We have been visiting theme parks as a family since before our kids could walk. Over the years we have logged more days at Disney World than we can count, crossed the Atlantic for Disneyland Paris, road-tripped to Hersheypark, visited Universal when Jaws was still around, and there are still so many parks to discover. Theme parks are our thing, it’s a tradition we keep coming back to, and in this post I am sharing the best theme parks for families so you can plan your visits.
Every park on this page we have visited as a family, except for the list at the bottom that is my bucket list theme parks to visit. These are our honest experiences, what we loved, what surprised us, and everything you need to know to plan your own visit.
Whether you are planning your first Disney World trip, wanting to immerse yourself in the World of Harry Potter at Universal, or looking for something new to add to the list, this is your starting point.
Our Picks for the Best Theme Parks for Families
What makes a best theme park? Story-telling and immersive lands make a theme park top of the list for me. I want to feel like I am part of the world from the minute I visit. From the decor and ambiance to the dining and attractions a theme park visit allows you to escape and enjoy time away from the everyday.
Of course there are parks that may not be as immersive as others and stand out due to the uniqueness of their rides and nostalgia. These parks paved the way for the big parks we have today.
No Time to Read? Best Theme Parks (quick List)
-> Walt Disney World
-> Universal Orlando Resort
-> Disneyland (California)
-> Disneyland Paris
-> Hersheypark
-> Universal Studios Hollywood
-> LEGOLAND
-> Disney Cruise Line
-> Seabreeze
-> Kennywood
Walt Disney World- Orlando, FLorida
Walt Disney World is the most visited theme park destination in the world, and for good reason. Spanning over 40 square miles in Orlando, Florida, it is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Plus two water parks, a shopping and dining district, and over 30 resort hotels all connected by Disney’s complimentary transportation system.
It is not just a theme park trip. It is an entire vacation ecosystem built around making every detail as easy and magical as possible.
We have been bringing our family to Walt Disney World since our kids were babies, and we still go every year now that they are teenagers. Disney World has grown with our family and each visit has had a familiarity, but we always discover something new.
The park that overwhelmed us with a stroller and a diaper bag is the same park our teens now navigate on their own while we grab a coffee. A week is our sweet spot, one day at each park plus a rest day at the resort, and we have never left feeling like we ran out of things to do.
Best for: All ages, every stage of family life, great for multi-generational theme park trips
How many days: We recommend at least 5–7 days to experience all four parks without rushing
Our tip: Stay on Disney property. The free transportation, early park entry, and the ability to easily return to your resort mid-day make a week-long trip significantly more enjoyable.
Read our full Walt Disney World Guide →
Universal Orlando Resort- Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando Resort is Walt Disney World’s biggest rival in Orlando and it is not even close to a consolation prize. Spanning three theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe. Plus an amazing water park, 11 on property resorts, and shopping and dining district, Universal Orlando has quietly become a must-visit destination in its own right.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter alone draws millions of fans every year, and with Epic Universe adding five entirely new worlds including a Wizarding World, a Nintendo land, a Classic Monsters land, and a How to Train Your Dragon land, Universal Orlando is in the middle of its most exciting era ever.
When my husband and I visited before kids and before Harry Potter, we were hooked and knew Universal would be part of our lives once we had kids. We got our first Universal Orlando annual passes about ten years ago and have never looked back.
Our kids grew into Universal as they got older and now it competes directly with Disney World for their favorite trip of the year. If your family has any Harry Potter fans, or anyone who loves a serious roller coaster, Universal Orlando deserves its own dedicated trip.
Best for: Families with kids 10 and up, though younger kids have plenty to do at each park
How many days: 2–3 days for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, add 1–2 days for Epic Universe, you could plan a week at Universal that includes a resort day too
Our tip: Annual passes pay for themselves quickly if you visit more than once a year and are worth pricing out even for a single trip depending on the tier.
Our full Universal Orlando guide is coming soon. In the meantime visit My Universal Trip for everything you need to plan your visit.
Disneyland- Anaheim, California
Disneyland is where it all began. Opened by Walt Disney himself in 1955, it is the original Disney park, the one that paved the way for every Disney experience that came after it, including Walt Disney World.
Today it sits alongside Disney California Adventure as part of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, and while it is significantly smaller than its Florida counterpart it is every bit as magical. The parks are walkable, the atmosphere is intimate, and the history is everywhere you look.
We have made three trips to Disneyland over the last decade and as die-hard Disney World fans we cannot recommend it enough. There is something genuinely moving about walking down Main Street U.S.A. knowing it is the same street Walt Disney himself walked.
