7 Best Theme Parks Outside of Orlando for All Age Groups and Interests

When someone mentions a theme park vacation, most people immediately think of the incredible parks in Orlando, Florida. But the truth is, there are plenty of other theme parks across the country where families can enjoy a day of roller coasters, lovable characters, wild food, and much more. Places like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm are full of history and beloved characters, while Dollywood and Hersheypark provide family-friendly, at-home entertainment. Better yet, our list of the best theme parks outside of Orlando for every age group includes a few small, kid-friendly parks where even the youngest thrill-seekers can access attractions designed just for them.

So if you’re planning your next vacation and want to add a day at a theme park, keep reading. With exciting theme parks all over the country, there’s probably one near your next vacation spot.

Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California

Ideal for: families and nostalgic

Disneyland Park is full of history. In fact, this year the park will continue to celebrate its 70th anniversary until August 9. Families with children of all ages will find plenty of things to do at the park from morning until late at night. Little kids will enjoy Mickey’s Toontown, where several kid-friendly rides, large green spaces to run around, and the chance to meet classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse all converge in one land. Adults looking to relive their youth will love taking a ride on the Big Thunder Mountain Railway or taking a leisurely trip on the Mark Twain Riverboat around the rivers of America.

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Where to stay nearby: Hotel Lulu, a budget hotel located just steps from the Disneyland parks.

Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California

Ideal for: families with teenagers and adults traveling together

If your travels take you to Southern California and you’re traveling with teens or a group of adults without kids, you’ll love the adult-centric Disney magic at Disney California Adventure. Although the park has a few attractions for small children, a large portion of the rides are thrill rides, including my favorite, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission – BREAKOUT. Additionally, the park is home to some of the Disneyland Resort’s best dining options, including a host of Asian fusion fast food spots in San Fransokyo Square and an upscale table service venue, Carthay Circle Restaurant.

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Where to stay nearby: JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort, a luxury property that seems to be away from the theme parks.

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California

Best for: Thrill seekers and Peanuts fans

Just down the road from Disneyland is Knott’s Berry Farm, a fantastic theme park where roller coasters and historic charm come together in one place. The park has a great mix of attractions for older children looking for high-speed thrills and tamer attractions for smaller children. Additionally, there is a Peanuts gang-themed fantasy land dubbed Camp Snoopy. You can even meet the dog of the same name there. Don’t leave without trying a handful of the park’s boysenberry snacks, including Boysenberry Punch, Boysenberry Funnel Cake, and Boysenberry Stuffed Churros.

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Where to stay nearby: Knott’s Hotel, an on-site hotel with upgraded amenities and close proximity to the park.

LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, California

Ideal for: families with children under 8 years old

LEGOLAND California is a fantastic option for families with young children who love all things LEGO. The park is packed with more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, allowing families to enjoy a full day of fun. On March 6, the park will open its new land, LEGO Galaxy, with a space-themed indoor roller coaster perfect for families.

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Whatever you do, don’t forget to grab an order of Granny’s Apple Fries before you end your day at the park. Fried apple sticks are sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and are one of LEGOLAND’s iconic treats.

Where to stay nearby: LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, an exciting LEGO-themed hotel where kids can continue to live out their brick-building dreams.

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Best for: Roller coaster enthusiasts and country music fans

National treasure and all-around icon Dolly Parton has her own theme park nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood is a fantastic park for roller coaster enthusiasts and country music fans. For thrill-seekers, nine high-speed roller coasters await you. One of the most intense is the Tennessee Tornado, which has a drop of 128 feet and reaches speeds of 70 miles per hour.

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Another exciting attraction coming to the park this year is NightFlight Expedition, an indoor adventure roller coaster that will combine a traditional roller coaster with a water attraction for something truly unique. Aside from the rides, the park is filled with all types of live music, from country to gospel, so when you need a break, grab a loaf of cinnamon bread and sit back to enjoy a live show.

Where to stay nearby: Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, an upscale rustic lodge with plenty of Dolly touches.

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri

Best for: History fanatics and families with tweens

Silver Dollar City is one of my favorite regional theme parks for its incredible history and wide variety of things to do. The park is built on top of a cave with its own history. (Pro tip: You can sign up for cave tours at the front of the park, which is a truly unique experience worth an hour of valuable park time.) History fanatics will love the park for its 1800s charm and its many artisans practicing wood carving and blacksmithing. Plus, tweens will find the park’s roller coasters offering thrills. It shouldn’t surprise parents if tweens continue to join the same lines over and over again.

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Where to stay nearby: Hampton Inn Branson on the Strip, a basic hotel with free hot breakfast and clean rooms.

Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Best for: Candy lovers and water park fanatics

Hersheypark is full of rides, but I love that the park has a full water park, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, right in the middle of candy-themed attractions. Best of all, the water park is included with your ticket to Hersheypark, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out more money for a few hours of fun. The water park features thrilling water roller coasters, the world’s longest carpet racing slides, a lazy river and much more. Besides the water park, be sure to get your photo taken with one of the Hershey’s candy characters, like Twizz and Jolly Rancher.

Where to stay nearby: Hersheypark Camping Resort, a campground with sites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins and small houses.

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