Fun family memories are priceless and will be cherished in the years to come. Where better to create precious moments together than some of the best amusement parks for kids?
We’ve prepared a guide for families with kids of all ages to find age-appropriate fun. Pack your bags, know what to bring to an amusement park to have the best time, and enjoy some of the top amusement parks in the US.
1. Disneyland
Where: Anaheim, California
Best For: Families with kids of all ages, and adults too
AAA discount: Disneyland tickets
Disneyland, the original Disney theme park that opened in Anaheim in 1955, remains a firm family favorite. Set on 100 acres, Disneyland is geared towards all ages, although kids older than around four tend to meet minimum height requirements for more rides. Those under three are considered “guests of Mickey,” and their tickets are free.
You can easily spend multiple days at Disneyland, so some families with younger kids may prefer to make a multi-day plan based on the endurance of their kids. For example, plan on being in the park early in the morning, then head back to your hotel mid-afternoon for naps.
There is a good mix of attractions suited to younger kids, such as Mickey’s ToonTown, and more thrill-seeking rides such as Indiana Jones Adventure, which tweens and teens gravitate towards.
The price of Disneyland tickets fluctuates with popular seasons and events, so looking for updated deals from AAA can help you save money.
| Expert Tip: | If your kids want to wear Disney gear but you don’t want to pay park prices, Target in Anaheim has sections of Disney clothing, including Mickey ears, much cheaper than in the park. |
2. Disney World
Where: Orlando, Florida
Best for: Families with kids of all ages, but aged 6-12 is when they really appreciate the magic
AAA discount: Disney World Tickets
Many people will tell you that there’s no such thing as “aging out” of Disney World. With four parks across 25,000 acres, there is plenty to do from your youngest kids to your older teens. Animal Kingdom suits all ages and has a mix of animal exhibits, thrill rides, and themed lands. Hollywood Studios and Epcot tend to be best for kids aged six to teens, who meet height requirements and enjoy the rides. Magic Kingdom will delight kids aged three to twelve, in the prime years of imaginary play. It has the largest number of rides catering to this age group and includes a range of shows and character meet-and-greets.
People often debate the best ages for taking kids to Disney World, but arguments can be made for taking all ages. Parents of small children often go because they love the looks of wonder on tiny faces, while older kids will remember their experiences and usually enjoy picking favorites.
With so much to do and many acres to cover, you’ll have a more enjoyable time if you make a plan that prioritizes your top attractions. Planning ahead can also help if you’re hitting Disney World on a budget. Find adventures every kid will enjoy without worrying about overspending.
| Expert Tip: | Timing your visit for better prices or lighter crowds? Despite conventional wisdom, you can often find those periods during the summer months of May through August. Avoid any week-long vacation periods when most schools will be out, as those tend to be among the busiest times. |
3. Universal Studios, Hollywood
Where: Hollywood, California
Best for: Movie buffs and thrill-seekers, older kids through to adults
AAA discount: Universal Studios tickets
While Universal Studios does feature some great “all-ages” attractions, it will be appreciated the most by kids, from tweens to adults. Park thrill attractions such as Revenge of the Mummy and immersive experiences like the Studio Tour are geared towards slightly older audiences. Look out for special “Fanfest Nights” where guests can immerse themselves in their favorite fandom.
The most popular attractions, such as Super Nintendo World, can have long lines, so getting there early or taking advantage of Early Access tickets can help. With many attractions on offer, a lot of visitors choose to visit the park over two days and feel less rushed to get between sections.
| Expert Tip: | Try to pack light while including some essentials, such as sunscreen, refillable water bottles, hand sanitizer, and snacks for kids. Some rides require you to put your things in lockers, so packing light will save you on rental costs. |
4. Universal Orlando Resort
Where: Orlando, Florida
Best for: Families with kids aged six through to adults
AAA discount: Universal Orlando tickets
Universal Orlando Resort encompasses over 1200 sprawling acres and five main areas or parks. These include Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk (for shopping and dining), and, brand new in 2025, Universal’s Epic Universe.
From age six, kids are in a sweet spot for a Universal Studios trip because they’ll typically reach the minimum height requirements for more rides. Smaller kids may be able to ride Flight of the Hippogriff or E.T. Adventure. Older kids or teens are best suited to make the most of thrill rides such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster, which tend to have stricter height requirements.
