Summertime: those are the sunshine days where people tend to want to have adventures. When one thinks of summer, road trips, theme parks, summer break, vacations, beaches, sand, and sunsets come to mind.
My own choice is Theme parks! These have always been popular, but with so many choices and different kind of themes, the process to choose which one to hit to can be difficult. Here is a Top Ten list of theme parks in the US that are not to miss:
10. Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California: Take a look at your favorite movies behind the scenes, as well experience them up-close-and-personal as you enjoy rides like “King Kong the Ride” in 3D.
9. Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois: With all the Six Flags theme parks out there the Six Flags near Chicago is rated as one of the best. The park sports the new “The Dark Knight Coaster,” as well as the classic “Batman the Ride,” the world’s first inverted roller coaster. Six Flags Great America is open until mid Sept.
8. Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia: Great for the whole family and one of the most beloved theme parks in America. The décor is influenced by European countries and so are the rides there. Be sure to check out “The Griffon.”
7. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania: Known for it’s great food and it’s free admission, though the rides are not free. This park has been running since 1926. One ride not to miss is “Flying Turns,” which is the only wooden bobsled roller coaster in the US.
6. Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Texas: Cool off this summer with 17 slides that total over three miles of tubing excitement at this Texas water park. Schlitterbahn has three roller coasters along with seven water park playgrounds for children. It is also the world’s first park that has a surfing machine.
5. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California: Opened in 1955, it has since attracted multiple millions of guests. The park consists of different lands: Main Street, U.S.A. , Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country and Mickey’s Toontown. Disneyland is great for the whole family with never enough to experience.
4. Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida: Full of excitement and adventure, Universal studios has attractions such as the new “Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” You can join Spider-Man at his 3D ride at Adventure Island. Fun for the whole family or a vacation with friends, Universal is not to be missed.
3. Paramount’s Kings Island in Mason, Ohio: Kings Island is a great overall theme park for both young and old. It has great rides for both kids and for adults. It is also home of some of the most classic roller coasters in the world. The Beast is a 4:50 minute ride with speeds up to 65 mph, with over 1 and 3/4 miles of track. It also has 2 lifts and has three dark tunnels. Besides coasters, Kings Island is known for great shows and a 1/3-scale replica of the Eiffel tower.
2. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida: The most visited theme park in the world. Disney is great for the family, couples, and adults, it is home to the world famous Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, with 7 whimsical lands. It is full of events, rides, attractions, entertainment and of course shopping. Don’t forget about EPCOT Center, Hollwood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
1. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio: Cedar point is the home to some of the greatest roller coasters on Earth all found on one place. Growing up in Ohio Cedar Pont was my home in the summer. If you love roller coasters or want to experience the best thrills in a theme park then Cedar Point is for you. With 75 rides on 364 acres, ten shows, a water park and seventeen roller coasters, this is truly a powerhouse park. With the “Top Thrill Dragster” you will reach speeds of 120 mph, and experience a drop of 400 feet. This action-packed thrill ride could possibly end up the most intense 17 seconds of your life.
For an even fuller experience, Cedar Point can be taken in and then continue the adventure at Kings Island which is only three hours away!