Looking to experience an injection of excitement and buzz? Discover our selection of the best theme parks in the world.
There’s no form of escapism quite like a theme park. Whether you’re discovering magical characters or enjoying the thrills of an exciting ride, theme parks offer a great day out for adults and children alike.
1 – Walt Disney World Resort
There’s a reason why they call Orlando Florida’s Disney resort a “world”. The mega-resort Walt Disney World features four marvelous parks to lose yourself in the wonderful world of Disney.
Magic Kingdom
They say fantasy becomes a reality at the Magic Kingdom, and who are we to argue? Mix it with Mickey Mouse and friends and then jump on thrilling rides, iconic like Space Mountain.
Epcot
Epcot is split into two sections: Future World, which features space-themed rides, and World Showcase, a place to discover the globe.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Feel the force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a range of Star Wars-based attractions, as well as other characters that include some of Disney’s most well known.
Animal Kingdom
Head to Animal Kingdom and encounter wild animals, fun jungle trails, high-speed rides and don’t miss a visit to Pandora – The World of Avatar!
2 – Europa Park
The largest theme park in Germany, Europa Park is located in Rust. Attractions include Pirates in Batavia, which is an electrifying underground boat ride experience.
3 – Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort has two parks in Anaheim, USA and is full of fun-filled Disney delights from Mickey, Mini and the crew.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park is the original home of Disney-themed lands. And it’s your chance to experience famous attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and Star Wars Galaxy Edge.
Disney California Adventure Park
Go on an adventure with live shows from the characters of Frozen and meet a range of Disney characters. Disney California Adventure Park has something for all ages, including the Avenger Camp — which is coming soon.
4 – Disneyland Paris
On the outskirts of Paris is where you will find the European version of Disneyland, one of the best theme parks in the world. There are two parks to explore: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.
Disneyland Park
Magical attractions and entertainment are on offer at Disneyland Park, including Sleeping Beauty Castle and Mickey’s Philharmagic. Experience a taste of Disney, euro style.
Walt Disney Studios Park
The magic of Disney really comes alive at Walt Disney Studios Park, where you can immerse yourself in the worlds of Disney and Pixar. From a 4D rat race to Ratatouille: The Adventure, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
5 – Universal Orlando Resort
One of the world’s most famous theme parks, the three parks at Universal Orlando Resort sees more than 10 million visitors per year.
Universal Studios Florida
Prepare to be amazed at adrenaline-filled attractions based on all your favourite TV shows and movies. Feel the highs and lows on Harry Potter, Transformers and The Simpsons-themed rides.
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure does just what it says on the tin: offer heart-racing rides. Go up high, dip down low and get soaked on thrilling rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure
Volcano Bay
Get ready to make a splash at Volcano Bay, where water meets lava. You’re guaranteed a great day of fun, whether you feel the thrills at Krakatau Aqua Coaster or take it easy at Waturi Beach.
6 – Carowinds
If you’re looking for world-class rollercoasters and exciting attractions, get yourself and the family down to Carowinds. Located on the state line between North and South Carolina, the park offers an exciting entertainment destination for guests of all ages.
7 – Hersheypark
Located in Pennsylvania, USA, Hersheypark is more than 100 years old and was originally built for employees of the Hershey chocolate company. The award-winning park has more than 70 rides and attractions to immerse yourself in.
8 – Cedar Point
Opened in the late 1800s, Cedar Point is one of the older US theme parks. Located in Ohio, it spans 364 acres and is known as the roller coaster capital of the world.
9 – Universal Studios Japan
There’s world-class entertainment on offer at Universal Studios Japan, where you can enjoy great rides like Flight of the Hippogriff. The Osaka-based theme park also features Spider-Man and Jurassic Park-themed attractions.
10 – Efteling
In Kaatsheuvel, you’ll find Efteling, Holland’s largest theme park which is also known as The World of Wonders. Attractions include adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters and spectacular park shows.
