15 Top Amusement Parks in the USA That Adrenaline Junkies Would Love
For the consummate adrenaline junkie, there is not a lot that tops an excellent amusement park. Grab an all-access pass, cut to the front of the line, and ride some of your life’s most thrilling, adrenaline-pumping rides. All it takes is the time you have to walk from one ride to another, and boom; you’re on high-octane fuel for two or three minutes at a time.
However, not all amusement parks are created equal, and some rides offer more adrenaline juice for your veins than others. We’ve got you covered if you need a short list of parks you should visit before they close for the winter season. Come one, come all, no matter where you live in the US, to enjoy a last-minute weekend getaway for the adrenaline junkie in your family.
1. Cedar Point, Ohio
Located in a small town called Sandusky, Cedar Point in Ohio holds some of my fondest childhood memories. With rides like the Steel Vengeance and Millenium Force and old-timers like Gemini and Magnum XL-200, you’ll have all the thrills you can ask for.
Cedar Point will give you plenty of options to punch your fight or flight card if you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping fun. At the time of writing, they’re also hiring for the fall season at $20 an hour for most positions.
2. Sea World, Orlando Florida
When my two oldest daughters were little, we visited the world all the time. As a resident of Florida, I found it cheaper to pay for a day and go back all year. We watched the whale show, waited in line to pet a beautiful dolphin, and enjoyed riding Mako, a hypercoaster that’s the tallest and fastest coaster in Orlando, Florida.
Another significant aspect of visiting this fun amusement park is passing the torch to a younger generation. In the kids’ ride section of this family-friendly park, there is a set of rides that you can enjoy with your children. It’s an exciting, memorable experience to see that adrenaline rush catch on in your kids.
3. Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando Resort is ready to offer thrills that send chills down your spine. Whether you’re into Harry Potter, The Incredible Hulk, Jurassic Park, King Kong, or Fast and Furious, there’s something for everyone here.
There are also great rides and attractions for little adrenaline junkies, like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. No matter what level of thrills you’re looking for, Universal aims to please.
4. Six Flags Over Texas
The Lone Star State will handle all your adrenaline rush needs with a trip to Six Flags Over Texas. Rides like Titan, Texas Sky Screamer, The Riddler Revenge, Superman: Tower of Power, and Mr. Freeze will fulfill all your thrill seeker needs as you plummet and plunge your way through ride after ride.
Based on many of the beloved Looney Tunes characters, such as Bugs Bunny, Speedy Gonzales, and Taz the Tasmanian Devil, the kids’ rides are just as entertaining and fun for little ones if you’re visiting the park as a family.
5. Hershey Park, Pennsylvania
Certainly, the sweetest amusement park in the US, Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers thrill junkies a ride called Candymonium. Boasting a lift height of 210 feet and a maximum speed of 76 miles per hour, you’re sure to enjoy this ride repeatedly.
Hershey Park fleshes out its other thrills with rides like Comet, the oldest coaster at the park and the last one purchased by Mr. Hershey. You’ll also get a kick from Trailblazer, SooperDooperLooper, Great Bear, and Skyrush. One of the neat things about Hershey Park is that you can experience rides from the 1940s through 2014, giving riders a thrill through the decades.
6. Carowinds, North Carolina
If you’re at least 48″ tall, you’ll have much fun at Carowinds in North Carolina. The park opens most days at 10 AM, and the waterpark opens at 11 AM. If you’re looking to get a hot dose of adrenaline, get ready to scream.
Rides like Afterburn, Air Racers, Carolina Cyclone, Carolina Goldrusher, Copperhead Strike, Drop Tower, Electro-Spin, Gear Spin, Hurler, Nighthawk, The Airwalker, The Flying Cobras, Thunder Striker, Vortex, and WindSeeker all offer high to aggressive thrill levels. However, it’s Fury 325 that makes the list for the hottest thrill ride at Carowinds, and you’ll love every heart-pounding second.
7. Kings Island, Ohio
Kings Island is another park that serves the whole family. Including a super-soaker water park, Kings Island looks to offer everything from heart-stopping thrill rides for you adrenaline junkies to Camp Snoopy for the little ones.
Get all your thrills on rides like Adventure Express, Backlot Stunt Coaster, Banshee, Delirium, Diamondback, Flight of Fear, Invertigo, Orion, and The Beast. One nice feature is that many thrill rides only require a height of 4 ft. to enjoy them. If you want to enjoy both parks, the water park offers all the water rides your heart can handle.
8. Fun Spot, Kissimmee, Florida
Just outside of Lakeland, Florida, is a small amusement park in the heart of Kissimmee. There sits a fun little park called Fun Spot. You’ll find drop towers, spin rides, coasters, and racetracks. Hidden in this gem of an attraction is a ride called Sky Coaster.
You’ll have to pay extra for this ride, anywhere from $10-$40, depending on how you choose to ride. However, it’s worth the additional cost if you love a great thrill ride. With a 300-foot drop, you’ll have plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments on this ride.
