Best Amusement Parks for Families in 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.

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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.”

READ MORE: AAA Report: How Many Families Will Vacation in 2017?

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.

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