Theme parks bring stories to life, offering thrilling rides, interactive experiences, and diverse attractions. When planned well, they help families of all ages make magical, unforgettable memories.
However, parks can also be a stressful experience if you don’t plan your adventure properly.
The first step to a magical getaway? Finding the right theme park for your family.
Tips for Planning a Family Theme Park Trip
Before you head off on your next family theme park adventure, consider these planning tips to help make your trip as smooth and fun as possible.
Research ticket options and discounts
Do a little digging online or consider using a travel agent to see if you can find some deals. You may be able to save money with multi-day passes, family bundles, and early booking discounts. Some large businesses also offer theme park discounts to their employees.
You can use credit card points to save up for cheaper (or free) flights and hotels, too.
If you don’t have one yet, consider finding a travel rewards credit card to accumulate points that can be redeemed for discounts and freebies.
Pack essentials for a theme park day
As fun as theme parks are, they make for long days with little ones. If you’re bringing a stroller or a backpack, throw in a few extra essentials, like refillable water bottles and snacks. This way, you can avoid buying overpriced food and drinks at the park.
You should also pack some first aid supplies like sunscreen, bandaids, and pain relief medication for sore feet.
Have a charging plan
Unless you’re staying on-property and plan to head back to your hotel room for breaks, bring a portable charger for your smartphones.
These days, many theme parks allow you to monitor line times, see show schedules, and order food all from the theme park’s mobile app. Not having a charged phone means missing out on that insider knowledge.
Create a flexible itinerary
Large theme parks can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to check off all your must-see attractions and shows in a short period of time. However, overstuffing a theme park day is a recipe for burnout for the whole family.
Make sure you include some downtime during your trip, like breaks at the hotel pool, a sleep-in day, or dinner at a restaurant outside the park.
READ MORE: Best Family-Friendly Destinations
Best Theme Parks for Family Travel
If your family is set on a theme park for your next vacation, you have options all around the world.
From local favorites like California Disneyland to international parks like Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, you can find a theme park in any locale that suits your family’s needs, preferences, and budget.
Disneyland and Walt Disney World (USA)
Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida are the ultimate family-friendly theme parks, offering a mix of nostalgia and adventure for all ages.
These parks feature beloved attractions that are household names — like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It's a Small World, alongside newer, flashier additions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.
Character meet-and-greets with Mickey, Minnie, and Disney princesses create unforgettable moments for kids, while immersive themed lands transport visitors into their favorite movies.
With parades, fireworks, and seasonal events, Disney parks are known for delivering on their promise of magic.
LEGOLAND (Multiple Locations)
Designed especially for families with younger children, LEGOLAND parks offer a playful mix of interactive exhibits, gentle rides, and water attractions. Kids can build and test their own LEGO creations, explore Miniland’s detailed LEGO cities, and hop on themed rides.
Many locations also feature water parks with splash zones and lazy rivers — so pack your bathing suit or a change of clothes!
With parks in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, LEGOLAND is a must-visit for LEGO enthusiasts and families looking for a hands-on, imaginative experience.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
If you want to stick to the East Coast, consider Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This European-themed park in Virginia offers hair-raising roller coasters, fun dining, and amazing scenery.
The park features high-adrenaline rides like Griffon and Apollo’s Chariot, as well as kid-friendly attractions in Sesame Street Forest of Fun. Guests can also enjoy live animal encounters, immersive shows, and seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town.
With beautifully landscaped areas inspired by countries like Germany, Italy, and France, this park is a hidden American gem.
International Gems for Family Fun
If you’re planning a trip abroad, a day or two at a theme park can give the kids a break from museums, tours, and historical sights.
Shanghai Disneyland (China)
Shanghai Disneyland offers a unique Disney experience with a blend of classic attractions and new, high-tech rides the older American parks don’t have.
The park is home to the Enchanted Storybook Castle — the largest Disney castle in the world — and features attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run, an innovative roller coaster found only in Shanghai.
With its mix of Disney magic and cultural authenticity, Shanghai Disneyland is a must-visit for families exploring China.
Universal Studios (USA, Japan, Singapore)
While Universal Studios parks in the U.S. are well-loved, the international locations are impressive as well. These parks are an exciting mix of cutting-edge attractions, exhilarating rides, and family-friendly experiences inspired by blockbuster movies.
This is an especially great fit for little ones who can’t put down their Harry Potter books. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, available in all locations, brings the magic of Hogwarts to life with attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and butterbeer-filled Hogsmeade streets.
Universal Studios parks cater to both adrenaline-seekers and younger guests, making them a fantastic destination for movie-loving families.
Europa-Park (Germany)
Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park, takes you on a journey through Europe with its beautifully themed lands representing different countries.
