Top 10 Amusement Parks

Your favorite theme parks, amusement parks and water parks.

It's summertime! That means parents have extra time to spend with their children, and what better way to engage in classic fun with family and friends than to visit an amusement park?

We asked Travel Channel fans to tell us their favorite water, amusement and theme park picks. Take a look at these fun options — perfect summer trip ideas to fit every budget.

ocean bay, amusement park, several tall rides, cedar point, ohio

ocean bay, amusement park, several tall rides, cedar point, ohio

Vista shot of Cedar Point Park in Sandusky, Ohio

Photo by: Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Cedar Point

Touting itself as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point’s 18 coasters will ensure you’re riding all day. Enthusiastic reader Alicia Goettemoeller describes the park as an “adrenaline junkie’s paradise,” while reader Nick Schuyler says it is “built for grown-up kids.”

Knoebels

Knoebels

Photo by: eremy Thompson, flickr

eremy Thompson, flickr

Knoebels

This old-fashioned amusement park is a must for nostalgic types as well as the budget conscious – admittance and parking are free of charge. Reader Tracy Ginsburg Maier says “a family of 4 can eat, swim and ride all day for $100” at Knoebels.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Photo by: Disney

Disney

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

No list of amusement parks would be complete without the happiest place on earth, Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Transport yourself back to your childhood with a trip to Space Mountain, or say hello to one of your favorite Disney characters.

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Photo by: Schlitterbahn

Schlitterbahn

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Spread across 65 acres, Schlitterbahn has held the Amusement Today title for best water park for the past 13 years. It features an uphill water coaster ride, beaches, surfing, and more.

Universal's Island of Adventure

Universal's Island of Adventure

Photo by: © 2013 Universal Orlando Resort

© 2013 Universal Orlando Resort

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Although most people associate Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the park also has a number of roller coasters, 3-D rides and nearby restaurants and nightlife. Don’t forget to try the wizarding non-alcoholic beverage, butterbeer!

amusement park, aerial, greenery,

amusement park, aerial, greenery,

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California

Photo by: Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain

This park kicked Cedar Point out of its top spot ranking as the amusement park with the most roller coasters. Six Flags Magic Mountain has 18 coasters, including the Green Lantern. Located near Los Angeles, the park also has plenty of Hollywood flair for those who prefer to stay on the ground.

Kings Island

Kings Island is one of the most visited theme parks in the US, with more than 3 million visitors per year. The park is especially known for its family-friendly attractions, such as Snoopy Island. Tickets to the main park also include admission to the nearby water park, Boomerang Bay.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells

Photo by: Noah's Ark Waterpark

Noah's Ark Waterpark

Dells Water Parks

Wisconsin Dells is a water park aficionado’s dream, with dozens of indoor and outdoor water parks to splash around in. One of them, Noah’s Ark, is the largest outdoor water park in the US. Many are open year-round.

Hersheypark

Hersheypark

Photo by: Hesheypark

Hesheypark

Hersheypark

Originally created as a recreation area for employees of the Hershey Chocolate factory, today Hershey Park boasts plenty of chocolate paraphernalia, as well as roller coasters and a water park. Tickets include admission to the nearby ZOOAMERICA.

Knott's Berry Farm, Voyage to the Iron Reef, 3D, Buena Park, California

Knott's Berry Farm, Voyage to the Iron Reef, 3D, Buena Park, California

Photo by: Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knotts Berry Farm

Originally owned by the Knott’s jam producers, Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park is one of the older parks in the US, Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic for those looking for thrill rides, water rides and family fun.

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