Have you ever wondered how many theme parks there are in the United States? From the iconic Disneyland in California to the lesser-known parks in states like Montana, the US is home to a vast array of amusement parks. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the states, highlighting some of the most popular and unique theme parks in each one.

Theme Parks by State

Alabama to Indiana

• Alabama: Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure, Birmingham
• Alaska: Santa Claus House, North Pole
• Arizona: Castles N’ Coasters, Phoenix; Enchanted Island Amusement Park, Phoenix
• Arkansas: Magic Springs Theme & Water Park, Hot Springs; Wild River Country, North Little Rock
• California: California’s Great America, Santa Clara; Disneyland Park, Anaheim; Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim; Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park; Legoland California Resort, Carlsbad; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo; Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia; Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City
• Colorado: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver
• Connecticut: Lake Compounce, Bristol
• Delaware: Funland, Rehoboth Beach
• Florida: Adventure Island, Tampa; Aquatica Orlando, Orlando; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa; Discovery Cove, Orlando; Fun Spot America, Kissimmee; Gatorland, Orlando; Islands of Adventure, Orlando; SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando; Universal Studios Florida, Orlando; Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando
• Georgia: Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell; Six Flags White Water, Marietta
• Hawaii: Wet’n’Wild Hawaii, Kapolei
• Idaho: Silverwood Theme Park, Athol
• Illinois: Six Flags Great America, Gurnee
• Indiana: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus

From the southern charm of Alabama’s Splash Adventure to the festive spirit of Alaska’s Santa Claus House, the United States boasts a diverse range of theme parks. Whether you’re looking for thrilling roller coasters in California or water adventures in Arkansas, there’s something for everyone in these states. And this is just the beginning! As we venture further, each state offers its unique blend of fun, excitement, and memories waiting to be made.

Iowa to New Mexico

• Iowa: Adventureland Park, Altoona
• Kansas: Schlitterbahn Island Waterpark, Kansas City
• Kentucky: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana (also has a park in Kentucky)
• Louisiana: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
• Maine: Old Orchard Beach Pier, Old Orchard Beach; Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach
• Maryland: Adventure Park USA, Monrovia; Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro
• Massachusetts: Canobie Lake Park, Salem; Six Flags New England, Agawam
• Michigan: Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon; Wild Adventures, Muskegon
• Minnesota: Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington; Valleyfair, Shakopee
• Mississippi: Buccaneer Bay, Biloxi
• Missouri: Frontier Town, Branson; Silver Dollar City, Branson; Worlds of Fun, Kansas City
• Montana: Funplex, Billings; Playmill Theatre, Billings
• Nebraska: Fun-Plex, Omaha
• Nevada: Adventuredome, Las Vegas; Circus Circus, Las Vegas; High Roller, Las Vegas; New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas; Stratosphere Las Vegas
• New Hampshire: Canobie Lake Park, Salem, Massachusetts (also has a park in New Hampshire)
• New Jersey: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
• New Mexico: Cliff’s Amusement Park, Gallup; Santa’s Village, Jemez Springs

From the family-friendly vibes of Iowa’s Adventureland Park to the thrilling rides of New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure, this segment of the US offers a diverse range of theme park experiences. Whether you’re looking to cool off in Mississippi’s Buccaneer Bay or seek high-flying adventures in Nevada’s Stratosphere, there’s a park in these states that’s sure to cater to your sense of adventure.

New York to South Dakota

• New York: Coney Island, Brooklyn; Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn; Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn; Splish Splash, Riverhead, Long Island
• North Carolina: Carowinds, Charlotte.
• North Dakota: Roosevelt Park Zoo, Minot
• Ohio: Cedar Point, Sandusky; Kings Island, Mason
• Oklahoma: Frontier City, Oklahoma City; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo, California (also has a park in Oklahoma City)
• Oregon: Enchanted Forest, Salem
• Pennsylvania: Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg; Hersheypark, Hershey; Kennywood, West Mifflin
• Rhode Island: Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence
• South Carolina: Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach; Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach
• South Dakota: Storybook Island, Rapid City

From the iconic shores of New York’s Coney Island to the family-friendly attractions of South Dakota’s Storybook Island, this segment of the US is rich in theme park history and innovation. Whether you’re looking to relive childhood memories in Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark or seek new adventures in Oregon’s Enchanted Forest, there’s a park in these states that promises fun, excitement, and memories to last a lifetime.

