For kids and adults alike, summer is the equivalent of fun! It's when rules are relaxed and days are much longer. So what better way for you and your kids to spend a few summer days than at a theme park? When I lived in Miami, I used to go to Orlando at least once a year, even when I was no longer a child. Why? Because amusement parks can bring joy, happiness and laughter to pretty much anyone looking to have a good time!
But Orlando is only one area of the country with great theme parks, here, in no particular order, is a list of the top 10 theme parks you should visit with your kids.
Cedar Point
For more than a decade*, Amusement Today* has voted Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, the world's best amusement park. It has 18 roller coasters, including one with a 420-foot drop and another one with a 95-degree incline, in addition to a beach and a water park.
Disneyworld
Although it can get super expensive, going to Disney World is every child's dream. My husband and I took our children there at the beginning of June and we had a blast! There's just so much to do and so much to see and the best part is that there really is something for everyone. I wouldn't recommend going in the middle of the summer, but Orlando in the fall, winter or spring is absolutely gorgeous!
Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure
Also in Orlando, Universal Studios and its sister theme park, Islands of Adventure, is another must! I used to go there all the time when I lived in Miami and while I haven't taken my children there just yet, I'm looking forward to doing so when they get a little older. If you're kids are Harry Potter lovers, you won't want to miss their new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I hear it's out of this world!
Bush Gardens
With locations in Virginia and Florida, I've only visited the one in Tampa and I've always enjoyed it tremendously. Sadly, it is after riding one of its exhilarating roller coasters that I decided I would never do it again because I got super scared! The cool thing about Busch Gardens is that the theme park is also a water park and a safari of sorts, with all kinds of wild animals to be enjoyed.
Legoland
Haven't taken my children to this one yet, but I'm dying to do because I hear it's a lot of fun. First of all, who doesn't like Legos? Secondly, they just opened a second park in Florida, so now you can go to either coast of the country to enjoy the rides and the amazing creations!
Hersheypark
This park was built in 1905 as place for the chocolate company's employees to have some fun. The rides used to be free for them. Today it's a popular candy-themed amusement park for all the family to enjoy.
Disneyland
Although we're closer to California than we are to Florida, I have yet to take my kids to Disneyland. I'm really looking forward to it, though, because I hear it's not as huge as DisneyWorld, which means it's more manageable. I'm especially looking forward to visiting the brand new Cars Land.
Knoebels
Built in 1926, Knoebels is known for specializing in restoring vintage rides, which you won't find anywhere else. It's a classic that can not be missed!
Sea World
This another amusement park that brings loads of fun for the entire family. We took our children there back in June and although I was worried that my 2-year-old son wouldn't really enjoy it or would get tired too quickly, he actually had a blast. In fact, both my children are still talking about Shamu and the amazing show they put together with the killer whales.
Six Flags
Six Flags great adventure in New Jersey is home to three of the world's top roller coasters. So if you're into that kind of thrill, this is the place to be! But even if you don't care for the coasters, like me, there's still plenty to do and see, including the Wild Safari zoo and the refurbished Ferris Wheel.