9. Silver Dollar City, Missouri
Step back in time at Silver Dollar City, where you can explore everything from homesteading homes to steam engine trains and the Marvel Cave. For you adrenaline addicts, fill your thrills on rides like Outlaw Run, which sits 162 feet tall and reaches a top speed of 68 miles per hour.
Other rides like Powder Keg, Thunderation, Time Traveler, and WildFire, offer varying heights, free-fall drops, and speeds to keep you on edge for your entire visit.
10. Holiday World & Splashin Safari, Indiana
As the name implies, Holiday World and Splashin Safari are amusement and water parks that are rolled into one fun experience. Made for friends and family, this park has plenty of fun for every age group to enjoy. The Cheetah Chase is a massive, two-lane adventure that promises wet and wild fun.
For the consummate adrenaline junkie, Thunderbird is a Launched Wing Coaster that goes from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds, all while giving you a bird’s eye view of the ground. You’ll have several “near misses” with chimneys, a windmill, and even a barn as you soar through the air on Thunderbird. Holiday also sports one of the best wooden rollercoasters in America, The Voyage, which will give you 24.3 seconds of total airtime and three 90-degree banking turns on its 1.2-mile track.
11. Knoebels Amusement Resort, Pennsylvania
Welcome to one of America’s only free-admission amusement parks. However, while parking and admission are free, each ride will cost you between $2 and $5.00. Purchase a Ride All Day Pass to maximize your money and ride time. If you buy them online, you can save $5 off the total price. These tickets are only available Monday-Friday as of June 1st, 2024.
Built for the whole family, the park has kiddie rides that are just as fun for little ones as the thrill rides for thrill seekers. With four upside-down twists and a 90-degree free fall, Impulse is one of Knoebels best thrill rides. Reimagined in 1985, the Phoenix rollercoaster is one of America’s best wooden coasters. If you want a modern thrill, try PowerSurge, a twisting, flipping, rolling mass of screams and dizzying adventure.
12. Michigan’s Adventure
This little-known amusement park in Muskegon, Michigan, is where I first fell in love with roller coasters. I rode the corkscrew with my dad and thought I was going to die. Then I rode it again, completely by accident, and my love of roller coasters was born.
Along with the two-loop corkscrew, they also have the Thunderhawk, a suspended loop coaster that’s sure to thrill with an 86-foot free fall. Michigan’s Adventure is also two parks in one with a complete water park with thrills, perfect for those last days of summer fun!
13. Wet-n-Wild Water World, Texas
With rides like Alien Vortex, Corkscrew, Jaguar Falls, Waterfall Leap, and Slippery Rock Challenge, there is plenty to keep you entertained at this water park. After you’ve satiated your need for speed on the thrilling, fast-action water slides, you can take a relaxing ride on a Soaker or tube down the Little Rio Grande.
If you’re responsible for tiny humans, you’ll find plenty to keep them busy. With rides like Katch-a-Kiddie Creek, Nainoa Springs, Palaxsha Playground, and Dayfas Delight, you’ll have many options to let your little ones enjoy a day of fun in the sun.
14. Legoland, Florida
For families, Legoland has everything you could hope for. There are many rides for kids, children, parents, and adults; there’s something for everyone. With rides like Driving School, Ninjago, a two-story Carousel, Battle for Bricksburg, The Great Lego Race, Masters of Flight, and The Dragon, everyone will have something to enjoy about Legoland Florida.
There is also Legoland in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This is a fun day of creativity and adventure for families, especially those with small children.
15. The Strat, Las Vegas Nevada
If you’re looking for an all-in-one package, The Strat Hotel, Casino, and Tower can exceed your expectations. With four adrenaline-pushing rides appropriately named Insanity, X-scream, Big Shot, and Sky Jump, you’re sure to have all the thrills you can handle while visiting Sin City.
If you’re not convinced upon first try, enjoy these rides at night for a super shot of fear-inducing thrills that will have you screaming.
Voted the Best: 16 Top Cities to Live in the USA
Are you in the market for a new home? Are you curious about your options but unsure where to start looking? We’ve selected the best places to live in the USA based on several factors. Crime rate, affordability, weather, job opportunities, and beauty all contribute to these cities’ high quality of life.
Voted the Best: 16 Top Cities to Live in the USA
19 Incredible Cities Around the World You Have To Visit Once
Have you ever longed to visit incredible cities around the world? You’re not alone. I’ve always wanted to travel to exciting places with stories to tell. That said, there are so many cities around the world that interest me and that I’d love to go back to. Whether you are looking for Hanoi’s vibrant streets or Kyoto’s relaxed gardens, this list has a destination waiting to steal your heart.
19 Incredible Cities Around the World You Have To Visit Once
14 Hidden Gems in Europe That Are Definitely NOT Overrated
Want to get off the beaten track on your next trip to Europe? We don’t blame you. While famous destinations like Rome, Amsterdam, and Paris are full of iconic attractions, they’re also notoriously overcrowded.
