Mother Nature does a damn good job at capturing our collective attention. It’s why we often call her “The Great Outdoors.” But thrill designers and roller coaster engineers are pretty good at capturing our attention, too. Which is why amusement and theme parks have remained a tourist staple since Coney Island first popularized them over a century ago.
Not only do these parks enable four of the five sensations everyone should experience, they usually bring friends and family together. Before booking your next outing, consider these top-rated American amusement parks.
Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio
If there’s one roller coaster joint that’s consistently voted “the best” by adrenaline junkies, it’s this one. Billing itself as the “roller coaster capital of the world,” Cedar Point features 17 coasters and is the only amusement park in the world with five taller than 200 feet. Although built for grown-up kids, other attractions include a one-mile beach, an outdoor waterpark and indoor waterpark. Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster, Maverick, Valravn and Cedar Downs Racing are standout rides.
Knoebels
Elysburg, Pennsylvania
The big draw of “kuh-NO-bels” is undeniably it’s free admission. Anyone can get in, walk the grounds and people watch—even dogs. You only pay per ride—no more than $3 each. And there’s also a picnic grove and campground, which explains why the charming park rates so well among families. But don’t let those feel-good amenities distract you. With over 60 rides, Knoebels is also a whole lotta fun. Highlights include Phoenix, Twister, Haunted Mansion, Impulse and Flying Turns.
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