The Best Theme Park in Each State

The best theme parks have a way of taking you away to a fantastical world far away: a place where the fun never ends and the laws of physics seemingly don't apply. Themed lands, state-of-the-art speed rides, waterparks and associations with some of our favorite entertainment franchises make going to a great theme park feel like escaping reality for the day and the following list brings together some of the best theme parks and waterparks in the USA. From world-famous names like Walt Disney World to small family-owned parks on the boardwalk, this collection of great theme parks in each state is full of great places to feel like a kid all over again. Click on the slideshow to see who made the cut in your state or to find some inspiration for your next trip.

Take a spin on classics like the Tilt-A-Whirl and Teacups or get your heart racing on the recently-revamped wooden rollercoaster Rampage at this combination theme park/waterpark near Birmingham. The waterpark features stellar waterslides and a collection of relaxing poolside cabanas that will take you away to the Gulf Coast.

Located in Anchorage, this 56,000-square-foot indoor refuge stays balmy and warm no matter what the thermometer says outside. Take to the Master Blaster tube slide or open-flume Orange Slide for fast-paced fun or just spend time lounging on the Lazy River.

Home to rides that will satisfy all levels of adrenaline junkies, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a video game arcade, Coasters N' Castles in Phoenix has you covered in the fun department. Cool off on log ride Splashdown, experience the feeling of freefall on Skydiver and the thrill of loop-the-loops on rollercoaster Desert Storm all before having a blast on the bumper boats or go-karts.

This combination theme park/waterpark is a major reason why Hot Springs is heaven for families. Whether your crew wants to spend their time on hair-raisers like The Gauntlet rollercoaster and Brain Drain vertical drop ride or the kiddie rides and waterslides, you're in for a marvelous day at Magic Springs. And don't forget to head back in the fall for the Magic Screams Halloween event.

Are there shinier and more exciting theme parks in the Golden State? Absolutely, but they don't have the character and California-kitsch appeal of the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz-the only major theme park on the beach in the state. Enjoy an array of thrill rides (including the iconic Giant Dipper coaster), kiddie rides and family rides in addition to scores of amusements and other cool things to do like miniature golf and laser tag.

There's plenty of love for retro Lakeside Amusement Park in the Mile High City, but Elitch Gardens' truly impressive range of top-of-the-line modern rides gives them the edge. Take on the Mind Eraser-where you'll experience double corkscrews, spins and dives-before getting dramatically dropped 200 feet on the Tower of Doom. There is also a waterpark in summer and numerous family and kiddie rides.

Owning the title of "the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America", Lake Compounce has only gotten better over its 175-plus seasons. Take a ride on Boulder Dash-their world-famous mountainside wooden coaster-or old-school coaster Wildcat before cranking up the adrenaline factor on Phobia Phear Coaster, which was New England's first triple-launch coaster. The park also features plenty of kid-friendly rides and a seasonal waterpark.

Family-owned Funland has been bringing smiles to the faces of visitors to Rehoboth since 1962. Your crew will love taking a twirl on the Skyfighters or spinning on the Crazy Dazys in between playing classic midway games like skeeball and Wac-a-Mole. Those looking for a thrill should head straight for the SuperFlip 360, which spins riders around while they hang upside-down.

Nothing has been the same in the theme park game since Walt Disney World in Orlando, so with all due respect to the awesome honorable mention that is Universal Orlando Resort, nothing can top the "House of the Mouse". No matter your age, all four parks of Walt Disney World (Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios) will whisk you away to another place and create memories you'll cherish for a lifetime.

It should come as no surprise that Six Flags parks will make several appearances on this list, and their Atlanta outpost is easily home to the best collection of rides in the Peach State. Whether you want to chill out on family rides or get your thrills on rides like the recent addition Pandemonium-an exciting pendulum that hurls riders to the heavens-or speedy steel coaster Goliath, you're in for a great day at the park. Six Flags Over Georgia also features plenty of kid-friendly rides, family rides and thrilling attractions in the waterpark.

Roller coaster lovers will come up short in the Aloha State as the state doesn't have any thrill rides (riding the waves certainly counts as an adrenaline rush, though), but the consolation prize is all the fun rides at Wet 'n' Wild waterpark. Survey beautiful Hawaiian landscapes before being fired up into the air and spun around on the Tornado or race down palm tree-filled hills on the Volcano Express waterslides.

