the day, including a safari ride where visitors can meet the animals in the park up close.

10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, Phone: 813-884-4386

California Adventure Park is situated in Disneyland and is home to a variety of fun rides and themed areas. Some fantasy worlds you’ll find here include Cars Land and Pixar Pier which are filled with exciting buildings to explore and rides. Visitors will discover plenty of shopping and restaurant districts, like Buena Vista Street and Pacific Wharf. While touring the park, guests can meet some of Disney’s famous characters, like Anna and Elsa from Frozen and the gang from Toy Story. This park puts on a handful of shows each day which range from dance parties to evening firework displays.

1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, California 92802, Phone: 714-781-4565

Cedar Point, Ohio first opened in 1870 and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. The park features hundreds of thrilling rides, including 18 roller coasters. Cedar Point puts on numerous shows throughout the day, such as musicals and Broadway-inspired plays. In addition to this, you’ll discover many different restaurants to grab a bite to eat at, many of which offer dietary-restrictive options. This amusement park also has a waterpark built to serve both kids and adults. You’ll find a few exclusive experiences to sign up for while visiting the park, like wine tastings and glass blowing classes. There are a few hotels and campgrounds located on the grounds.

1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, Phone: 419-627-2350

Romantic Amusement Parks

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is situated in the heart of Orlando, but is designed to make you feel as if you’re in the middle of the African savanna. Guests will be able to view and learn more about many of Africa’s native animals. Besides this, you’ll find plenty of other attractions while exploring the park, including rides, animation stations, conservation spots, and safari journeys. Visitors can also attend one of the many shows held during the day here and ask for an autograph from one of the various characters roaming around the park. During the evening, you could visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom again to view dazzling illuminations.

2901 Osceola Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32830, Phone: 407-939-5277

Watch this adorable video about Meerkats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Created over 30 years ago, Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates the art of moviemaking. Visitors will transport themselves into many famous movie settings, such as from The Twilight Zone, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Toy Story, and even come across characters from these films. You’ll not only be able to learn more about cinematography while here, but enjoy rides and many interactive shows as well. Guests to Hollywood Studios will discover many unique restaurants that range from glamorous Hollywood eateries to nostalgic 50s-era diners. There are some behind-the-scenes tours available that will give you some intriguing insight into how the park operates.

351 S Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, Phone: 407-939-5277

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is designed to bring you into a magical fantasy land. Visitors will discover many of Disney’s most iconic characters strolling through the park, like Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Winnie the Pooh. Besides this, there are a handful of rides to enjoy while here which range from a journey through a haunted mansion to one that spins you around in teacups. Disney’s Magic Kingdom is broken up into different sections which each focus on a specific theme, including a classic Americana area and futuristic part. There is a special After Hours feature allowing guests to tour the park during the evening.

1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, Phone: 407-939-5277

Amusement Parks for Families

Built in 1955, Disneyland was the first of Walt Disney’s famous theme parks. Situated in Anaheim, the park features a handful of different lands for guests to explore. This includes Adventureland, Critter Country, Toontown, Tomorrowland, and Main Street USA. While it’s always adding new rides and events, visitors can still experience many of its classic attractions such as It’s a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean. You’ll also find characters you can meet, like Aurora and Darth Vader. Disneyland has a handful of hotels guests can stay at which are located within the park, many of which feature fun themes.

1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, California 92802, Phone: 714-781-4636

Dollywood first opened in 1961 and is situated within Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain area. Thrill-seekers will discover plenty of roller coasters to ride in Dollywood. You’ll find many other rides to enjoy, like bumper cars, a giant swing, and the chance to drive a vintage Thunderbird around a racetrack. Dollywood features entertainment services that range from plays to local music festivals. Visitors will find a handful of shops inside the park which sell various local goods and antiques. Many also allow you to view artists at work. Restaurants are abundant here as well and tend to serve Southern favorites, like grits, funnel cake, and barbecue.

2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863, Phone: 800-365-5996

Epcot is one of Disney World’s theme parks and lets visitors easily travel the world. The park is broken up into different countries, such as Germany, France, China, Morocco, and Italy. While touring the grounds, you’ll be able to experience each country’s culture through rides, shops, and restaurants. Epcot also hosts many special events throughout the day for all ages. This includes short film festivals, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters. There is an International Food and Wine Festival held in the latter part of each year allowing you to attend workshops, try intercontinental food and wine, and view performances and concerts from artists across the globe.

200 Epcot Center Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821, Phone: 407-824-4321

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and is one of the only amusement parks in the United States to be located on a mountain. In addition to the numerous rides in the park (including an alpine coaster), visitors can explore Glenwood Caverns which features winding pathways and light displays. There are guided tours available as well as a thrill-seekers option which takes you deep into the caverns requiring you to crawl through tunnels. Other attractions in the park include a laser tag room, 4D motion theater, zip line, and climbing wall. This adventure park also hosts many music festivals and a major Oktoberfest celebration.

51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601, Phone: 800-530-1635