If you choose to stay at a Universal Resort hotel, you can access perks that may enhance your time in the park. These include water taxis and early park admission, allowing your kids to hit some rides early, among other perks.
| Expert Tip: | Download the Universal Orlando app to order mobile food and drinks, make dining reservations, manage your wallet and stay on top of wait times for attractions. Know whether your kids will want to wait for that ride! |
5. LEGOLANDⓇ New York
Where: Goshen, New York
Best for: Families with LEGO fans aged two to twelve
AAA discount: LEGOLANDⓇ New York tickets
LEGOLANDⓇ New York is a fun experience for LEGO fans of all ages, but the 2-12 age group is the prime market. Located in Goshen, around 90 minutes from New York City, families often find it to be a budget-friendly alternative to Disney or other larger resorts, which can occupy them for one or two days.
If you’ve got older kids, the Build and Test area, where they can build and test out their own creations, including racing vehicles on a track, can be a great place to keep them entertained. For the little ones, there is plenty to see and do among the rides and attractions. They’ll love the DUPLOⓇ Express Train or the Coast Guard Academy. DUPLOⓇ is available in the Build and Test area, so you don’t need to worry about small bricks for the little kids.
It’s worth noting that LEGOLANDⓇ New York is a Certified Autism Center and adheres to the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). They offer an Assisted Access Pass for those who may need it, meaning that you can hold your place in line digitally without having to wait in person.
| Expert Tip: | For anyone needing a sensory-friendly break, LEGOLANDⓇ New York offers a quiet, low-lit area with sensory swings and tools to help regulate sensory input. |
6. Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
Where: Tampa Bay, Florida
Best for: Animal lovers of all ages and amusement ride enthusiasts from age 6
AAA discount: Busch Gardens tickets
Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, is built for thrill-seekers and animal lovers alike. It features roller coasters and animal exhibits on 335 acres. Families often find that visiting Busch Gardens is a more budget-friendly option than nearby Disney World, and kids of all ages find something they enjoy.
While kids aged six and older will enjoy a wider variety of rides, families with younger kids can still keep them entertained with Sesame Street Safari of Fun, or other family-friendly rides. Florida residents with kids aged 5 and under can take advantage of a free preschool pass.
Busch Gardens also features highly-rated live shows, such as Cirque Electric and Gwazi Rocks, and various special events, including summer live music, on their calendar. Your admission ticket includes entry into any live shows you may want to see.
| Expert Tip: | For a low-stress visit with kids, stay on top of wait times by downloading their app. You can also check for any special events, which may lead to bigger crowds. |
7. Six Flags Great Adventure
Where: Jackson Township, New Jersey
Best for: The whole family, from toddlers to adults
AAA discount: Six Flags Great Adventure tickets
Six Flags Great Adventure, located on 510 acres, is the second-largest theme park in the world. With more than 50 rides, 14 roller coasters, and a 350-acre safari park, it is one of the best amusement parks in the US for catering to the whole family.
Parents of smaller children will find several family rides, including Air Jumbo and the Giant Wheel. There are also multiple attractions dedicated to toddlers and small children, including Bugaboo and the Foghorn Leghorn Stagecoach Express.
Multiple thrill-seeking rides, such as Jersey Devil Coaster and SkyScreamer, are available for kids who can meet the height restrictions. The complex also includes a Hurricane Harbor waterpark, offering creative ways to cool off in warmer weather.
| Expert Tip: | If you need a break from outdoor heat or rain with kids, try a sheltered or indoor attraction like Skull Mountain or Studio 28 Arcade. |
8. Kings Island
Where: Mason, Ohio
Best for: Water lovers and thrill seekers, from toddlers to adults
AAA discount: Kings Island tickets
Kings Island, an amusement park that has been operating for more than five decades, is a hit with visitors of all ages. Featuring Soak City Water Park, which has 36 waterslides, 15 roller coasters, and devoted kids’ areas — Camp Snoopy and Planet Snoopy — the park is set up for family adventures.
The park offers family-friendly live shows and includes many special events on its annual calendar. They also feature more than 30 dining or snack-purchasing options, including the iconic Skyline Chili and regular favorites like funnel cakes and ice cream.
Planning on being there around Halloween? The park offers an annual “Halloween Haunt,” which is a hit with older audiences but not recommended for younger children.
| Expert Tip: | For any parents keen on rides that are too intense for their small kids, the park has a “parent swap” option. Parents can take turns watching the kids and enjoying the ride without having to line up twice. |
9. Cedar Point
Where: Sandusky, Ohio
Best for: Families with older kids, aged 7 to teen
AAA discount: Cedar Point tickets
Amusement park enthusiasts consider Cedar Point as “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” While it does have some areas just for smaller kids, the main attractions are geared more towards those tall enough to enjoy the rides. When people toss up between Cedar Point and Kings Island for younger kids, they often choose Kings Island.