Silverwood is the largest theme park of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and with seemingly every new season, the park improves its range of rides. SpinCycle offers riders the feeling of a gravitational pull 3.5 times as strong as Earth's while vintage Corkscrew-the world's first modern inverting coaster-takes riders for an unforgettable spin. Silverwood also features scores of family-friendly and kid-focused rides in addition to waterpark Boulder Beach.

The Land of Lincoln's version of Six Flags is one of its best. Recent addition coaster Maxx Force takes you from zero to 78 MPH in two seconds while perennial favorites like the double-corkscrew Demon and American Eagle coasters are still going strong. Scores of family rides and entertainment abound while Hurricane Harbor waterpark fills the summer months with fun and each autumn sees the park taken over by ghouls and goblins during Fright Fest.

Come to the town of Santa Claus for the Christmassy name, stay for the Hoosier State's best theme park. Holiday World is home to a wide range of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions, with examples of the former being The Voyage-an exhilarating wooden coaster that gives riders the feeling of weightlessness for over 20 seconds-and the Thunderbird, which propels riders from zero to 60 MPH in 3.5 seconds. The park is also home to the seasonal Splashin' Safari waterpark, too.

This resort and theme park in Altoona is home to a wide array of fun family-friendly diversions and shows, providing smiles for every degree of thrillseeker. Both The Monster and Dragon rollercoasters offer up loops and corkscrews while the Raging River and Lady Luck provide more laid-back ride experiences. In summer, Adventure Bay waterpark keeps Iowans cool with the state's biggest wave pool and longest lazy river.

Located in East Wichita, All-Star Adventures is home to over 25 fun activities for the whole family. In addition to classics like the Tilt-A-Whirl and the Paratrooper swing ride, highlights include miniature golf, go-karts, miniature roller coasters, a train ride, batting cages and bumper cars.

You won't find a better theme park/waterpark combo in the Bluegrass State than Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay. Get your heart pumping on the Kentucky Flyer-a wooden roller coaster that hits speeds of 35 MPH and features a 45-foot drop before taking things to the next level on the 100-foot, 80-degree drop Lighting Run. The park is also home to a myriad of entertainment options and annual festivals, too.

Head to Baton Rouge for a combination of adrenaline-pumping rides and exciting water attractions at this beloved local theme park. Ride the Ragin' Cajun rollercoaster, Frog Hopper drop ride or Gumbo Yo-Yo swings before heading to Blue Bayou to work on your tan on the waterslides or Atchagalaya Run lazy river.

You'll find these two jolly "towns" located near the gorgeous Maine Coast and both provide more than a day's worth of good times. The theme park section is called Funtown and it features New England's largest log flume and Maine's only wooden coaster, while Splashtown is the municipality for you if you love tube waterslides, raft rides and racing slides.

Can you really say you've been to Ocean City in the summertime if you haven't taken a turn on the rides at Jolly Roger? The city's only home for authentic amusement park rides, you'll find Jolly Roger's flag flying over multiple locations in OC, including at the Ocean City Pier, Splash Mountain Waterpark and over at Speedworld-an exhilarating go-kart center.

Located in Springfield, Six Flags New England is by far the biggest theme park in the Bay State and boasts the types of family rides, thrill rides and top-notch entertainment you expect from Six Flags. Get airborne on Superman: The Ride-featuring a 221-foot drop and speeds of 77 MPH-before heading into the dark for a rush on the Cyborg Hyper Drive. Then, head to Hurricane Harbor for splashes and sun-drenched fun.

Home to over 60 rides, waterslides and other entertaining attractions, Michigan's Adventure is pure fun. Shivering Timbers and Thunderhawk are two of the most popular rollercoasters while the Swan Boats and Lakeside Gliders provide a more relaxed form of summertime recreation. The park admission also includes access to Wildwater Adventure waterpark, where you can hang ten in the wave pool or crank up the speed on the tunnel slide Funnel of Fear.

Family-friendly Valleyfair features over 75 rides and attractions, making it one of Minneapolis' best ways to spend a summer day. After you've had your adrenaline spiked on the Steel Venom or Corkscrew coasters, head to the Route 76 section of the park, an area that features classic rides that date back to when the park opened back in 1976. Then, cool off at their Soak City waterpark.

Home to a dozen waterslides-including the unique backward waterslide Backsplash-a lazy river designed for chilling and a large wave pool, this is the spot to chill out when the Mississippi summer gets steamy. All of these attractions are in addition to eight acres of beach, tropical trees, cool pools and Geyser Falls water feature.

