Nowhere can you find more daredevil thrills and family-friendly fun for all ages than at North America’s top amusement parks, where world-record-breaking roller coasters and waterslides meet pleasant throwbacks to the earliest days of theme parks. Get your adrenaline pumping and your trunks wet at our favorite theme parks in the USA and Canada.
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
For freefall thrills, nothing beats Sandusky’s Cedar Point, where you’ll find one of the world’s greatest concentrations of roller coasters. There are 18 in all, including Steel Vengeance with its 30-second initial drop, Top Thrill which hits speeds of 120 mph, and the Maverick which features a 95-degree incline (geometry fans, that’s steeper than straight down). There’s also a beach and water park for when you’ve had enough plummeting.
Knoebels Amusement Park, Elysburg, Pennsylvania
A great amusement park doesn’t have to be brand-new and shiny. Knoebels, open since 1926, is a real shoestring traveler’s delight, offering free admission to the park and bargain tickets for individual rides. Channel your inner winter Olympian on Flying Turns, the world’s only wooden bobsled roller coaster, powered solely by the force of gravity. If you’re in the mood for gentler, Americana-tinged thrills, visit the park’s bald eagle habitat or watch the sparks fly at a live blacksmithing demo – both free.
Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, Ontario
Canada’s Wonderland, located 25 miles north of Toronto, boasts over a dozen coasters among its 250 rides, including the Yukon Striker, recognized as the world’s fastest, longest, and tallest dive coaster. Visitors can experience Canada’s most Canadian ride, the Lumberjack, a spin on classic ship rides, sitting atop two whirling axe blades. Once you regain your balance, enjoy entertainment at the Welcome to Tundra: A Cirque Experience or the Snoopy’s Dog Days of Summer show.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including summer temperatures, and, fortunately, the water park options. The Schlitterbahn chain’s best location is in New Braunfels, conveniently situated between Austin and San Antonio on I-35.
Featuring familiar Bavarian castle motifs, the 70-acre park showcases three miles of river and over 50 rides that include tube chutes, speed slides, a wave river for floating, and activity pools. If you think a waterslide is just a waterslide, you haven’t tried the Master Blaster Uphill Water Coaster – yes, it goes uphill!
Noah’s Ark, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Nestled in the rolling farmlands north of Madison, the Dells is filled with kitschy taffy and fudge houses along with overpriced rides, but Noah’s Ark offers genuine thrills. With over 50 slides including Raja – The World’s Largest King Cobra, the tallest and longest waterslide of its kind, you can expect lots of serpentine twists. Additionally, enjoy a couple of rivers to float on and a dedicated kiddie play zone.
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey
Six Flags in New Jersey is home to the tallest and fastest roller coaster in America – the Kingda Ka, which drops 456 feet. The CYBORG Cyber Spin is a thrilling seven-story, three-axis gyroscope spinning in all directions, creating a dizzying experience for onlookers. Serving the 20-plus million residents of the greater New York area, expect larger crowds. If you’re seeking milder thrills, there’s a Wild Safari zoo plus a refurbished 15-story Ferris wheel.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
Similar to Disney, Universal Studios provides a unique experience with its authentic, working movie studio incorporated into the entertainment. Engage in hour-long studio tours that take you behind the scenes of blockbuster films, from King Kong to Psycho – and be prepared for the exhilarating Fast and Furious finale. Harry Potter enthusiasts can find wizard wares in Hogsmeade and engage in a Flight of the Hippogriff ride.
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
Bigger than its Californian counterpart, the Magic Kingdom – one of several Disney parks, including Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – is the Orlando original. It remains a top tourist draw in Florida, featuring the indoor coaster Space Mountain, the pre-Johnny Depp Pirates of the Caribbean, and the endlessly looping ‘It’s a Small World.’ Given its popularity, plan your visit during less crowded times or utilize FastPass+ to reserve ride tickets in advance.
First published in January 2013. Updated July 2019.
https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/usa-best-trips-3
