Five Best US Theme Parks for the Whole Family

Nothings says "summer vacation" more than a trip to a theme park with the kids. Nonstop fun, show stopping performances and expensive food pervade at theme parks more than anywhere else. But there's always that one question: Which theme park is best for the whole family? With so many to choose from, you want to make the right choice for your kids' ages and your budget.

Here are five family-friendly amusement parks that top my list of favorite attractions that offer the most choices for the most ages.

Adventureland

Located in Altoona, Iowa, Adventureland hosts theme park rides for the little kids as well as some adventure / near-thrill rides for older teens and adults.

One of the best rides for older kids include the Sidewinder, which spins as it rotates 360 degrees in upside-down and right-side up positions. Some people have a stomach problem on this ride, but it's still worth riding.

There's also an entire section for younger kids, which include lady bug, airplane and hot air balloon rides. Parents can ride along in most cases.

Adventureland also has the best food of any park I've visited. You can enjoy a home-cooked meal of fried chicken (better than Kentucky Fried), mashed taters and gravy and as many sides and fixings as you could ever want. Wait a while before riding another ride after eating at an Adventureland restaurant!

Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois is perhaps the best Six Flags location in the world. With 13 roller coasters, several restaurants, ice cream eateries and seasonal shows, there's always something to do at the park.

A word to the wise, though - don't ride all the roller coasters at once. Even though you want to hit the park early and get in line for as many rides as possible, it does take a toll on headaches and your stomach. Take it easy, especially in the morning. Try to ride the most popular ones first. Superman is located right inside the gate, so I recommend getting in line for that before any other one.

Try to go just before the down season in May, when most everything is open. You'll have to share the park with buses of school kids, but you'll beat the summer vacation crowd.

Disney World

Disney World is a pretty obvious choice for many reasons. Young kids love the characters, and the older ones are happy to ride the roller coasters.

Disney World doesn't have the widest selection of food, however. Wherever you turn, there's a menagerie of chicken fingers... hamburgers... and fries. All for one expensive price. So don't be afraid to pack a snack to overcome the midday tummy rumbles.

Plan three to four days for a trip to Disney. Unlike the previous two theme parks, this one is very spread out and cannot be enjoyed to the fullest in one day.

Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure

Without the Islands of Adventure addition, Universal Studios wouldn't make my list of top parks. But the selection of Marvel roller coasters, fantasy shows and good eats make Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure one of the best family parks.

Be sure to check out the shows at Universal. One of our favorites is the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad, located in The Lost Continent division of Islands of Adventure. Unlike some theme park shows, this one was genuinely humorous and not corny. It's perfect for all ages.

Sea World Orlando

Not everyone wants to ride roller coasters nonstop at a theme park. This is what makes SeaWorld such a great family choice. Stroll the animal exhibits at your leisure and schedule your day around the shows you want to see.

Don't forget, though, that there are some rides at SeaWorld. The Kraken roller coaster more than competes with Universal Studios' roller coasters, and "Surprise!" You also get to take home a picture of you and your family flapping your arms on the ride as it snaps a picture at the most inopportune moment. It's yours for a mere $30 or more.

Also, take time for a dinner at Sharks Underwater Grill. If you think you've had tuna or scallops before, your life won't be complete until you have some here. And of course, there are kid-friendly meals on the menu for those lacking a seafood palate.

Source:

http://www.theme-park-review.com