Disneyland also holds onto classic dark rides that Disney World retired long ago. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and Alice in Wonderland are my favorites and riding them feels like stepping into Disney history.
If you have only ever done Disney World, Disneyland is not a repeat experience. It is a completely different one that every Disney fan owes themselves at least once.
Best for: All ages, especially Disney fans who want to experience the original park
How many days: 2–3 days to cover both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure comfortably.
Our tip: Don’t rush it! Disneyland should be toured at a slower pace to soak in the details that connect this park to Walt’s original vision
Universal Studios Hollywood- Los Angeles, California
Universal Studios Hollywood is the original Universal park and the one that started it all. Unlike Universal Orlando, Hollywood is a single park built on an actual working film and television studio lot in Los Angeles, which means alongside the rides and themed lands you get something Orlando simply cannot offer: the famous Studio Tour.
The 60-minute tram ride takes you behind the scenes of one of Hollywood’s most iconic studios, through real backlot sets, and past some of the most recognizable filming locations in movie history. It is genuinely unlike anything else at any theme park.
We have visited Universal Hollywood twice as a family and the vibe feels familiar in the best way. If you love Universal Orlando you will feel right at home here. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just as immersive, the rides are just as well done, and the energy of being on an actual working studio lot adds a layer of cool that the whole family appreciates.
It is a smaller park than Orlando and a full day is plenty, but the Studio Tour alone makes it worth the trip. If you are planning a California vacation and have to choose between Disneyland and Universal Hollywood, do both. They complement each other perfectly and together make for an incredible West Coast theme park trip. We have a full Southern California itinerary covering three trips that will help you plan it.
Best for: All ages, especially movie and TV fans
How many days: 1 full day is enough to cover the park comfortably including the Studio Tour
Our tip: Plan the Studio Tour after an early lunch. Between 12:00-1:00pm is a great time. Lines build throughout the afternoon so keep an eye on wait times on high crowd days.
Read our full Universal Studios Hollywood Itinerary Guide→
Disneyland Paris- Marne-la-Vallee, France
Disneyland Paris is two parks in one destination. The original Disneyland Park and the newly reimagined Disney Adventure World, formerly Walt Disney Studios Park. Located about 30 minutes outside of Paris by train, it is the most visited theme park destination in Europe and one of the most stunning Disney parks anywhere in the world.
The architecture, the attention to detail, and the European elegance woven into every corner of the resort gives it a look and feel unlike any other Disney park. It is bigger and more ornate than Anaheim, more intimate and charming than Orlando.
We visited once as a family and it genuinely stopped us in our tracks. Disneyland Paris is the most beautiful Disney park I have ever seen. We stayed on site and loved being able to walk to both parks, which made the whole trip feel relaxed and allowed us to soak it all in.
What makes it especially fun for Disney fans who have done the American parks is spotting the rides you know and love with a distinctly French twist. The same beloved attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain, reimagined through a European lens.
With Disney Adventure World now complete, include the World of Frozen, the resort feels fresher than ever and is absolutely worth the trip for any family that loves Disney and wants to experience something truly different.
Best for: All ages, especially families who have already done Disney World and want a completely new experience
How many days: 3–4 days to cover both parks comfortably, more if you want to add a Paris city visit
Our tip: Stay on site. Being able to walk to both parks transforms the trip and the Disney hotels along the main boulevard are stunning.
Read my tips for visiting Disneyland Paris →
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line brings everything you love about a Disney theme park vacation and puts it on the open water. With a fleet of ships sailing itineraries across the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and beyond, Disney Cruise Line is in a category of its own.
The Disney attention to detail, the character experiences, the incredible food, and the family-friendly entertainment all translate seamlessly to life at sea. It is not just a cruise with a Disney logo. It genuinely feels like a Disney vacation that happens to be on a ship.
We have sailed twice on the Disney Dream and I had the privilege of touring the brand new Disney Treasure on a media trip, and I can tell you the ships only keep getting better.
What keeps us coming back is simple: the Disney vibe never stops. From the moment you board to the moment you disembark, it feels like being inside the magic. Character meets, Broadway-caliber shows, incredible dining, and a level of service that makes everything feel effortless.
For families who love Disney World but want to try something different, Disney Cruise Line is the natural next step. For families who have never cruised before, it is the best possible introduction to cruising.
