By MATTEA PIESCH
Now that the weather is getting better, it’s time for road trips and adventures! We don’t know about you, but we love roller coasters, rides, and all that good stuff. Buckle up and get ready, as we present you with the 10 best theme parks the US has to offer.
King’s Island, Mason, OH
This is the biggest theme park of the Midwest. Offering more than just regular rides, King’s Island also has the world’s longest inverted roller coaster, called Banshee. In addition to that, King’s Island also has Planet Snoopy, which features rides for the younger guests. With over 30 rides in the normal park and another 15 water rides in Soak City, you certainly won’t get bored here.
Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL
Universal Orlando changed the world of theme parks when they opened Harry Potter World in 2010. This part of the park really makes you feel like you are on the set of a Harry Potter movie. Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts simulates a tour of the castle and an actual dragon fight, making it a must for every Harry Potter fan! Make sure to also check out the TRANSFORMERS 3-D ride while you’re there.
Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL
If you’re a thrill seeker, you must try out the Goliath ride at Six Flags Great America! It’s the world’s tallest, fastest, and steepest wooden roller coaster and sends its guests on a crazy ride. Besides great roller coasters, Six Flags Great America also features a spectacular waterpark with rides such as The Dive Bomber, which is a five-story free fall ride with a trapdoor entrance, and The Tornado, where you raft down a tunnel into the mouth of a gigantic funnel.
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, Louisville, KY
This theme park is famous for its roller coasters, including Lightning Run and Thunder Rock, which are some truly remarkable rides with a few surprises. There are a lot of attractions for younger kids and some great 5-D shows (including the Wizard of Oz) to check out!
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, CA
Six Flags Magic Mountain is introducing the Twisted Colossus this month. It’s the longest, most innovative hybrid coaster in the world and will surely leave you thrilled. Another ride you should be sure to check out is BATMAN The Ride. It takes you through Gotham City and puts you into Batman’s shoes, so to say. With your feet dangling in the air, you go through loops, corkscrew descents, and more, all at a crazy speed.
Hershey Park, Hershey, PA
Adding a new ride called Laff Trakk this summer, Hershey Park features some of the best roller coasters in the world. Whether it’s an indoor funhouse coaster like Laff Trakk or an inverted steel coaster like Great Bear, the rides are all great and worth trying out. It’s hard to get everything done in one day but it’s always worth a try!
Legoland, Carlsbad, CA
Legoland is very kid-friendly and features many family rides. If you are (or were) a Lego fan, you will love how much detail has been put into the park. A big waterpark and a sea life aquarium are also part of the park.
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN
Dollywood has a little bit of everything: family rides, a waterpark, roller coasters, and a lot of playgrounds. Besides all of that, Dollywood also puts on a lot of shows and concerts in the park for families to enjoy. Make sure to check out Wild Eagle, which is the first ever winged roller coaster in America.
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA
Launching their new roller coaster Tempesto this spring, Busch Gardens is adding another coaster to their impressive collection. The family-oriented and European-themed park has a lot of rides for everyone and is great for a little family getaway!
Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
Disneyland never gets old! Even after 60 years, the park is still the “happiest place on Earth” both for younger and older visitors alike. The Indiana Jones Adventure and Space Mountain are a couple of the all-time favorites that amaze Disneyland guests. If you are a Disney-maniac, you can even book a breakfast with Cinderella while you’re there.
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