11 – Hong Kong Disneyland
If you’re on holiday in Hong Kong and looking for one of the best theme parks in the world, visit Disneyland Hong Kong. There are a bunch of exciting rides to experience, including the Jungle River Cruise and Tarzan’s Treehouse.
12 – SeaWorld Orlando
Embrace the aquatic life at SeaWorld Orlando with loads of exciting attractions. From rollercoasters to infinity falls, you’ll be sure to make a splash at SeaWorld Orlando.
13 – Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort brings the magic of Disney to Japan with two parks to explore. Make memories at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
Tokyo Disneyland
Embrace the world of Disney, no matter your age, and enjoy magical shows and exhilarating rides at Tokyo Disneyland. Well-known attractions include Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek and Star Tours.
Tokyo DisneySea
Are you ready for the sea life at Tokyo DisneySea? Make friends with Nemo on the SeaRider and go on a magical experience with 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
14 – Six Flags Magic Mountain
Originally named Magic Mountain, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a world-famous Californian theme park. There are themed areas to discover, including a DC Universe, which offers rides and attractions based on the likes of Batman and Superman.
15 – Ocean Park
Seek out thrills at Ocean Park and Ride the Arctic Blast or experience the Wild Twister and much more at one of Hong Kong’s favorite theme parks.
16 – Dollywood Parks & Resorts
You don’t need extreme sports to feel the rush at Dollywood Parks & Resorts. The amusement park features two award-winning parks where you can experience a host of exciting rides that will push your limits.
Theme Park
Enjoy festivals, events and attractions at the Theme Park. Rides include DropLine, which sees you plummet more than 20 stories. Are you brave enough for the drop?
Water Park
If the thrills and chills of the Theme Park aren’t enough, head to the Water Park and make a splash. Slide through the waters with rides such as Fire Tower Falls, a free-fall ride that propels people down slides while reaching heights of 70 feet.
17 – Alton Towers
Arguably the UK’s favorite theme parks, Alton Towers is the home of world-famous rides such as Oblivion, Nemesis and Galatea. You’ll need nerves of steel to ride them, mind.
18 – Puy du Fou
Puy du Fou is a historical theme park in Western France and was voted one of the best theme parks in the world. Go back to the medieval ages and immerse yourself in French history with a range of exciting shows like The Phantom Birds Dance.
19 – Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore brings a raft of movie and TV characters to life with exciting shows and thrilling rides. Highlights include Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle.
20 – Tivoli Gardens
Old meets new at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, an amusement park that first opened in 1843. It sits right in the center of the city and has a range of rides, games, musicals, gardens and major concerts. With its grand status, it’s no wonder Tivoli Gardens is considered one of the best theme parks in the world.
21 – Six Flags Great Adventure
Enjoy more Six Flags, this time in New Jersey, and go on a great adventure. Popular attractions include Batman: The Ride, Cyborg Cyber Spin and Skull Mountain.
22 – Shanghai Disneyland Park
Disney has some of the best theme parks in the world, no matter their location. Shanghai Disneyland Park adds to the excellent options with great rides like Roaring Rapids and Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue.
23 – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is home to Busch Gardens, a 335-acre African-themed animal park. Enjoy thrilling rides, discover more than 200 species of animals that are typically found in national parks, and watch spectacular shows.
24 – PortAventura
Enjoy sun, sea, and adrenaline in Spain with a trip to PortAventura. There are 43 rides to experience in total, including a catapult that flings you at 135km in just three seconds.
25 – Six Flags México
Six Flags Mexico brings all the fun with plenty of attractions. Enjoy a DC Superhero Themed area, as well as villages based on different countries and cultures.
26 – Gardaland
Gardaland is located in northeastern Italy and includes Gardaland Park, Gardaland Sea-Life, and Legoland Water Park. It’s owned by the Merlin Group and was first opened in 1975.
Gardaland Park
Feel the force on adrenaline-pumping rides like the Raptor and the Blue Tornado. Or jump on Oblivion and face the black hole.
