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America's Best Theme Parks to Visit, Ranked.

One of the best things to do in warm weather is to go to an amusement park where you can find all kinds of fun in one place.

Amusement parks offer the best of outdoor entertainment, from roller coasters and games to water parks with water slides. And, of course, every good amusement park offers delicious treats, from hot dogs to cotton candy and much more.

But if you don't want to go to just any amusement park, there are several good options in the United States that consistently top Tripadvisor's list of the best amusement parks in the country. Have you been to any of these parks?

  1. Magic Kingdom
  2. Dollywood
  3. Nobels Entertainment Resort
  4. Universal's Islands of Adventure
  5. LEGOLAND
  6. Silver Dollar City
  7. Cedar Point

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida | Gary Hershorn/GettyImages

Disney World in Florida is packed with adventures for visitors, from EPCOT to Animal Kingdom and Typhoon Lagoon. But nothing compares to Magic Kingdom, with its multitude of rides and thrilling attractions suitable for the whole family. The park features such well-known attractions as Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and more, as well as daytime parades and nighttime fireworks displays.

Dollywood

Palace Theater in Dollywood
Palace Theater at Dollywood | Michael Gordon/Shutterstock

Dollywood, amusement park located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, offers visitors a wealth of thrills. For example, in 2026, the theme park opened the thrilling indoor ride NightFlight Expedition. It also features numerous roller coasters and attractions, shows, and a museum dedicated to Dolly Parton. The park is named after the country singer, who is one of the park's partners.

Nobels Entertainment Resort

Swing ride at Knoebels
The Swing at Knoebels Park | DreamMedia/GettyImages

Located in central Pennsylvania, Knoebels is the country's largest free-admission amusement park. Visitors can either purchase an unlimited ride pass to enjoy all the thrills or purchase a book of tickets and only ride their favorite attractions. The selection is vast, with rides for the little ones and roller coasters for the more adventurous, as well as carnival games, miniature golf, an arcade, and even a mining museum.

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Coaster in Universal Islands of Adventure
A roller coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando Sentinel/GettyImages

Universal Islands of Adventure takes theme seriously, offering eight themed lands within one stunning park. Guests can explore Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island, the world of Harry Potter, and the books of Dr. Seuss, all within one theme park. You can also take a break from the rides with a show featuring classic comic book characters or choose your own wand at Ollivander's, just like Harry Potter did in the books.

LEGOLAND

Legoland, new coaster, Galacticoaster, space-themed area, Lego Galaxt, indoor family coaster.
Legoland, new roller coaster, Galacticoster, space-themed area, Lego Galacticster, indoor family roller coaster. | Christina House/GettyImages

LEGOLAND has several theme parks around the world, but true theme park fans should head to LEGOLAND California for a truly LEGO-building experience. Located near San Diego, the park features the new Galacticoaster ride for families, as well as other new space-themed attractions. You can also ride the indoor/outdoor Dragon roller coaster or visit the Driving School, where you can drive LEGO cars.

Silver Dollar City

Water ride in Silver Dollar City in Branson
A water ride at Silver Dollar City in Branson | Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

Branson, Missouri, is known for its live entertainment and lakeside attractions, but while you're there, you can also visit the Silver Dollar City theme park. The park is themed after an 1880s mining town and features roller coasters like Outlaw Run, and between rides, you can explore an actual cave. Marvel Cave, opened in 1884, first attracted visitors to the area, and the theme park was built around it.

Cedar Point

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio
Point Cedar in Sandusky, Ohio | Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock

On the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, Cedar Point theme park is packed with roller coasters and other family-friendly attractions. The Gemini roller coaster features a unique track with two cars racing against each other, and the park also features Siren's Curse, the tallest, longest, and fastest inclined roller coaster in North America. There are also plenty of rides for little ones who might not enjoy extreme rides.

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