5 Under-the-Radar Theme Parks for 2018

Opened in 1926, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is the largest free-admission theme park in the United States. The family-friendly facility boasts more than 60 rides, three wooden roller coasters, one steel coaster, a carousel built in 1913 and a haunted house dark ride.

While there are several areas dedicated to younger visitors, the park is also the home to the world-renowned Phoenix wooden roller coaster, which is sure to thrill the older children and adults.

Located on the border between North and South Carolina, Carowinds is a 398-acre facility that is broken into eight themed areas: Celebration Plaza, Crossroads, Carolina Boardwalk, Carolina Showplace, County Fair, Thrill Zone, Camp Snoopy and the Carolina Harbor water park.

Carowinds has rides and attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages, but the Fury 325 Giga coaster has earned the park national recognition. Fury 325 is the tallest Giga coaster in the world and reaches speeds of up to 95 miles per hour.

For families looking to visit a theme park in Orlando that doesn't cost a fortune, Legoland Florida is designed for children ages 2 to 12. The facility features more than 50 rides, an array of shows and ample dining and shopping options.

In addition, Legoland Florida also features a botanical garden and a water park. Travelers looking to stay overnight will be able to choose from the 152-room LEGOLAND Hotel or the 166-room LEGOLAND Beach Retreat.

While everyone thinks of chocolate when talking Hershey, theme park enthusiasts know Hersheypark is one of the best under-the-radar destinations for 2018. The 121-acre facility houses over 70 rides and attractions, as well as an animal sanctuary called ZooAmerica: North American Wildlife Park.

For the traveler looking to learn more about the history of the 111-year-old park, the Hershey's Chocolate World visitors' center offers chocolate factory-themed tour rides, shops and restaurants.

The Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park had several names since it opened in 1961, but it has been known as Dollywood since 1986. With the help of part-owner Dolly Parton, the facility has become the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in the state.

In addition to the almost 30 rides at the park, Dollywood also features traditional crafts and music of the area, concerts and musical events, themed festivals and even the 35-acre Dollywood's Splash Country water park.