It’s summertime and most people, particular ones with kids are looking for fun activities and short trips to plan. Most parents will agree that there is no better way to spend some fun time with their children and engage in exciting activities and have a memorable day than visiting an amusement or theme park.
Besides, considering the year we all have had, many parents would want to jump on the opportunity to get on a road trip or plane to a couple of days of adventure and fun. However, make sure to check the government restrictions, new rules, and regulations before planning your trip.
“Six Flags Hurricane Harbor” by Jirka Matousek is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Here are some of the most amazing amusement parks in the US, that you can enjoy with your kids and friends.
Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Illinois
Six Flags Great America is popular among visitors of all ages and it caters to millions of visitors every year. The adventure park offers a lot like 15 different roller coasters, a Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park spread over 20 acres, and 3 themed children’s areas, which makes it a perfect 1-day adventure for adults and kids. It is a family-friendly adventure park and offers a variety of attractions for everyone.
While visiting the park you can stay in Holiday Inn Gurnee Convention Center or Hampton Inn Gurnee, both of these accommodation options are close to the park.
Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hersheypark is the perfect destination for you if you are traveling with kids. This family theme park is part of the world-famous Hershey chocolate world, spread over 110 acres, this park offers over 70 rides, which makes it one of the biggest theme parks in Pennsylvania. You can find family-friendly rides as well as rides for your little ones and thrill-seeking adults.
“Hersheypark Ferris Wheel” by Jim, the Photographer is licensed under CC BY 2.0
When you are visiting Hersheypark for a weekend trip you can stay in The Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey, and Hershey Park Camping Resort.
SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego, California
The SeaWorld Company is very popular across the world, it offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to experience a variety of sea creatures up close. It offers you a wide variety of fun activities from rides, shows, play areas to special experiences like swimming with dolphins. The orca whales, swimming with the dolphins, and water-themed roller coasters are a few of the main attractions of SeaWorld.
If you visiting SeaWorld on a weekend trip, you can stay in Holiday Inn Express San Diego or Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town – SeaWorld Areas, as they both are close to the park.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California
Six Flags Magic Mountain is home to some of the most popular roller coasters in the world, it offers many adrenaline-fueled activities for the entire family. Some of the main attraction at the theme park include Justice League: Battle for Metropolis a 4D interactive family gaming activity, go-karts, and several other kid-friend rides and attractions. The actual thrill-seekers in the family will not get bored trying out some amazing rides at the park.
“Hall Of Justice ~ Battle For Metropolis The Ride” by Prayitno is licensed under CC BY 2.0
If you are looking for a place to stay around the park, you can try Hyatt Regency Valencia, LA Quinta Inn & Suites Santa Clarita/ Valencia or The Comfort Suites.
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Cedar Point is known for its large selection of roller coasters and is a must-visit for thrill-seekers of all ages. It is a perfect family spot, as it has more than 18 roller coasters and 71 other fun rides for visitors, which makes Cedar Point an entertainment-packed destination. Your kids can enjoy the park just as much as you with Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad, 4×4 Trucks, Sky Ride, and a variety of other kid-friendly rides and activities. If you are looking to take your trip up a notch you can take a show at the park and enjoy live music, children’s entertainment activities, and parties. When you visit Cedar Point, make sure not to miss the Dinosaurs Alive Experience.
If you want to stay close to the park, you can try Cedar Point’s Castaway Bay, Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point, and Cedar Point’s Express Hotel.
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood is based in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and it offers visitors an amazing combination of family-friendly attractions, thrill rides, musical entertainment, and some delicious comfort food options. It offers something for everyone in the family from thrill-seeking adults to kids.
“Incredible Views at Pigeon Forge Cabin Rental” by smokymountainscom is licensed under CC BY 2.0
If you are planning a fun, long weekend trip then you would want to get the real experience and stay in Pigeon Forge Cabins to make your trip even more memorable.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, California
You have to visit one of the biggest and most-loved theme parks in the world for some of the best adventures and experiences in the heart of the entertainment industry. Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of attractions including Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, Jurassic World, and Transformers. From the amazing roller coasters to the World-Famous Studio Tour, you will find something for everyone at this movie-themed park.
While visiting the park you will find many family-friend hotels and you can easily find one within your budget. You can also choose to stay in hotels like Sheraton Universal Hotel, The Garland, and Burbank Inn and Suites.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay, Florida
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay allows is themed after 19th-century Africa, it gives its visitors to explore a beautiful tropical landscape, enjoys thrilling rides, and watch exotic animals. It is also known for its lavish Christmas Town and celebrations. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is perfect for a nice family weekend trip, it offers the Serengeti Express to take you and your family across the park to get a peek at animals or you take also take the Skyride cable car if you like the top view.
“Montu at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 22.jpg” by Jeremy Thompson is licensed under CC BY 2.0
While visiting the park you can choose to stay at La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa -USF- Busch Gardens, or Baymont by Wyndham Tampa.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Bay Lake, Florida
This theme park is an homage to Tinseltown like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Toy Story, and the Muppets. and it’s inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood. The thrill-seekers can enjoy the famous elevator ride, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or the Rock n Roller Coaster. Whereas, the little ones can watch their favorite movie characters and movie stars in shows that bring icon characters from Frozen and Beauty and the Beast come to life. This is a perfect destination for movie lovers and families looking for a fun vacation and activities to spend quality time together
When you are planning your trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, for accommodation you can try Walt Disney World Swan Hotel or Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort and enjoy your vacation.
Disneyland, Anaheim, California
People’s love for the original Disneyland brings visitors to this great theme park year after year. You get the magic of Disney here, including the Main Street, Space Mountain, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain.
“Carnation Cafe, Sleeping Beauty Castle from Main Street.” by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
While visiting Disneyland you can stay at The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort.