Best for: All ages, especially families who love Disney World and want a new way to experience the magic
How many sailings: A 3–4 night sailing is a great introduction; 7 nights gives you the full experience
Our tip: Disney Cruise Line books up fast, sometimes a year or more in advance for popular sailings. Book as early as you possibly can.
Disney Cruise Line vs. Disney World: Which is Better for Your Family?
Hersheypark- Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hersheypark is one of the best regional theme parks in the country and one of the most underrated family destinations on the East Coast. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the sweetest place on Earth, it combines a world-class coaster lineup with a charming chocolate-themed atmosphere that makes it feel completely unique.
Admission includes access to ZooAmerica, a 11-acre wildlife park next door, and the whole town of Hershey adds an extra layer of fun with Hershey’s Chocolate World, the Hotel Hershey, and more just minutes from the park gates.
We have been visiting Hersheypark for over ten years. As a family that also spends serious time at Disney World and Universal Orlando, we say without hesitation that Hersheypark is one of the best parks in the East.
It has grown with our kids from toddler rides to world-class roller coasters, and it delivers an incredible day every single time. It is the park we recommend to any East Coast family looking for a theme park trip that does not require a flight, and the kind of place that turns into an annual tradition without you even meaning it to.
Best for: All ages, families within driving distance of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
How many days: 1–2 days, one day covers the park well, two days lets you slow down and ride everything twice
Our tip: Stay at one of the Hershey resort properties for early entry perks and the convenience of being steps from the park
Read our full Hersheypark Guide →
LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND is the perfect theme park for families with school-aged kids. Designed specifically for children roughly 3–12, it hits a sweet spot that bigger parks sometimes miss. Everything is scaled for kids, the lines are manageable, and the interactive building experiences woven throughout the park make it feel like more than just rides.
There are three LEGOLAND locations in the United States and while each has its own personality they all deliver the same core experience: a full day of imagination-fueled fun for kids who love LEGO.
We have visited all three U.S. locations as a family and even though our kids have largely aged out we still genuinely enjoy going. There is something about LEGOLAND that keeps it fun no matter how old you are. The creativity on display, the interactive elements, and the pure joy of watching younger kids light up in a park built entirely for them.
If your kids are under 12 and love LEGO, this is an easy yes. It is also a great option for families looking for a theme park experience that is less overwhelming and more budget-friendly than a Disney or Universal trip.
Read our LEGOLAND New York post →
Read our LEGOLAND California post →
Read our LEGOLAND Florida post →
Regional Parks Worth Visiting
Not every great theme park requires a flight and a hotel. Some of the most memorable days our family has had at a theme park have been at smaller regional parks close to home.
These parks may not have the name recognition of Disney or Universal but they deliver something just as valuable, a fun, accessible, low-pressure day that is easy to fit into any summer. We will keep adding to this section as we visit more parks worth recommending.
Seabreeze Amusement Park — Rochester, New York
Seabreeze is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country and our family’s home park. Located right on the shores of Lake Ontario in Rochester, New York, it has been a summer tradition for our family every single year. It is not trying to be Disney, although the Bobsled rollercoaster was inspired by Matterhorn at Disneyland and is only 1 of 2 tubular coasters in the country.
It is a classic American amusement park with rides, a water park, and an atmosphere that feels like pure summer. For families in the Rochester area or anyone passing through the Finger Lakes region, Seabreeze is a must.
Kennywood — West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Kennywood is a National Historic Landmark amusement park just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and one of the most charming regional parks in the country. We have visited a handful of times and what stands out every time is how unique it feels, particularly Noah’s Ark, a walk-through funhouse attraction that has been a Kennywood staple for over a century and truly exists nowhere else quite like it. If you are on a Pittsburgh trip it is absolutely worth a day.
Where to Next
My family and I are always researching and planning our next theme park trip. We would love to visit the Tokyo Disney Parks and would probably include Universal Studios Japan in that trip. They are at the top of our list.
We have also been learning more about Eftling Park in the Netherlands. It is supposed to be one of the best theme parks in the world and I am hoping in the next 5 years we have an opportunity to visit. We may combine it with a visit to Chessington Park (England) for their Minercraft Land opening.
A little closer to home I would love to visit Dollywood. We visited Pigeon Forge years ago, and I still regret not including a visit to the park. At the time we were in-between ride height requirements and it didn’t make sense to go but it is one of the parks I can’t believe we haven’t visited yet.
There are always new lands and theme parks to visit and as long as they keep bringing us fantastic entertainment we will continue to make theme parks part of our family vacations.
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