Theme Park Capitals: Play & Stay With the Whole Family

With more than 400 amusement parks and entertainment resorts across the country, you’ll find endless ways to play, relax and reconnect. To help you plan your next vacation, check out these top cities celebrated for their world-class theme parks and attractions.

Orlando, Florida: The Theme Park Capital of the World

From the timeless magic of Walt Disney World to the cinematic experiences of Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando delivers one awe-inspiring attraction after another. Be among the first to explore Epic Universe, Universal’s newest park with immersive lands like Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic. ™ At SeaWorld, dive into a mix of animal encounters, live shows and rides that make a splash. For younger adventurers, LEGOLAND Florida offers hands-on fun designed for kids ages 2–12.

Southern California: A Theme Park Paradise

In Southern California, surfing isn’t the only way to get your thrills. South of Los Angeles, Disneyland, known as “the happiest place on earth,” has enchanted generations of visitors with its colorful lands and beloved characters. Nearby, Knott’s Berry Farm delivers classic coasters and an Old West ghost town inspired by pioneer history. Experience movie magic at Universal Studios Hollywood or let kids build their own creations at LEGOLAND California. For more excitement, head to Six Flags Magic Mountain, famous for its high-speed roller coasters and record-breaking loops.

Wisconsin Dells: The Waterpark Capital of the World

For a summer getaway that blends natural beauty with family fun, head to Wisconsin Dells, just an hour north of Madison. Named for the dramatic sandstone cliffs carved by the Wisconsin River, this small town is best explored on an Upper Dells Boat Tour. The Dells are home to more than 20 waterparks – from the sprawling Wilderness Resort to Noah’s Ark, the largest outdoor waterpark in the USA. Beyond giant water slides and lazy rivers, you’ll find laser tag, go-karts and magical attractions like Aquavia Lumina, a storytelling night hike through the forest lit by twinkling lights and dancing lasers.  

San Antonio, Texas: A Park For Everyone

Known for iconic landmarks like the Alamo and flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine, San Antonio also stands out as a top family destination. Just outside the city, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels invites visitors to float and slide through the spring-fed Comal River. At SeaWorld San Antonio, the largest marine-life park in North America, you’ll encounter dolphins, sea lions and beluga whales. For land-based thrills, Six Flags Fiesta Texas delivers big coasters, kid-friendly rides and live shows. Nearby, Morgan’s Wonderland–the world’s first Ultra-Accessible™ theme park, offers a welcoming space where people of all abilities can play, connect and explore together without barriers.

Branson, Missouri: Adventure in the Ozarks

Set in the scenic Ozarks, Branson is just a few hours away from Kansas City International Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri. Fly through the treetops on a zipline at Shepherd’s Adventure Park or tackle a ropes course. For hands-on indoor fun, WonderWorks Branson features interactive STEM exhibits inside an upside-down building, while Bigfoot Fun Park has mini-golf, arcade games and heart-pounding rides, including a 200-foot drop tower. At the heart of it all, Silver Dollar City delivers artisan demos, live shows, cave tours and thrill rides in an 1880s Ozark setting.

Phoenix, Arizona: Play in the Valley of the Sun

Nicknamed the “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix welcomes visitors with year-round sunshine, mountain views and the golden beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Beat the heat at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, home to the Bahama Blaster–the nation’s first dueling H2O coaster. Challenge your family to bumper boats, mini-golf and arcade games at Castles N’ Coasters, or head to Enchanted Island for gentle rides and pedal boats. Opening in late 2025, Mattel Adventure Park will invite fans of all ages to explore Barbie’s Beach House, battle in He-Man vs. Skeletor Laser Tag and reconnect with their favorite classic toys.

Poconos, Pennsylvania: Fun in the Pocono Mountains

Find year-round adventure in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, where hiking, skiing, ziplining and family fun come with a backdrop of rolling hills. Though it feels tucked away, the area is just a two-hour drive from Philadelphia. At Camelback Resort, a woodland retreat, families can zipline above alpine terrain, ride UTV trails, or cool off at Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark–home to 37 slides, rides and attractions. Looking for rainy day alternatives? Head indoors to Aquatopia’s splash zones, obstacle courses and relaxing spa lagoon.