Families can enjoy a variety of attractions, from gentle boat rides to family-friendly roller coasters. And if you have flexibility on your dates, consider going over a holiday. The park hosts spectacular seasonal events, including Halloween and Christmas celebrations.
Thrill-Seeker Theme Parks for Families with Teens
It can be hard to find a family vacation destination that excites the whole family — especially if you're bringing moody teenagers along. The secret to keeping your teens happy on your next trip is to pick a theme park that has a lot of thrills on offer.
Six Flags Parks (USA)
Six Flags parks are known for their high-adrenaline roller coasters, exciting water parks, and live entertainment.
With locations across the U.S., these parks feature record-breaking rides that deliver on the park’s promises of dramatic adventures, alongside family-friendly attractions such as Looney Tunes-themed areas and gentle carousels.
Some Six Flags locations also include massive water parks with wave pools and lazy rivers, making them a great option for summer fun for the entire family.
Cedar Point (USA)
Cedar Point — aka the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” — is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families alike. Located in Ohio, the park boasts world-class roller coasters while also offering a variety of kid-friendly rides in areas like Camp Snoopy.
Beyond coasters, you can enjoy live shows, interactive attractions, and a scenic lakeside location.
Ferrari World (UAE)
Heading to the Middle East? Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is a paradise for speed lovers, featuring rides and attractions inspired by the legendary Italian car brand.
The park is home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, which accelerates to 149 mph in just seconds.
Families can also enjoy go-karting, racing simulators, and kid-friendly attractions designed to introduce young visitors to the excitement of motorsports.
Tips for Finding Accommodation Near Theme Parks
Your lodgings during a theme park trip can make or break the experience. Theme parks are fun, but they’re also exhausting, so having a relaxing retreat to come home to at the end of the day is key.
For the most convenient option, you’ll want to stay on the theme park property. Many on-site resorts come with family perks like shuttle access, character dining, early park access, dining discounts, and themed rooms.
Unfortunately, theme park resorts tend to cost more than off-site options. If you’re trying to keep costs down, look for budget-friendly vacation rentals nearby or family-friendly hotels with shuttle services.
Whether you choose to stay on-site or off, look for deals that bundle park tickets with accommodations. For example, Undercover Tourist has discounted tickets and crowd calendars for top parks and Klook has deals on international theme park tickets and experiences.
READ MORE: How To Book the Perfect Group Stay
Avoiding Common Theme Park Pitfalls
A theme park vacation is a major investment for most families, so it’s understandable to want to get the most out of your time in the parks. Try to avoid these common pitfalls that can cause meltdowns for the kids and stress for the parents.
- Manage crowds and wait times: Use the theme park’s app for real-time updates, ride wait times, and reservation systems. Download the app before you leave to avoid any service issues in the park.
- Plan for food and breaks: Identify kid-friendly dining spots and plan regular snack breaks so you don’t end up with any hangry little ones (or adults!).
- Navigate park resources: If you have young children, pull up a map of the theme park before your trip. Get to know where nursing rooms are, where to park strollers, where to find first aid, and where you can take your tots for some quiet time.
FAQs About Theme Parks for Families
Which theme parks are best for toddlers and preschoolers?
If you have toddlers and preschoolers joining you on your next theme park trip, look for parks that cater to family-friendly entertainment, like Disneyland and LEGOLAND.
These parks are smaller than massive resorts, which can be too overwhelming for small children. They offer gentle rides, interactive play areas, and beloved character meet-and-greets.
If you don’t have older kids, you can also consider theme parks that cater only to their age group, like Sesame Place.
Are there theme parks with educational or cultural attractions for kids?
Yes! If you want to bring a little education and culture to your next family trip, consider Epcot or Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Epcot at Walt Disney World offers a World Showcase featuring different countries, exposing children to global cultures through food, exhibits, and performances. Busch Gardens Williamsburg combines thrilling rides with European-themed areas and sweet animal encounters.
How do I manage long wait times with kids at popular theme parks?
Long lines are hard for kids of all ages to manage, especially as the day goes on. Keep some healthy snacks and small games or books on hand so they can use the wait time like a proper break. Keeping them busy will help them practice patience when a line drags on.
TL;DR: Best Theme Parks for Families
Theme parks offer endless entertainment for families, with attractions catering to all ages and interests. Plan ahead, pack smart, and choose parks that align with your family’s preferences for an unforgettable trip.
Learn With Erika
- Free Travel Secrets Workshop
- Learn how to use the fine print to book your next vacation practically for free with Erika's step-by-step system
- Free 5 Day Investing Challenge
- Learn how to get started as a beginner investor and make your first $10,000
- Free 5 Day Savings Challenge
- Discover how you can save $1,000 without penny pinching or making major life sacrifices
- Join Erika Kullberg Insiders
- Ask investing questions, share successes and participate in monthly challenges and expert workshops
. . .