Tennessee to Wyoming

• Tennessee: Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Pigeon Forge; Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri (also has a park in Tennessee)
• Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio; Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington; Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Galveston; Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark & Resort, New Braunfels; Schlitterbahn River Country, New Braunfels
• Utah: Lagoon Amusement Park, Farmington
• Virginia: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg; Kings Dominion, Doswell
• Washington: Wild Waves Theme Park, Federal Way
• West Virginia: Camden Park, Huntington
• Wisconsin: Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay; Mount Olympus Water & Theme Park, Wisconsin Dells; Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Wisconsin Dells
• Wyoming: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village

From the East Coast to the West, from the North to the South, the United States is dotted with theme parks that cater to every taste and age group. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, or a mix of both, there’s a park in the US for you.

Notable Theme Parks with Roller Coasters

Overview

Roller coasters are the heart and soul of many theme parks. The thrill of the ride, the wind in your hair, and the adrenaline pumping through your veins—it’s an experience like no other. Let’s dive into some of the most notable theme parks in the US that boast impressive roller coasters.

Highlighted Parks

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Located in sunny Florida, this park combines thrilling rides with an African-themed animal park. Their roller coasters, such as SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt, offer unique experiences that blend speed, height, and immersive theming.
• California’s Great America: Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, this park boasts a range of roller coasters, from the wooden Gold Striker to the steel Flight Deck, ensuring there’s something for every thrill-seeker.
• Carowinds: Straddling the border between North and South Carolina, Carowinds offers a mix of roller coasters, including the record-breaking Fury 325.
• Cedar Point: Often dubbed the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” this Ohio-based park is home to some of the world’s most iconic coasters, like Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force.
• Coney Island: A historic amusement area in Brooklyn, New York, Coney Island is home to the legendary Cyclone roller coaster, a wooden classic that has thrilled riders for decades.
• Dollywood Parks & Resorts: Located in the scenic Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood combines Southern charm with thrilling rides like the Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod.
• Disneyland Park: While known for its enchanting attractions and characters, Disneyland in California also offers roller coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
• Disney California Adventure Park: Right next to Disneyland, this park boasts the Incredicoaster, a high-speed ride themed after Pixar’s “The Incredibles.”
• Hersheypark: Located in the sweetest place on earth, Hershey, Pennsylvania, this park offers a chocolatey twist on roller coasters with rides like Skyrush and Candymonium.
• Knott’s Berry Farm: America’s first theme park, located in California, offers a mix of classic and modern roller coasters, including GhostRider and HangTime.
• Kings Dominion: This Virginia-based park is home to the Intimidator 305, one of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast.
• Kings Island: Located in Ohio, this park boasts the Beast, a legendary wooden coaster, and the new giga coaster, Orion.
• Legoland California Resort: While primarily catering to younger audiences, this park in Carlsbad, California, also offers roller coasters like the Dragon and Technic Coaster.
• Six Flags America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and more: The Six Flags chain is known for its thrilling roller coasters, with each park offering a unique set of rides. From the Joker at Discovery Kingdom to the Iron Rattler at Fiesta Texas, there’s no shortage of thrills.
• Universal Studios Florida: Beyond its immersive movie-themed attractions, this Orlando park offers roller coasters like the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the Revenge of the Mummy.
• Valleyfair: Located in Minnesota, this park offers a range of roller coasters, including the Renegade and Wild Thing.
• Worlds of Fun: Based in Kansas City, Missouri, this park boasts the Mamba, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world.

