America’s Top Amusement Parks Beyond Disney

I grew up in a Disney-loving home. I have visited Disney Parks on both coasts multiple times, and growing up, it felt like the ultimate betrayal if I even suggested that my family visit a different amusement park. While I will always love Disney and will continue to visit as often as my budget allows, I've discovered that I've missed out. There are incredible amusement parks throughout the country – some with dozens of rides, some packed with history, and others with sweet treats that make every mile well worth traveling. The following are just 11 of the best amusement parks in the U.S. for every bucket list.

Please note that, in addition to Disney Parks, I also did not include Universal Studios or any amusement park operated by Six Flags (Six Flags operates parks across the U.S.). These parks are still well worth your time and make for fabulous day trip destinations, but many other amusement parks simply don't get the attention they deserve.

1. Dollywood: Smoky Mountain Thrills and Southern Charm

• Season: Year-round, but some attractions are closed during the winter months.
• What Makes It Unique: The live shows, year-round festivals, and Southern-style food help Dollywood stand out.
• What I Love Most: This amusement park is designed for families and offers some of the best entertainment of any park on this list.

Dollywood is an award-winning amusement park designed for the entire family. Not to mention, it is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Time your visit wisely as this amusement park hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, and you don’t want to miss the shows and entertainment when you go. Just make sure you save plenty of room for the food during your visit – you may crave the cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill for months to come.  

2. Kings Dominion: Coasters and Family Fun Near Richmond

• Season: Seasonal
• What Makes It Unique: The impressive thrill rides are a big draw for adrenaline-seekers.
• What I Love Most: As a mom with young children, I love the Pre-K Pass. This unique pass provides unlimited visits to children ages 3 to 5 during the 2026 season.

Kings Dominion is the largest amusement park in Virginia, with more than 60 rides (it’s a 400-acre park!) and a 20-acre waterpark. In fact, this park is so large that we strongly recommend you wear a good pair of walking shoes for your day trip. This amusement park is home to many thrill rides, including Rapterra, the tallest and longest winged roller coaster in the world, and has many family-friendly attractions. Parking is available on site for a daily fee, and stroller and wheelchair rentals are offered near the front gate.

3. Hersheypark: Chocolate Town’s Sweetest Rides

• Season: Many retail and dining spots in Hersheypark's Chocolatetown are open year-round. Other park areas are open during the summer and for several annual events.
• What Makes It Unique: Hersheypark has three distinct areas: an amusement park, a waterpark, and a zoo.
• What I Love Most: Hersheypark combines all my favorite things into one destination: rides, animals, a waterpark, and chocolate!

Hersheypark is one Pennsylvania destination that truly has something for everyone. For thrill-seekers, you’ll find several bucket-list-worthy roller coasters. For water lovers, there’s the waterpark, and the young and young at heart will love walking around the zoo and observing the many animals. Of course, Hersheypark is a foodie's paradise, as you will find chocolate! Paid parking is available, and the park hosts seasonal events, including Halloween and holiday celebrations.

4. Luna Park: Classic Boardwalk Thrills in NYC

• Season: Seasonal
• What Makes It Unique: This theme park is quite simple compared to others around the country, but it transports visitors back in time with its charm and nostalgia.
• What I Love Most: This is a theme park that families have visited for decades. Plus, this theme park is home to Coney’s Cones – yum!

Luna Park in Coney Island has delighted New Yorkers for more than 120 years. Today, it is the largest amusement park in New York City. Not only is this park home to a long list of high-thrill attractions and rides for little ones, but it also offers exquisite ocean views. There are many games to test your skills and delicious food to satisfy any craving. Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss the iconic Cyclone roller coaster, a landmark wooden coaster that has been operating since 1927. I suggest Coney’s Cones. You won't regret it.

5. Lake Compounce: America’s Oldest Amusement Park

• Season: Seasonal
• What Makes It Unique: Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States.
• What I Love Most: This amusement park not only has a historic wooden roller coaster but is also home to award-winning wooden coasters like Boulder Dash.

Lake Compounce has been putting a smile on faces for more than 175 years. There are some bucket-list-worthy attractions found in this park, including the Wildcat, the park’s original wooden roller coaster, which is nearly 100 years old. Lake Compounce is also home to Crocodile Cove, Connecticut’s largest water park. And you can stay for several days at this bucket-list-worthy destination by setting up camp at the Lake Compounce Campground, just outside of the park’s gates. General parking is included with admission.

6. Story Land: Fairytale Fun in the White Mountains

• Season: Seasonal
• What Makes It Unique: This amusement park is targeted toward young children. You won’t find high-adrenaline rides here.
• What I Love Most: This park brings stories to life for the young at heart – it’s a unique day trip that will unleash the imagination.