The complex also features an 18-acre waterpark with waterslides and family-friendly areas. In addition to rides and water activities, families can enjoy live shows, immersive dining experiences, and accommodations within the 364 acres of grounds.
Cedar Point is also known for its HalloWeekends around Halloween. Unlike King’s Island, they offer daytime activities like trick or treating, corn mazes, and themed shows that are great for kids.
| Expert Tip: | Cedar Point started as a beach and bathhouse in 1870, and the beach is still a great place to cool off in hot weather! |
10. Hersheypark
Where: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Best for: Thrill-seekers and chocolate lovers of all ages
AAA discount: Hersheypark tickets
Hersheypark was first developed in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey as a place for his chocolate factory workers to enjoy. Over the years, they gradually added amusement rides, including a wooden roller coaster, The Comet, which is still there today.
Families will find a wide variety of amusements, from those geared towards small children, like the “Tiny Tracks” area, to 15 roller coasters for “Jolly Ranchers” (those over five feet tall). The complex also features a water park, a zoo, accommodations and dining options. Chocolate-loving visitors can usually find a sweet souvenir.
| Expert Tip: | Download the park app ahead of your visit for hassle-free navigation and to know ride wait times before getting in line. |
11. Knott’s Berry Farm
Where: Buena Park, California
Best for: Families with kids of all ages, toddlers to adults
AAA discount: Knott’s Berry Farm tickets
Knott’s Berry Farm has a broad selection of rides and entertainment to entertain the whole family. Camp Snoopy is an area designated for young children, while the park offers several roller coasters and rides with moderate to high-adrenaline thrills for older children and adults. Note that children under two receive free admission to the park.
Kids also enjoy water rides such as Timber Mountain Log Ride and other immersive experiences such as Ghost Town, where they can explore the American Old West. There are multiple dining options, with Knott’s fried chicken being a regular favorite. Families visiting in the warmer months can also cool off at the Soak City waterpark.
| Expert Tip: | Know before you go! Knott’s Berry Farm is cashless so come prepared with a card to pay with. |
12. Peppa Pig Theme Park
Where: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Best for: The youngest kids, aged six and under
AAA discount: Peppa Pig Theme Park tickets
This one is for the littles! Peppa Pig Theme Park is tailored for young children with its themed play areas and gentle rides. From Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride to Pirate Island Sand Play, young imaginations are kept busy among the five rides and nine play areas.
If the kids need a break, the Cinema plays favorite episodes of the show, while live shows are offered on stage at Mr Potato’s Showtime Arena. Peppa Pig Theme Park is also a Certified Autism Center, adhering to
the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
| Expert Tip: | The park has a splash pad, so if the weather is warm, be prepared by packing swimsuits and towels. |
13. Sesame Place Philadelphia
Where: Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Best for: Younger kids, aged six and under
AAA discount: Sesame Place tickets
Sesame Place is another amusement park created with the youngest kids in mind — most rides and attractions are designed for the little ones. The park is especially popular for character meet-and-greet and parades that will enthrall young kids.
Kids aged 23 months and younger are free, and the park often features special events on the calendar. There are water attractions, so it’s suggested that families come prepared with swimsuits and clothing changes. Sesame Place is also a Certified Autism Center and adheres to the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
| Expert Tip: | Use the park app to plan ahead for shows and character meet-and-greets. |
14. Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
Best for: All ages, from toddlers to adults
AAA discount: Hurricane Harbor Phoenix tickets
Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is a water theme park with areas catering to different ages and tastes for adventure. There are play structures and designated areas for small children and structures are specifically designed for middle school-aged or elementary-aged kids.
Bigger kids and adults may enjoy the more adventurous water slides and thrill rides, such as “Anaconda,” which has been voted among the top waterslides in the U.S. The park is designated family-friendly, but they always suggest appropriate supervision and assessment of your child’s swimming abilities.
| Expert Tip: | The park has a dress code, which includes no entrance for waterpark attractions in regular shorts or cut-offs. Check dress code requirements before you go! |
15. Kentucky Kingdom Theme and Water Park
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
Best for: The whole family, from small kids to adults
AAA discount: Kentucky Kingdom tickets
Kentucky Kingdom offers fun activities for all ages, from King Louie’s Playland, a designated area for kids, to thrilling rides and roller coasters for teens and adults. If you have younger teens, note that park policy requires all guests aged 15 and under to have a chaperone.
