TOP FIVE THEME PARKS IN AMERICA

Busch Gardens and WaterPark USA (Tampa, FL and Williamsburg, VA), www.buschgardens.com. Busch Gardens has dozens of rides, attractions, concessions, shows, and shops.

DisneyWorld (Orlando, FL), www.disneyworld.disney.go.com and Disneyland (Anaheim, CA), www.disneyland.disney.go.com. Arguably, these are the most popular theme parks in America. With so much to offer, it is no wonder! There are several different theme parks within Disney. DisneyWorld has Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and two waterparks, while Disneyland has Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Hershey Park (Hershey, PA). You may be overwhelmed upon arrival because the park is so large. There are nine different themed areas, two of which are dedicated to shopping and food (although you can easily find good eats and treats in other parts of the park). You might want to make the carousel in Founder’s Circle your first ride because it is a crowd pleaser for young and old. You will also find rides in this area for the youngest kids in your clan. For your older, more adventurous kids, Frontier Land is the place to be. It is home to ‘The Storm Runner’ and ‘Fahrenheit’ roller coasters. www.hersheypark.com

Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA), known as America’s First Amusement Park, is 160 acres of family fun that is just a skip and a hop from Anaheim (DisneyLand). Although the land was previously used as a berry farm, now families of all sizes, with kids of all ages, come to enjoy the many thrilling rides. The park contains six different themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, Camp Snoopy, The Boardwalk, Wild Water Wilderness, and Indian Trails. www.knotts.com

Wild Adventures (Valdesta, GA). This family theme park offers numerous rides, a zoo with over 500 wild animals, and Splash Island Water Park. Located just miles from the Florida state border, visitors will find 20 rollercoasters (!), including ‘Cheetah’, a 3,000 foot long rollercoaster with a 55 degree first drop, to excite the daredevils in your family. The whole family can enjoy many rides, including the Tilt-a-Wheevil and Fly Swatter, while the little ones will surely get a kick out of the Frog Hopper and Rio Grande Train. Parents of tots and preschoolers will find Wild Adventures and Splash Island delightful . And don’t forget the petting zoo. www.wildadventures.net

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