Children and pre-teens will not want to leave Story Land in New Hampshire. The park is designed primarily for children ages 3 to 12, with gentle rides and interactive play areas. It provides children with a unique setting for unleash their creativity. You may even spot a few favorite storybook characters as they roam the park. There are surprises here for all ages.

7. Silver Dollar City: Ozark Adventures and Old-Time Crafts

• Season: Seasonal, but does host various events throughout the year.
• What Makes It Unique: This amusement park features an 1880s theme. Craftsmen are spread throughout the park, providing both entertainment and education.
• What I Love Most: The demonstrating craftsmen make you feel like you have stepped back in time. At times, you may forget you are in an amusement park!

Silver Dollar City is consistently ranked among the best amusement parks in the U.S. This unique destination in the Ozarks features a fantastic 1880s theme. As you walk around, you can observe craftsmen demonstrating all types of activities from glass blowing to candy making and even blacksmithing. Plus, there are more than 40 rides for the entire family, fabulous restaurants, and so many shows that you’ll stay busy from open to close. I recommend planning a visit during one of the major festivals or special events at this Missouri amusement park. Paid parking is available, with tram service from the lot to the entrance.

8. Arnolds Park Amusement Park: Lakeside Rides with Retro Vibes

• Season: Seasonal
• What Makes It Unique: This historic amusement park sits next to Lake Okoboji and is home to the Legend Roller Coaster, one of the country's oldest wooden roller coasters.
• What I Love Most: Arnolds Park Amusement Park has a rich history and is in a prime location. Plus, there are bucket-list-worthy spots just outside of this park, making it an exceptional getaway destination in Iowa.

Arnolds Park Amusement Park may not be the largest amusement park on our list, but it is certainly one of the most loved. This unique destination is one of the longest operating amusement parks in the world, opening in 1889. Today, there are more than 20 family-friendly rides, including cruises on Lake Okoboji aboard the Queen II, a large steamboat. Make sure you plan a visit when you can attend one of the Live at the Lake concert events featuring big-name stars.

9. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Gulf Coast Rides Over the Water

• Season: Year-round
• What Makes It Unique: Pleasure Pier was destroyed by both Hurricane Carla in 1961 and Hurricane Ike in 2008. It has since been rebuilt on the original site.
• What I Love Most: This is the perfect day trip destination with games for all ages, delicious food, and thrill rides like the Texas Star Flyer and the Iron Shark Roller Coaster.  

Location is everything when you visit Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. This unique theme park is located on a pier over the Gulf of Mexico. Here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking ocean views and have heart-racing adventures when you take a ride on the Texas Star Flyer, a massive swing that takes riders more than 230 feet over the water. I recommend you stop by Texas’s first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. location and dive into some of the sweet carnival treats (did someone say funnel cakes?!) found throughout the park. Paid parking garages and nearby public lots make access convenient.

10. Silverwood Theme Park: Northwest Thrills Without the Crowds

• Season: Seasonal
• What Makes It Unique: This theme park is located in Athol, a small town in northern Idaho.
• What I Love Most: I love the location of this amusement park and the variety of activities offered here. From thrill seekers to swimmers, every family member will find something to love.

Tucked away in the tiny town of Athol, Idaho, you will find one of the largest theme and water parks in the Northwest. This impressive park is 413 acres and features a variety of thrill rides as well as activities for young children. The water park is also a must-visit destination with both heart-racing and relaxing attractions, including my favorite – the lazy river. Make sure you set aside some time to attend one of the many shows offered at this park or test your skills with the carnival games.

11. Oaks Amusement Park: Vintage Charm and Riverside Fun

• Season: Seasonal
• What Makes It Unique: This park is managed by a non-profit organization. It opened in 1905 and boasts a nostalgic, historic atmosphere.
• What I Love Most: This is an amusement park that generations can enjoy together. There is something for every member of the family here.

Oaks Amusement Park is quite different than other parks on this list. Located approximately three miles outside of downtown Portland, this amusement park is full of history and nostalgia. It first opened in 1905 and features not only thrill rides, family rides, and kiddie rides, but also a roller rink, mini golf, and arcade games. This park is managed by the Oaks Park Association, a private, non-profit organization whose entire mission is to preserve this historic amusement park and provide a family-friendly destination for the general public.

What are your favorite amusement parks in the country? Did it make our list? If not, let me know about any U.S. theme parks you love and why I should visit by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to add your suggestion to my next vacation.

Of course, if you would rather step away from the crowds and enjoy peace and quiet in nature, add these iconic hiking trails across America to your bucket list. You may even want to get away from it all at these rugged and remote wilderness areas in the U.S.

Planning a multi-park road trip? Use the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to map out your amusement park adventure and discover even more hidden gems along the way.