They call themselves "The Gateway to Thrills" and this splendid Six Flags property on the outskirts of St. Louis is packed to the gills with thrills. While you will most definitely want to check out the new Catwoman Whip spinning ride and the Supergirl Sky Flyer, don't miss the legendary Screamin' Eagle wooden coaster. This park also features a Hurricane Harbor waterpark.

The state's largest waterpark, Big Sky is home to 10 sensational water slides, a massive whirlpool, bumper cars, miniature golf and a kiddie pool-all with views of the mountains. Fly down the seven-story Geronimo Speed Slide to get your adrenaline rush before taking on the seemingly endless turns of the Twister Slides.

They have been filling summers with smiles since 1979 at this water park and rides complex in Omaha and they are masters at their craft. Get your thrills on Double Trouble waterslide-a 55-foot tall slide that features a nearly vertical drop-or Motion Ocean wave pool before doing a round on the Tilt-A-Whirl or bellying up to Breakers swim-up bar.

There's no shortage of fun things to do on the Las Vegas Strip-a list that includes a few thrill rides-but nothing tops the exhilarating collection of rides at this indoor theme park at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino. Meander your way through the midway games before taking a twirl on the Canyon Blaster-the only indoor coaster with two corkscrews and two loops anywhere in the world-or the myriad other rides.

This classic amusement park has been entertaining families on the shore of Lake Canobie for well over 100 years. Thrill rides, puzzle rooms, kids rides and amusements for the whole family are all on the cards, and they have also recently re-imagined their waterpark Castaway Island. The park typically hosts a Halloween festival each autumn, too.

Home to 14 roller coasters, endless family diversions and a drive-thru safari experience, Great Adventure is easily the Garden State's most thrilling spot. Take to the Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth-the world's tallest pendulum ride-or the award-winning El Toro rollercoaster before catching your breath on more sedate rides like the swinging pirate ship The Buccaneer. Then, take in a show or head to the safari park to learn more about the wonders of the natural world.

Cliff's has been serving up sensational, old-fashioned family fun to residents of Albuquerque since 1959. There are over 50 attractions here in all, with a few of the crowd favorites being the New Mexico Rattler wooden coaster, the Cliff Hanger drop ride and Downdraft-a thriller that will shoot you up and down while your feet dangle. The park also boasts a Kiddyland and Watermania water park.

You'll never go wrong spending a summer day at Coney Island, but the Empire State's most impressive theme park is the Great Escape near Queensbury. The Sasquatch roller coaster features both a 192-foot ascent and drop while the Steamin' Demon offers up more loops than you can imagine. The park also features plenty of family rides, an outdoor waterpark and a combination lodge/indoor waterpark.

Each summer, the crowds come from all around the Carolinas to let loose and get taken for rides at this theme park near Charlotte. The park boasts 14 rollercoasters, a list that includes the recent addition Copperhead Strike-the Carolinas' first double-launch coaster-and awesome accelerator Afterburn. In addition, the park is home to the state's best waterpark, a host of family rides and plenty of mouthwatering Carolina cuisine.

The largest indoor waterpark in the state, this climate-controlled oasis is located in Grand Forks at the Canad Inn Destination Centre and is beloved by hotel guests and locals alike. Highlights include the cannonball slide The Rarotonga, The Banda Sea slide pool and the East Australian Current lazy river.

The lakeside theme park in Sandusky is world famous for being the "roller coaster capital of the world" and there are 18 located here, with a little something for every type of coaster lover. Steel Vengence is the longest, tallest and fastest hybrid coaster on the planet, the Dragster hits 120 MPH and Valravn offers a massive, stomach-twisting drop. After you've hit the coasters, take to the beach or go for a cruise along the boardwalk.

Home to scores of rides and family attractions with a retro-cool Western theme, Frontier City is the place to go for theme park fun in Oklahoma City. Start off on the Wildcat wooden coaster, which offers a nostalgic-yet-thrilling experience before heading over to the Diamondback, a coaster that lets riders take on a large loop twice. The kids will want to head to Timber Town, where they will find rides just for them and those looking to cool down in summer should make for Wild West Water Works.

This timeless theme park has been putting smiles on the faces of Portlanders since 1905. Here, you'll find over 20 rides (everything from adrenaline-rushers to tame, family-friendly memory makers), vintage games of skill, miniature golf and a historic roller skating rink that has been rocking for well over 100 years.

