Best Theme Parks in the World for Family & Kids

It doesn’t matter whether you are a solo traveller looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush or a family planning a joyous vacation filled with fun and magic for parents and children alike. We have just the thing for you with our list of the most incredible and exhilarating theme parks in the world. Whether you are planning a vacation to historic Europe or the mystic Middle East, you are sure to find some of the best theme park attractions in the world anywhere you go.

Hold your breath and prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey of thrill and adventure. We present to you a plethora of exciting water rides, hair-raising roller coasters and captivating attractions and rides. The attraction of these amusement parks go much beyond these rides, as it is their unique atmosphere that is their main attraction.

1. Walt Disney World

The biggest theme park in the world, this park is an experience of a lifetime for Disney fans. Located in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World is teeming with visitors throughout the year. It comprises 4 separate theme parks, which include Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Each of these parks has exciting shows, rides and attractions based on popular Disney stories and characters. It also has 2 exhilarating water parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. There are also several shops, restaurants and hotels, and you can easily spend a few days exploring this amusement park. The top attractions of this park are Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.

Tickets can be booked in advance to avoid long lines, and the Disney Genie Lightning Lane option is also available to skip the lines.

Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
Timing: Varies by season and day
Entry Fees (Approx.): $66-$119(1-day)
Famous Rides: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, etc

2. Universal Studios Osaka

This movie-themed amusement park in Osaka, Japan, is one of the top ten theme parks in the world. Visitors get the chance to experience Hollywood at its best up close. This amusement park features several movie-themed areas, of which Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park: The Ride and Hollywood Dream – The Ride are the top attractions. Visitors can also explore the various movie sets or watch live shows and entertainment, and the nightly parade and fireworks show. Several dining and shopping options are available, and if you get an Express Pass, you will have much shorter wait times.

Location: Osaka, Japan
Timing: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (approx.)
Entry Fees (Approx.): ¥8,600 – ¥9,900 (adults)
Famous Rides: Hollywood Dream, The Flying Dinosaur, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Minion Mayhem, etc.

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3. Europa Park

This European-themed amusement park is the largest theme park in Rust, Germany, with 15 themed areas, each depicting a different European country. The rides and shows of each area are based on the country which they represent. Some of the most impressive roller coasters and water rides in Europe can be found here. The Silver Star, Wodan – Timbur Coaster and the Blue Fire Megacoaster are the main attractions of this park. If you are looking for a truly immersive experience, you can stay at the park’s themed hotels.

Location: Rust, Germany
Timing: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (approx.)
Entry Fees (Approx.): €56-€76 (adults)
Famous Rides: Blue Fire Megacoaster, Silver Star, Arthur, Wodan Timbur Coaster, Euro-Mir, etc.

4. Cedar Point

Cedar Point, situated in Sandusky, Ohio, is a 364-acre amusement park on a Lake Erie peninsula. It started in 1870 and is the second-oldest amusement park in the US. The park is open from early May to Labour Day in September and then operates on weekends only until Halloween for Hallo Weekends.

If it’s sheer undiluted thrill and excitement you are looking for, where your heart is in your mouth, then Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, is the place to visit. One of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, this popular park boasts more than 70 rides, which include some of the fastest and tallest roller coasters in the world. It also has live shows, water rides and several dining and shopping options. The top attractions of this thrill-themed amusement park are Steel Vengeance, Maverick and Breakwater Pay.

Location: Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Timing: Varies by season and day
Entry Fees (Approx.): $45-$59.99 (1-day)
Famous Rides: Millennium Force, Maverick, Steel Vengeance, Top Thrill Dragster, Valravn, etc.

5. Port Aventura World

Known for its Mediterranean-inspired ambience, this popular amusement park is located in Salou, Spain. The park also includes a Polynesian and a Sesame Street area, along with myriad rides and attractions, as well as live shows and entertainment. It’s a good idea to stay at one of the resort’s 6 themed hotels and watch some of the daily shows and events. The most popular attractions are the Shambhala, Dragon Khan and Furius Baco.

Location: Salou, Catalonia, Spain
Timing: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (approx.)
Entry Fees (Approx.): €50 (adults)
Famous Rides: Shambhala, Dragon Khan, Furius Baco, Hurakan Condor, Tutuki Splash, etc.

6. Universal Studios Hollywood

Located in Universal City, California, this movie-themed amusement park has some of the best theme park attractions in the world. The magic of Hollywood can be experienced thanks to several movie-themed areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Walking Dead. Visitors can explore the various movie sets, enjoy The Simpsons Ride or venture on the Jurassic World roller coaster. Recently, the much-anticipated Super Nintendo World has opened here, too. The less adventurous have the option of watching live shows and entertainment. It also has several dining and shopping areas.

Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Timing: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Entry Fees (Approx.): $109-$229 (1-day)
Famous Rides: Jurassic World: The Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: The Ride, etc.

7. Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a charming historic theme park and offers a blend of classic and modern attractions. It has several themed areas which include a fairy tale-inspired area, a Chinese garden and a unique, world-famous wooden roller coaster. Visitors can watch live shows and entertainment and indulge in a variety of dining and shopping options. During the Christmas season, you can enjoy the popular Christmas market. The top attractions at this historic theme park are The Demon, The Roller Coaster and The Flying Trunk.