Gardaland Sea-Life
Discover the aquarium at Sea-Life with its 13 themed areas which display 5,000 examples of 100 different species. Embark on a water-led interactive journey at one of the best theme parks in the world.
Legoland Water Park
Build your way to fun at Legoland Water Park, where you can slide and splash about until your heart’s contempt. Dive into Lego bricks and enjoy interactive water games.
27 – Lotte World
You will find the world’s largest indoor theme parks at Lotte World in Seoul, South Korea. There’s also an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island and an artificial island to explore.
28 – Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia will take you a bending and winding ride across 293 acres of theme park. Feel the highs and lows of roller coasters with thrill rides like the Great American Scream Machine
29 – Ferrari World
Put the pedal to the metal at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. Find out what it’s like to be a Scuderia Ferrari driver with thrilling rides and roller coasters. Get ready for the G-Force!
30 – Kings Island
Head to Ohio, USA and discover the fun at Kings Island. This 364-acre amusement park has been going strong since the seventies and features Banshee, a 4,124-foot long coaster.
31 – Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
A combination theme and water park, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is located in Indiana, USA. Rides include The Voyage, which will have you screaming to the max.
32 – Ferrari Land
Get ready and accelerate to another Ferrari Land, this time in Tarragona, Spain. There’s an interactive gallery with all things Ferrari, but what you really came for is the heart-racing attractions like Free Fall Tower.
33 – Warner Bros. Movie World
Situated on the Goldcoast of Australia, Warner Bros. Movie World is a theme park centered around your favorite movie characters. Rides include the Batwing Spaceshot, which sees you shoot 60 meters sky high.
34 – Nagashima Spa Land
Nagashima Spa Land is located in Japan and features thrilling rides, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a water park. Steel Dragon 2000 is the main attraction — it’s the longest roller coaster in the world.
35 – Paultons Park
If you’re looking for a family-themed day out, head to Paultons Park in the UK. There are 70 rides to try, including Peppa Pig World, which is based on the popular children’s cartoon.
36 – Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
Situated in Zhuhai, China, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is a popular theme park that features a range of rides. Go on the Parrot Coaster and see if you can handle the third tallest roller coaster in the world.
37 – Blackpool Pleasure Beach
One of the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been a staple of Blackpool since the late 1900s. Experience the thrills on the Big One, which was once the largest roller coaster in the world.
38 – Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a 138-acre animal theme park in California. It’s famous for rides like The Joker, which is based on the notorious Batman villain.
39 – Astérix Park
Based on the popular comic book series Asterix and voted as one of the best theme parks in the world, Asterix Park offers plenty of thrills and chills. Rides are themed on the legendary characters like Obelix and hit speeds of up to 90km per hour. Clearly
40 – Phantasialand
Brühl in Germany is the home to Phantasialand, a theme park with 13 exciting rides. Try the Black Mamba roller coaster and reach heights of 85 feet.
41 – Sunway Lagoon
Sunway Lagoon is a popular amusement park in Selangor, Malaysia. There’s a theme park, water park, wildlife park, scream park and a Nickelodeon park for the little ones.
42 – Knott’s Berry Farm
Sometimes the smaller parks end up being some of the best theme parks in the world. That’s certainly true of Knott’s Berry Farm in California, which has around 40 fun rides to discover.
43 – Universal Studios Hollywood
Head to La-La Land for Universal Studios Hollywood, a movie-themed amusement park with thrilling rides. Top attractions include Fast & Furious Supercharged and Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey.
44 – Heide Park Resort
The largest amusement park in Northern Germany, Heide Park Resort features plenty of exciting rides. Get wet on Krake, experience the G-force on Flight of Demons and feel your stomach churn on the Gyro Drop Tower.
45 – Prater
You will find Prater located in Leopoldstadt, the second district of Vienna in Austria. It first opened to the public back in 1766 and features roller coasters like Megablitz and Super 8 Bhan.