Each of these parks offers a unique roller coaster experience, ensuring that whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or a newbie looking for your first big ride, there’s a coaster out there waiting for you. So, which one will you conquer next?

The Magic of Theme Parks

There’s an inexplicable allure to theme parks that transcends age and background. As you step through their gates, the world outside fades, replaced by a realm where imagination reigns supreme. The distant hum of roller coasters, the tantalizing aroma of popcorn and cotton candy, and the gleeful laughter of children paint a picture of pure, unadulterated joy. Here, stories come to life, whisking visitors away to far-off lands, fantastical worlds, or even back in time. It’s not just about the adrenaline-pumping rides or the larger-than-life characters; it’s about the shared moments of wonder, the memories forged, and the timeless magic that reminds us of the boundless joy of being alive. In a theme park, every corner turned promises a new adventure, and every visit is a ticket to rediscover the childlike wonder that lies within us all.

The Thrill of Roller Coasters

Isn’t it fascinating how a simple ride can evoke such a range of emotions? From the nervous anticipation as you climb the first hill to the exhilarating rush as you zoom down, roller coasters are a testament to human ingenuity and our love for a good thrill.

Family Fun and Adventures

But it’s not all about the adrenaline. Remember the joy of your first carousel ride? Or the laughter shared on a bumper car? Theme parks are a mosaic of experiences, each tile contributing to a larger picture of joy, excitement, and shared memories.

Conclusion

The vast array of theme parks in the United States is a testament to our love for fun, adventure, and a bit of magic. Each state offers its unique take on amusement, ensuring that no matter where you are, a day of fun is just around the corner. So, pack your bags, pick a state, and let the adventures begin!

A Table of Theme Parks in the United States

FAQs

1. Which state has the most theme parks?
   • California and Florida are among the states with the most theme parks, thanks to their favorable climates and tourist attractions.
2. Are all theme parks in the US open year-round?
   • Not all. Some parks, especially in colder states, operate seasonally.
3. Which theme park is the oldest in the US?
   • Lake Compounce in Connecticut is often considered the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the US.
4. Do all theme parks have roller coasters?
   • No, while many do, some smaller or specialized parks might not have roller coasters.
5. Are there any theme parks that are best for younger children?
   • Yes, parks like Legoland and certain sections of larger parks like Disneyland are specifically designed for younger visitors.

Theme parks are great for a day of entertainment and fun, but they can really be expensive! The average ticket costs $115, and that’s just the base cost. Add on food, souvenirs, and parking, and your day can cost hundreds of dollars. If you’re planning a trip to one in the near future, here are six great ways to save money so that you can have more fun without breaking the bank. Our goal with this article is to provide you with some tips to help you save money in theme parks.

1.) Take Public Transportation Instead of Paying For Parking

You might not find this cheaper if you’re going to a huge theme park, but taking public transportation instead of paying for parking is a great way to save money when you’re visiting a smaller one.

At the time of writing this article, Disney standard parking is $25 and Universal Studios is $26, which I find to be insane. It is kind of irritating that you spend all that money on a theme park ticket and then eat, plus souvenirs, then pay a parking fee when you already purchased the theme park ticket. I understand there are costs, but it’s a parking lot, anything over $10 is insane in my opinion.

If you’re staying in a hotel, you might also be able to park your car there for free (and then maybe even get around on their shuttle).

Another option if you are close enough to the Parks is taking an Uber or a Lyft. Paying $15 instead of 26 will at least allow you to save a few bucks.

2.) Bring Own Drinks Into The Theme Parks

One way to save money in theme parks is by bringing your own drinks. Most parks do allow you to bring in bottled water. If you are in Florida, bringing something that is insulated will help your drinks stay cooler longer throughout the day. You could refill those at fountains. You could ask food kiosks for ice as well to help cool down the drinks on a warm summer day.

