10. Kennywood (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

One of the most unknown finds on the list, Kennywood, which has been around since 1898, has thrilled visitors young and old for over 110 years. The park features everything from thrill rides to water slides and anything you can imagine in between. Some of the most popular rides are: the Swingshot, Aero 360, Pitt Fall, Volcano, and Skycoaster.

9. SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio)

Get up close and personal with marine animals at the featured exhibits Dolphin Cove, Shark Encounter, Turtle Point, Manta Aquarium, Wild Artic, and Shamu: Close Up. With exclusive dining, adventure camps, and animal interactions, SeaWorld is perfect for everyone in the family.

8. Six Flags (Gurnee, Illinois)

Produced by the world’s largest amusement park corporation, the Six Flags company owns 14 locations just in North America. Besides the kid-friendly rides, you can also enjoy the thrill rides of The Dark Knight Coaster, Wipeout, Viper, and Raging Bull. You can save $20 by buying tickets online as well.

7. Hershey Park (Hershey, Pennsylvania)

Cave into your sweet tooth because when visiting here, you’re bound to go sugar crazy. The Convoy, Kissing Tower, Wave Swinger, and Trailblazer are all popular choice rides.

6. Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, Virginia)

Throw yourself into this world-class adventure of entertaining shows, fine dining, and awesome rides in this European-themed amusement park. Rides include the Griffon, Apollo’s Chariot, Escape from Pompeii, and Europe in the Air. Admission prices run around $60.

5. Universal Studios (Orlando, Florida)

Open for more than 85 years, at Universal Studios, you can jump behind the scenes and into the fantasy makings of your favorite blockbuster movie. Besides rides, you can enjoy dining, shopping, and a variety of shows. Also new to the park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can enter Hogwarts and immerse yourself in the magic.

4. Disneyland (Anaheim, California)

Located in sunny California, and though not as well known as Disney World, Disneyland boasts an abundance of qualities on its own. As the first creation of Walt Disney, the park shares many of the same attractions such as Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. 

3. Kings Island (Mason, Ohio)

Home to more than 80 world-class rides and attractions, King’s Island has earned the number three spot. With rides such as The Beast, Diamondback, Flight Deck, and The Crypt, King’s Island has 14 world-record-holding rollercoasters. Its newest addition is the Dinosaurs Alive attraction.

2. Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida)

Walt Disney World, Orlando is prided on being one of the happiest vacation spots for children of all ages, as well as adults.  Disney World is separated into four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, as well as two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. In addition to all the amazing rides, you can also visit the Downtown Disney shopping area where you can go to Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues, Disney’s Quest, and Pleasure Island. Disney is a place to experience at least once in a lifetime.

1. Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)

Cedar Point couldn’t be placed anywhere but first on this list. Opening in 1870, the expansive 364- acre park is host to 75 rides, 17 roller coasters, and a water park. Cedar Point is a must for any thrill seeker. Some of the most popular coasters are the Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster, and the Mean Streak. In the summer of 2011, Cedar Point will be installing its newest attraction, the Windseeker, which sends passengers up a tower 300 feet into the air and spin 30 stories above the Lake Erie shore line.