The Best Theme Parks in the United States

28 of the 100 theme parks in The World’s 100 Best Theme Parks 2026 are in the United States. The highest placed is Cedar Point in Sandusky, at number 2 in the world. Magic Kingdom in Orlando (number 9) and Knoebels in Elysburg (number 10) follow.

Regional amusement parks

Cedar Point in Sandusky sits on the shore of Lake Erie and has a large lineup of steel and wooden coasters. Knoebels in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is set among trees in a wooded valley, with wooden coasters, a carousel and a swimming pool. Kings Island in Mason and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia each run a large roller coaster lineup. Carowinds in Charlotte has Fury 325 and Copperhead Strike, and Dorney Park in Allentown has a wooden roller coaster and a Snoopy kids area.

Film and studio parks

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World near Orlando is centered on Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure share a site in Anaheim, California. Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando is built around a central lagoon, and Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is built around a working film studio. Nickelodeon Universe is an indoor park inside the American Dream mall in East Rutherford.

Christmas and storybook parks

Santa's Village in Jefferson near the White Mountains and Santa's Workshop North Pole in Cascade are Christmas-themed family parks. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, gives each area a holiday theme. Enchanted Forest near Turner, Oregon, is a storybook park with walk-through fairy tale scenes.