These 10 theme parks are the best in the country, according to USA TODAY 10Best readers
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North America is home to more than 400 amusement parks and attractions with some 375 million visitors annually, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. For those looking to plan the perfect vacation, trying to pick which park to visit can be overwhelming.
To help narrow down the options, USA TODAY 10Best asked a panel of amusement park and family travel experts to nominate their top 20 parks across the United States. Then, 10Best readers voted for their favorites. Here are the theme parks that ranked as the 10 best in the US for the 2023 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
No. 10: Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Tucked amid the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood has all the makings of a great theme park: thrill rides, coasters, kiddie rides and everything in between. Live craft demonstrations, lavish stage shows and a full calendar of special events mean there's always something going on, and the Southern-inspired food offerings are a cut above the typical theme park fare.
No. 9: Kennywood - West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
If you love a theme park with oodles of history and a collection of iconic rides, Kennywood is your place. "This low-key park just outside Pittsburgh city limits boasts more than 120 years of innovation," says 10Best contributor Corinne Whiting. Kennywood's classic favorites include wooden roller coasters like the side-by-side Racer, the intense Thunderbolt and the circa 1920 Jack Rabbit. Plus, there's an unmatched collection of dark rides like the Old Mill and the last-of-its-kind Noah's Ark, modern thrill rides like the Steel Curtain coaster and a Pittsburgh Steelers-themed water park.
No. 8: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa, Florida
While Busch Gardens is most famously known as an amusement park filled with thrill rides, the Tampa location is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and offers abundant animal encounters as well. Visitors can board an open-air touring vehicle on a Serengeti Safari, where it’s possible to spot giraffes, zebras, ostriches and other African animals living in wide open spaces.
No. 7: Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Williamsburg, Virginia
The European-themed installment of Busch Gardens in Williamsburg transports visitors to England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy circa 17th century, albeit a rather exciting version of the era, with more than 50 rides and attractions. Busch Gardens Williamsburg frequently ranks among the world's most beautiful theme parks and its thrill ride options are top-notch.
No. 6: Hersheypark - Hershey, Pennsylvania
The amusement park of every chocolate lover's dreams, Hersheypark features 121 acres with more than 70 rides (including more than a dozen roller coasters), strolling shows, multiple stages and additional performance areas, a water park and an 11-acre wildlife park – all accessible via a single admission. Fahrenheit, one of the park's most popular thrill rides, is a vertical lift coaster with a 121-foot lift followed by a breathtaking 97-degree drop. Candymonium, the park’s tallest, fastest and longest hyper coaster debuted in 2020.
No. 5: Knoebels - Elysburg, Pennsylvania
The pizza at this vintage amusement park in Pennsylvania's coal country is nearly as famous as its rides, but don't discount the family-friendly thrills at this Susquehanna River Valley institution. The rare amusement park that's still free to enter (rides require old-school-style tickets), Knoebels is home to Phoenix, one of the most popular wooden roller coasters in the United States. And it's a virtual museum of still-operating classic rides like Whipper, Flying Turns, the Haunted Mansion dark ride and Sky Slide. Add in some modern thrills and water rides and you have the perfect mix for a relaxed yet thrilling day in the park.
No. 4: Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio
Located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio, Cedar Point bills itself as "the roller coaster capital of the world" with 18 thrilling coasters covering more than 10 miles of track. The park's history dates back to 1870, making it the second oldest continually operated amusement park on the continent, and it's managed to maintain that classic park feel, complete with a generously sized midway and one of the only operating D.C. Muller carousels in the world.
No. 3: SeaWorld Orlando - Orlando, Florida
Most famous as a marine zoological park, SeaWorld Orlando has made a name for itself in the world of high-octane thrill rides as well, including Manta – one of the only coasters of its kind in the world – and Mako, a hyper coaster with deep dives, high speeds and thrills aplenty. Young visitors can now walk down Sesame Street and interact with their favorite furry friends.
No. 2: Kings Island - Mason, Ohio
Kings Island has plenty of family-friendly offerings among its several rides, shows and attractions, but the roller coasters are king. The park boasts many of them, including the world's longest wooden roller coaster, The Beast, as well as Diamondback, one of the top steel coasters in the country. Park admission also includes entrance into the Soak City water park.
No. 1: Silver Dollar City - Branson, Missouri
Silver Dollar City, with its 1880s mining town theme, attracts some two million visitors annually with its combination of entertainment, festivals, 100 resident craftsmen and more than 40 rides and attractions. The park is also home to Time Traveler, the world's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster.
This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: Best theme parks in the US? 10Best readers reveal top 10 favorites