Home to 70 attractions (including 15 rollercoasters that run the gamut from mild to wild) all kissed with a touch of Hershey magic, this theme park is truly one of America's most unique. Visit to decide for yourself what you like more: the thrill rides, the waterpark or the decadent chocolate treats you're destined to devour during your time here.

One of the grand dames of the amusement park game on the East Coast, Atlantic Beach Park has been making memories by the sea in Misquamicut since 1921. You're not going to find any of the tallest or fastest rides on the planet here, but where else can the kids go from riding on an authentic 1915 Herschell Spillman Carousel to playing on the beach in just a few minutes?

The only seaside amusement park in marvelous Myrtle Beach, Family Kingdom is home to nearly 40 attractions. The rides run the gamut from kid-pleasers to iconic and nostalgia-inducing wooden coasters like the Swamp Fox and thrilling new additions like the Twist 'n Shout steel roller coaster. All this and just a stone's throw from the sand and the rest of the Grand Strand delights.

Tucked away in the Black Hills-a short hop from Mount Rushmore-Rush Mountain offers a unique array of adrenaline rushes. Sail down a majestic hill on a gravity-powered mountain coaster that hits speeds of 35 MPH, explore the interior of Rushmore Cave, go mining for gemstones or feel the immersive thrills of the Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride.

The center of family fun in the Smokies, Dollywood is known around the world for its special mix of top-notch rides, foodie finds, down-home entertainment and cozy yet luxurious lodging. There's also a superb waterpark and an extensive roster of dinner shows.

Deciding where to start with the superlatives when it comes to Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is tricky, but we'll try. To begin with, Wonder Woman: Golden Lasso is the world's first single rail rollercoaster, Batman: The Ride was the world's first 4D "free-fly" coaster and Joker: Carnival of Chaos is a record-breaking pendulum ride. All of these title owners are in addition to scores of classic rides, excellent entertainment, a waterpark that features a Texas-shaped wave pool and scores of wonderful family rides.

They've been letting the good times roll at Salt Lake City's Lagoon for over 100 years and they show no sign of changing their tune. The star thrill ride on the roster is Cannibal, a rollercoaster that takes riders 200 feet up in the air before sending them into an underground tunnel at speeds of 70 MPH. That's only one example of the fun rides available here, a collection that also includes a classic wooden coaster, Rattlesnake Rapids water ride, Pioneer Village historical village and the Lagoon A Beach waterpark.

When the snow on the Green Mountains begins to melt away and the sun starts warming up the days, that's the time when Smuggler's Notch shines. Each summer, this ski resort turns into a watery wonderland featuring 4 waterslides, 8 heated pools, 2 freshwater reservoirs and endless Vermont vacation memories.

This gorgeous theme park near Williamsburg has been awarded the title of "the most beautiful theme park in the world" multiple times and it won't take you long to understand why. Whether you admire the tropical flowers and exquisite landscaping from your seat on a thrill ride like The Pantheon-the world's fastest multi-launch coaster-or while on a gentle river cruise or the Busch Gardens Railway, that's up to you.

The Wild Waves experience can be best summed up by its crowd favorite ride Lumberjack Falls, where riders take a thrilling up and down adventure that ends with a steep plunge into a pool of water on this one-of-kind cruise. The Wild Thing and Klondike Gold Rusher are also firm favorites with the crowds.

From the second you see the vintage clown sign out front, you know you're in for a nostalgic day out at this family-favorite theme park in Huntington. Some of the 30 rides include the classic wooden coaster the Big Dipper, Rattler spin ride, Log Flume, Tilt-A-Whirl and a blast-from-the-past riding Haunted House attraction.

The Wisconsin Dells are synonymous with sensational waterparks and Mt. Olympus sits at the peak of the heap. The park actually features four theme parks in total (an indoor and outdoor waterpark in addition to an indoor and outdoor theme park), with highlights including Hades 360 rollercoaster-featuring the world's longest underground rollercoaster tunnel-the Cyclops wooden coaste and the brand new Medusa's Slidewheel-America's first rotating waterslide.

Relax inside Star Plunge's Vapor Cave-surrounded by steam from natural springs-before taking a spin on the Super Star 500-a slide that sends riders along with 2,400 gallons of water per minute cascading down a 500-foot-long tube. Then, head outside to explore the trails of the surrounding Hot Spring State Park.