In addition, if you’re traveling with children, you can also ask for free cups of water at restaurants and fast-food chains. In the Florida parks I have found that both Disney and Universal do offer small cups of water because they certainly do not want you becoming dehydrated while in their parks, no one wants to see that.

Theme park policies do change so it is best to go to the theme parks website to view what they allow you to bring into the park. This will allow you to plan accordingly on what you will bring and help you plan to save money at the theme parks.

3.) Bring Your Own Snacks Into The Theme Parks

If you’re on a tight budget and are planning to visit theme parks like Disney, Legoland, or Universal Studios, you should consider bringing your own snacks instead of spending money at the park. There is usually plenty of availability to bring outside food into the park. You can bring in items that are sealed up in order to avoid any messes and keep the items fresh.

Items like small bags of chips, popcorn, granola bars, and other items that won’t melt due to the heat are great snack items to bring. Most parks do allow a small number of snacks to be brought into the park, so take advantage of that as much as you can.

4.) Pack Your Own Lunch To Help Save Money In Theme Parks

You can save a lot of money when you bring your own lunch to the theme park. Stick with things that don’t need to be heated up or refrigerated, and try to pack them in reusable containers. This will reduce the cost not just for yourself but for everyone who will have to throw that food away.

If you can at least cut out paying high theme park food prices for lunch you can save a lot of money especially if you have a large family.

Some parks have picnic areas outside the park gates like Cedar Point. If they do you can bring a cooler with your food, drinks, and snacks. This makes it really easy to feed the entire family a lot cheaper than you would inside the theme park.

Here is a good forum where people are discussing lunch options to bring to Disney Here.

5.) Go Back to the Hotel To Eat Lunch Or Dinner

There are a lot of overpriced food options in most theme parks, so it’s no wonder that the typical budget for a vacation can quickly get blown. So instead of buying pricey food all day, you can take a break from your day at the theme park and go back to your hotel to eat lunch or dinner.

We do this a lot when we go to Disney or Universal. That Florida heat really puts a lot of stress on you too, so we find breaking up the day to go back to the hotel to eat is saving us a lot of money and also allowing us to recover a bit before we head back to the parks.

We usually get a hotel off-site with a full kitchen. We then grocery shop and get food that we can make at the hotel. This cut our theme park costs down a lot.

We love to do this between 1 – 4 pm since that is when the sun is really nasty and even take in some pool time to cool down. When we get back to the park we are usually refreshed. Best advice USE THE HOTEL POOL…

6.) Share Your Meals With Family Members To Save Money In Theme Parks

It may be tempting to buy food from popular theme parks like Disney Land. However, it can cost a fortune! Sharing your meals with family members will help cut the overall costs of your theme park meals.

The trick here is to locate menu items that are hefty and provide a good portion that would satisfy at least two people. This strategy allows you the opportunity to try some of the food you have seen in the park and enjoy the overall theme park meal experience.

When you are in your planning phase for your next trip to Dollywood, I’m sure you may have stumbled on one of Dollywood’s most famed treats, The World Famous Dollywood Grist Mill Cinnamon bread.

If you haven’t discovered this treasure yet during your trip planning episode, then let me be the first to inform you that you and your family must take a short break during your visit and try this delicious treat.

You will find it at the Grist Mill, which is pretty easy to identify just look for the mill that is pictured above in Craftsman’s Valley.

I don’t indulge in sweets all that often as I prefer hearty food, but this was one that I had to check off the bucket list. It didn’t disappoint. It was fantastically delicious and melted in your mouth. Of course it’s jammed packed with calories, but hey, your on vacation, it’s okay to indulge.

There’s More Than Bread In The Grist Mill

One of the best things outside of the bread from the Grist Mill is that you can watch them make the bread and the many cookies that are also available in the shop.

You will find all kinds of sweets and items in the store including cast iron cookware, Dollywood canned jellies, and other amazing goods.