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Timing: Varies by season and day
Entry Fees (Approx.): DKK 130-140 (adults)
Famous Rides: The Roller Coaster, The Demon, The Flying Trunk, The Mine, etc.

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8. Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain is commonly known as Magic Mountain. It is an amusement park situated in Valencia, California. It covers an area of 209 acres (85 ha) and is located 35 miles (56 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The park was established on May 29, 1971, as a joint venture between the Newhall Land and Farming Company and Sea World Inc. Later in 1979, Six Flags acquired the park and incorporated “Six Flags” into its name.

Among the top ten theme parks in the world, this amusement park in Valencia, California, is packed with thrills and is known for its fascinating collection of over 19 roller coasters. It also has several shopping and dining options, live shows and entertainment. The top attractions at this park are Twisted Colossus, X2, Tatsu and Full Throttle.

Location: Valencia, California, USA
Timing: Varies by season and day
Entry Fees (Approx.): $62.99-$110(1-day)
Famous Rides: Twisted Colossus, X2, Full Throttle, Tatsu, Goliath, etc.

9. Efteling

On May 31, 1952, the park was established. It started as a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest, but over time, it transformed into a large theme park. Today, the Efteling Theme Park Resort consists of various sections, including the theme park (established in 1952), the four-star Efteling Hotel (established in 1992), the 18-hole golf course (established in 1995), Efteling Theatre (established in 2002), and accommodation parks such as Efteling Bosrijk (established in 2009) and Het Loonsche Land (established in 2017).

Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, is an extremely popular fairy tale-themed amusement park and offers a blend of classic fairy tales and more modern attractions. The rides and attractions are based on Dutch myths and legends, but also include thrilling roller coasters, water rides and live shows. Every night there’s a spectacular water and light show, Aquanura. Some of the most popular attractions are Baron 1898, Joris en de Draak and Droomvlucht.

Location: Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Timing: Varies by season and day
Entry Fees (Approx.): €40-€55 (adults)
Famous Rides: Baron 1898, Symbolica, Joris en de Draak, Python, Vogel Rok, etc.

10. Lotte World

This indoor amusement park in Seoul, South Korea, offers visitors a unique blend of indoor and outdoor attractions with over 40 rides. These include exhilarating roller coasters, a folk museum, an indoor aquarium, an indoor ice rink and a monorail that goes around the park. Lotte World also has a good variety of shops, restaurants, as well as a nightly parade and a water fountain show. The main attractions are the Flume Ride, Atlantis Adventure and French Revolution.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about some of the best theme parks in the world, and it will help in planning your next holiday. If you are travelling with children, you will invariably have to think of ways to keep them entertained, and these offer you the best theme park attractions in the world. There are a plethora of options ranging from fun aquatic parks to thrilling themed rides catering to all age groups.

Location: Seoul, South Korea
Timing: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (approx.)
Entry Fees (Approx.): ₩55,000 (adults)
Famous Rides: Atlantis Adventure, Gyro Drop, French Revolution, Comet Express, etc.

How EuroKids Plays a Role in Holistic Child Development

At EuroKids, we strongly believe that learning does not happen only within classroom walls. It extends to real-life experiences that spark curiosity, imagination, and joy. For families considering preschool admission, this approach means children get an environment that goes beyond books and worksheets. Just like theme parks encourage creativity, problem-solving, and emotional expression through immersive environments, EuroKids designs learning spaces that are playful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.

Through activity-based learning, storytelling, role play, and experiential activities, children at EuroKids learn to explore the world around them with confidence. Our curriculum focuses on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and social skills, ensuring children grow into enthusiastic learners who enjoy discovering new places, ideas, and experiences. Much like the excitement a child feels while exploring a theme park.

Conclusion

Theme parks across the world create unforgettable experiences, encourage imagination, and bring families closer together through shared joy and adventure . Whether it’s the magical charm of Disney, the cinematic brilliance of Universal Studios, or the fairy-tale allure of Efteling, these destinations cater to all age groups and interests, making them perfect for family vacations.

In the same way, early childhood education should be filled with wonder, exploration, and happiness. When children learn through play and joyful experiences, they build stronger emotional connections and develop a lifelong love for learning. By combining fun with meaningful engagement, both travel experiences and early education help shape confident, curious, and well-rounded individuals. Visit EuroKids for more such exciting blogs!

FAQs:

Q1. Are theme parks suitable for young children?

Yes, most major theme parks offer child-friendly rides, play zones, shows, and attractions specifically designed for young children and families.

Q2. Which theme parks are best for family vacations?

Parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Tivoli Gardens, and Lotte World are excellent choices for families as they offer attractions for both adults and children.

Q3. Do theme parks help in a child’s development?

Yes, theme parks encourage imagination, social interaction, problem-solving, and emotional expression through immersive and interactive experiences.

Q4. What should parents consider while visiting theme parks with kids?

Parents should consider age-appropriate rides, safety guidelines, rest areas, food options, and weather conditions while planning their visit.

Q5. How does EuroKids support experiential learning for children?

EuroKids incorporates play-based, experiential, and activity-oriented learning methods that help children explore concepts joyfully while developing cognitive, social, and emotional skills.