Where Is Santa Blog

Best Amusement Parks for Families: Where to Go This Summer

Written by Kylee Burton | May 26, 2025 12:00:00 PM

Summer is the perfect time for family fun and thrilling adventures, and there’s no better way to make memories than by visiting an amusement park! Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly rides, water attractions, or character meet-and-greets, there’s an amusement park for every family’s preference.

To help you plan the ultimate family getaway, here’s a list of the best amusement parks for families to visit this summer—packed with fun rides, attractions, and entertainment for all ages!

1. Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida

Why Families Love It

  • Four incredible theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom
  • Meet beloved Disney characters
  • Attractions for all ages, from classic rides to thrilling roller coasters

Must-Do Attractions for Families

  • It’s a Small World – A slow-moving ride perfect for young children
  • Space Mountain – A thrilling roller coaster for older kids and teens
  • Avatar Flight of Passage – A breathtaking 3D ride through Pandora

2. Universal Studios – Orlando, Florida & Hollywood, California

Why Families Love It

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with immersive attractions and themed shops
  • Movie-themed rides featuring Jurassic Park, Minions, and Spider-Man
  • Play areas and 3D shows for younger kids

Must-Do Attractions for Families

  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – A thrilling adventure through Hogwarts
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster – A high-speed coaster for thrill-seekers
  • The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash – A fun ride for young kids

3. Disneyland – Anaheim, California

Why Families Love It

  • A classic Disney experience with two parks: Disneyland and California Adventure
  • Smaller and more manageable than Walt Disney World
  • Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus offer new attractions for families

Must-Do Attractions for Families

  • Pirates of the Caribbean – A fun boat ride for all ages
  • Radiator Springs Racers – A high-speed Cars-themed ride
  • WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure – An interactive ride for Marvel fans

4. LEGOLAND – Florida, California, New York, Texas

Why Families Love It

  • Perfect for kids ages 2-12 with interactive LEGO-themed attractions
  • Water parks, mini-golf, and play areas for nonstop fun
  • LEGO-themed hotels for an immersive overnight stay

Must-Do Attractions for Families

  • Coast Guard Academy – A fun boating adventure for younger kids
  • LEGO NINJAGO The Ride – An interactive 3D experience
  • LEGOLAND Water Park – A must for hot summer days

5. Hersheypark – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Why Families Love It

  • Combines a theme park, water park, and a chocolate factory
  • Over 70 rides ranging from kiddie attractions to roller coasters
  • Hershey’s Chocolate World lets families make their own candy bars

Must-Do Attractions for Families

  • Candymonium – A thrilling roller coaster for adventure seekers
  • The Boardwalk Water Park – A great way to cool off in the summer heat
  • Hershey’s Unwrapped Experience – A fun, interactive chocolate tour

6. Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Why Families Love It

  • Southern charm meets theme park fun with rides, music, and live entertainment
  • Great for younger kids, with gentle rides and water attractions
  • Seasonal events, including Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

Must-Do Attractions for Families

  • Dollywood Express Train Ride – A scenic ride through the mountains
  • Country Fair Area – Classic carnival rides for young kids
  • Splash Country Water Park – A summer must for cooling off

7. Wisconsin Dells – Wisconsin

Why Families Love It

  • Known as the "Water Park Capital of the World"
  • Features a mix of indoor and outdoor water parks for year-round fun
  • Amusement parks, boat tours, and wildlife attractions add variety

Must-Do Attractions for Families

  • Noah’s Ark Waterpark – The largest water park in the U.S. with slides and lazy rivers
  • Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park – A mix of thrilling coasters and water rides
  • Original Wisconsin Ducks Tour – A fun land-and-water adventure

From magical castles and thrilling coasters, these top amusement parks for families offer unforgettable summer experiences. Whether your kids love high-speed adventures or gentle rides, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you.

Start planning, pack your bags, and get ready for a summer of fun, laughter, and family memories at one of these incredible amusement parks.