Best Amusement Parks for Families in 2017

Image: PHOTO: View from the Sky Ride at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. (photo via Flickr/Sam Howzit)
Image: PHOTO: View from the Sky Ride at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. (photo via Flickr/Sam Howzit)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Mon June 19, 2017

TripAdvisor's family travel site, Family Vacation Critic, has revealed its list of Best Amusement Parks for Families in 2017.

Family Vacation Critic named the best parks in the United States with a focus on the newest rides and attractions for every age group.

One of the parks generating the most buzz is Cedar Point in Ohio, which boasts a new 18-acre water park dubbed Cedar Point Shores that consists of 17 water attractions for all ages.

In Tennessee, the Dollywood theme park added a new 230-foot tall drop tower called Drop Line and a junior roller coaster named Whistle Punk Chaser for younger park visitors.

Tourists looking for other parks in the south should check out Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure in Florida, which boast new attractions including the Volcano Bay water park and the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon ride.

"Amusement parks are one of the most quintessential summertime activities for families," Family Vacation Critic editor-in-chief Lissa Poirot said in a statement. "But for those traveling with family members of various ages-including kids-at-heart-finding a park that caters to thrill-seekers and the younger set isn't always so easy. This list includes parks that successfully cater to both and those that also have exciting new features for the 2017 season."

[READMORE] READ MORE: AAA Report: How Many Families Will Vacation in 2017?[/READMORE]

As for travelers on the east coast, Hersheypark has added three drop towers for park guests to choose from-including Hershey's Tower (189-feet tall), Reese's Tower (131-feet tall) and Hershey's Kisses Tower (80-feet tall).

In addition, Kings Island in Ohio added a 3,265-foot long wooden coaster dubbed Mystic Timbers while Silver Dollar City in Missouri is throwing a food festival between July 31 and August 20 highlighting festival foods.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Puerto Vallarta: Mexico's Pacific ParadiseMonday, October 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most captivating beach destinations. Nestled between...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel Advisors webinar...
Watch Now!
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Puerto Vallarta: Mexico's Pacific ParadiseMonday, October 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most captivating beach destinations. Nestled between...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel Advisors webinar...