The park has more than 70 rides and attractions, including world-class roller coasters. The complex also has a waterpark with wave pools and water slides. Kentucky Kingdom also hosts seasonal or special events.
| Expert Tip: | In recent years, the park has offered free Pre-K season passes for kids aged three to five. These require registration, which generally has a deadline in June. |
16. LEGO Discovery Center Boston
Where: Somerville, Massachusetts
Best for: Families with kids aged three to ten
AAA discount: LEGO Discovery Boston tickets
LEGO Discovery Center Boston is geared more towards preschool and elementary-aged children. They offer interactive exhibits, rides, and other activities such as the LEGO Factory Tour. Add in their 4D films and plenty of opportunities for LEGO enthusiasts to create with the bricks, and it’s a fun day in any weather for families.
Most families find that they easily spend two or three hours covering the various activities and build zones. The center offers Sensory Friendly Mornings as Autism Acceptance and Awareness events, which you can find on their website.
| Expert Tip: | Want a quieter visit? Late afternoon and weekdays are often less crowded, although there are limited tickets after 3pm. |
17. Valleyfair
Where: Shakopee, Minnesota
Best for: Families of all ages, toddlers to adults
AAA discount: Valleyfair tickets
Valleyfair features rides, a waterpark, play areas and live entertainment targeted at all age groups. The youngest kids enjoy Peanuts-themed attractions at Planet Snoopy and water features geared to them in Soak City. Valleyfair offers free Pre-K passes for children aged 3-5.
Older kids, teens and adults looking for thrills will find roller coasters, rides, and water slides just for them. Guests aged 15 or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone aged at least 21. It’s recommended that you check dress code guidelines if you’re planning on hitting the water park.
| Expert Tip: | Valleyfair does allow guests to bring outside food and drinks, but check the park website for guidelines on bags, coolers, and prohibited items. |
18. Michigan’s Adventure
Where: Muskegon, Michigan
Best for: The whole family, from toddlers to teens
AAA discount: Michigan’s Adventure tickets
Michigan’s Adventure is the largest amusement park in the state, covering around 250 acres. It is an amusement park with various types and levels of rides and a WildWater Adventure waterpark.
The littlest kids can adventure at Camp Snoopy or Half Pint Paradise in the waterpark. Older children, teens and adults may enjoy the roller coasters or thrill rides like Thunderhawk. Look out for seasonal events such as “Tricks and Treats” for added family fun.
| Expert Tip: | Michigan’s Adventure doesn’t take cash payments but offers a cash-to-card machine service. |
19. Silver Dollar City
Where: Branson, Missouri
Best for: Families of all ages, from toddlers to adults
AAA discount: Silver Dollar City tickets
Silver Dollar City is a 100-acre theme park widely considered to be appropriate for families and individuals of all ages. The park features over forty rides and attractions, including the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train.
Silver Dollar City is known for focusing on 1800s Ozarks culture and features live shows and demonstrations of traditional crafts. There is a variety of unique dining options, including buffets, barbeque, and funnel cakes. With hilly terrain, guests should prepare for some walking, and they may need to find shade in the summer months.
| Expert Tip: | Download the app to help navigate the park, including finding the best route in hot weather! |
Treat the Kids with AAA
There’s a lot to choose from among the best amusement parks for kids, and fortunately, there are great options all over the US. From toddlers to teens, families can find an amusement park to suit all ages.
Taking advantage of discounts is smart, especially if you’d like to have a budget for other things. AAA members can take advantage of discounts for theme parks all over the US. Look out for regularly evolving special events and deals.
FAQ
Here are some FAQ on the best amusement parks for kids:
How many kids’ amusement parks are there in California?
California is home to several amusement parks, with the last count somewhere around 85.
What are the top three theme parks in the US?
It’s a near-constant debate as to which are the top theme parks in the U.S., so we’ll go by visitor numbers. According to records, the most-visited parks are Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Epcot.
What is the most kid-friendly theme park in the US?
Disneyland in Anaheim is frequently touted as the most kid-friendly theme park due to its mix of rides and character interactions. However, with over 475 theme parks across the country, that’s bound to be up for debate.
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