Best Overall Theme Park
Whether you're planning a multi-day adventure or just a fun Saturday out of the house, these theme parks help create unforgettable memories with friends and family. Thrill seekers will be pleased to find a number of parks on our list that boast the biggest, fastest (and let's face it—scariest!) roller coasters in the country. But there's also a range of family-friendly spots with character meet-and-greets, animal performances and seasonal festivals that even grandparents can get excited about.
These 10 theme parks were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. SeaWorld Orlando | Orlando, FL
From dolphin tricks to high-speed roller coaster flips, SeaWorld Orlando provides excitement for every age. Kids obsessed with animals will be drawn to the Orca Encounter and hands-on spots like the Stingray Lagoon. Got a thrill seeker? Queue up for the state's tallest and fastest coaster: Mako. Foodies won't want to miss the Seven Seas Food Festival each year, which features live performances each Saturday night.
2. Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, TN
For a taste of Southern hospitality in the foothills of the Great Smokies, visit Dollywood. The uninitiated might assume it's a park of fair rides, fried food and country music, but this family-friendly destination offers so much more—thrills like the massive Big Bear Mountain roller coaster, some of the South's best down-home cooking and new festivals with each seasons, so there's always something new to see.
3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Tampa, FL
Part zoo and part amusement park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has over 200 species of animals, award-winning live shows and 18 different rides. If you aren't scared of heights, test your bravery on Iron Gwazi, a roller coaster that climbs 206 feet only to drop you at 76 miles per hour. Afterward, you can let your adrenaline as you tour the 65-acre Serengeti Plain on a safari.
4. Silver Dollar City | Branson, MO
Although Silver Dollar City has everything you'd expect from a theme park, including heart-racing rides, entertaining shows and delicious food (nothing beats that cinnamon bread), its talented artisans are what make it so unique. Leaning into its 1880s theme, the park's craftsmen make candy, blown glass, candles, leather accessories and more. If possible, plan your trip during Christmas for a dazzling light display.
5. Universal Studios Florida | Orlando, FL
Spread across eight different lands, Universal Studios Florida is an immersive experience with your favorite TV shows and movies. Meet Harry and Hermione in Diagon Alley, watch as Jason Bourne hops across rooftops and get your picture with Shrek and Donkey in their swamp. One extra perk of this park is its proximity to Universal's two (soon to be three!) other parks, so this can easily become a multi-day adventure.
6. Hersheypark | Hershey, PA
Candy lovers will be in heaven at the sweets-themed Hersheypark. Begin your day with a different kind of sugar rush on Candymonium, the park's largest roller coaster. Then, go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolatier Restaurant. Founder's Way, offering a mix of retro and small-kid rides, can help you ease back in after lunch. Bonus: Your ticket provides access to a zoo and an amazing water park!
7. Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World Resort)
| Orlando, FL
You'll never forget your first time walking down Main Street toward the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. You'll definitely want to snap a picture out front and keep your phone handy to capture the absolute delight on your child's face during character meet and greets, the parade and the fireworks show. Tip: Line up early for new attractions like Tiana's Bayou Adventure to avoid end-of-day meltdowns.
8. Cedar Point | Sandusky, OH
You're not a roller coaster enthusiast unless Cedar Point is at the top of your "best" list for theme parks. With live shows, special events and over 65 rides, it's come a long way since 1892 when it opened its first coaster. Always pushing the limits, the park is launching Siren's Curse this year; it's the tallest, longest and fastest tilt roller coaster in the country!
9. EPCOT | Orlando, FL
The most "grown up" Disney park of the bunch, EPCOT is known for its World Showcase. Where else can you visit 11 different countries in a single day, stopping to eat, drink and shop at your leisure? Toddlers to teens find plenty to enjoy here, too, with Anna and Elsa meet-and-greets and music-blasting coasters like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
10. Disneyland | Anaheim, CA
If its sister parks over in Orlando feel a little overwhelming, Disneyland is the perfect introduction to the "Happiest Place on Earth." The park's compact design makes it easy to pack in back-to-back rides on Haunted Mansion, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Space Mountain. There are also a few attractions, like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the Matterhorn Bobsleds, that you'll find only at this California location.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Gavin Booth of coupleinthekitchen.com specializes in recipe development, all things grilling, food- and wine-based travel and romantic destinations of the world. He has extensive travel experience, visiting all 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries. He's a full-time recipe developer, photographer, videographer and writer.
Joelle Machia is a travel writer, photographer and co-owner of the Wanderers Compass Travel Blog. With a mission to inspire wanderlust, Joelle encourages readers to explore the world through authentic, independent travel. The blog offers a mix of storytelling, destination insights, off-the-beaten-path finds, photography and practical travel tips. Joelle aims to help readers turn their travel dreams into a beautiful reality. She is a proud member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).
Linnea Bailey is an award-winning journalist specializing in travel and tourism. Her freelance work can be found in Southern Living, The Palm Beach Post, Florida Weekly, Modern Luxury, art&culture magazine, The Palm Beaches Blog and more. A former newspaper reporter, she now owns a communications company in West Palm Beach. Linnea is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Travel Writers Alliance, The Family Travel Association and The Adventure Travel Trade Association. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida's journalism school. Learn more about her travels at www.linneabailey.com.
Melissa Garcia, known as the ConsumerQueen, is a full-time content creator with over 20 years of experience helping people save money and make savvy decisions. Her mission is to teach others to save where they can so they can spend on what they love. Melissa shares the best products to make life easier and also owns RoamingMyPlanet and The Oklahoma Homesteader, where she continues to inspire and educate her audience.
Robin O'Neal Smith is a freelance writer covering food, travel, wine and lifestyle topics. A "foodie," she enjoys savoring the food and wine wherever her travels take her and finding the hidden gems in destinations to share with her readers. She resides in Pennsylvania, and her work has appeared in Potomac Lifestyle, Travel Awaits, She Buys Travel, Extended Weekend Getaways and many others. Robin has appeared on various podcasts as an expert on travel topics. She is a TravMedia member and serves on the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association board. Follow her adventures at robinonealsmith.com.
SJ Morgensen is a professional freelance writer who writes about U.S. travel, culture and cuisine. She has a background in financial services, holds a BA in history and is naturally curious. Her work has been featured in numerous digital and print publications including Arizona Highways and Northwest Travel and Life Magazine. Follow her quest to visit all 50 states and all 63 U.S. national parks and for budget-minded travel inspiration at theprosperousblonde.com.
Teresa Bergen is a Portland, Oregon-based travel writer who specializes in the outdoors, eco, vegan and sober travel. She's the author of Easy Portland Outdoors and the Sober Travel Handbook. Learn more about her at teresabergen.com.
When Jacky took her first flight at age 17 to Spain, she hadn't stepped a foot outside of Chicago. As a broadcast journalist for 20 years, she always managed to bring her travels back to her Chicago audience with radio documentaries about the culture and characters of places she visited. She transitioned to print journalism (syndicated travel column via Tribune Media Services and Travel Columnist for the Daily Herald Chicago) and then to the web where she has written for numerous outlets such as CBS, LuxuryHotels.com, Examiner.com, AOL, USA Today and others. Follow her on Facebook.
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.