46 – Legoland Windsor Resort
The UK’s version of Legoland feels like it has an element of royalty, so close is it to Windsor Castle. A trip here is a fun family day out with rides and an impressive miniature recreation of some of the world’s most famous landmarks.
47 – Thorpe Park Resort
One of the closest theme parks to London, Thorpe Park has a range of thrilling rides that will leave you breathless. Stealth goes from 0 to 128km in just 1.9 seconds.
48 – Gröna Lund
Gröna Lund, otherwise known as Gronan, is a theme park in Stockholm. Its city center location means it’s smaller than your average theme park, but there are still fun rides to enjoy, like the Insane roller coaster.
49 – Futuroscope
Futuroscope is a French theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic and audio-visual techniques. Enjoy 3D and 4D shows, along with regular attractions.
50 – Beto Carrero World
Beto Carrero World is located in Penha, Brazil, and is considered to be one of the signature amusement parks in the state of Santa Catarina. Rides and attractions include 4D experiences and an animal world.
51 – Leolandia
You will find Leolandia in the province of Bergamo, Italy. It has a range of fun roller coasters, water rides, animals and miniature models of Italian landmarks.
52 – Movie Park Germany
Explore seven areas based on movies and tv shows at Movie Park. Located 50km north of Dusseldorf, attractions and rides are themed on Star Trek, Avatar, and Looney Tunes, to name a few.
53 – Ramoji Film City
Ramoji Film City is more about experiencing a theme-world of movies than it is thrilling rides. It’s certified as the largest studio complex in the world by The Guinness Book of Records and is spread across 1,666 acres.
54 – Djurs Sommerland
Djurs Sommerland is an amusement park located in Djursland, Denmark. There are seven roller coasters to try, with the fastest one reaching speeds of 90km per hour.
55 – Parque Warner Madrid
Located on the outskirts of Madrid, Parque Warner Madrid brings the world of Warner Bros. to Spain. Many rides are named after superheroes and villains like Superman, Batman and Lex Luthor.
56 – Legoland Deutschland Resort
Legoland Deutschland Resort in Germany has plenty of great Lego moments to offer. There are worlds to explore and rides to enjoy as you let your imagination run wild.
57 – Walibi Holland
Walibi Holland is situated in Biddinghuizen and offers plenty of rides and attractions. Jump on one of the roller coasters and feel the rush with speeds of almost 90km per hour.
58 – IMG Worlds of Adventure
In Dubai, you’ll find IMG Worlds of Adventure. The indoor amusement park was the first mega themed destination in Dubai and today features five zones of attractions, as well as live shows.
59 – Fårup Sommerland
Another popular Denmark theme park, Fårup Sommerland is one of Europe’s largest tourist attractions. You won’t be short of things to do with more than 60 rides to experience.
60 – Siam Park
Siam Park is located in the suburbs of Tenerife and is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe. There are plenty of rides where you can make a splash, including The Dragon, Tower of Power and Vulcano.
61 – Walibi Belgium
Formerly a Six Flags park, Walibi Belgium is located close to Brussels and features attractions for all ages. Thrill-seekers will love Buzzsaw, while those looking for something slightly more relaxed can enjoy a spot of go-karting.
62 – Nigloland
Set in the French county of l’Aube, Nigloland is one of the most visited theme parks in France after Disneyland Paris. There are six thrill rides and four water rides to enjoy.
63 – Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is around 25km from Toronto and was the first major theme park in Canada. Rides can be as relaxing as the antique carousel or as thrilling as Dragon Fyre, which climbs 78 feet.
64 – Energylandia
The largest amusement park in Poland, Energylandia features several exciting areas to discover. Take the kids to Fairytale Land, feel the thrills at Extreme Zone, and get soaked at Water Park.
65 – Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Chessington World of Adventures Resort is a great day out for the entire family. Go on safari and sample 40 rides and attractions at the nearest theme park to London.
66 – Plopsaland De Panne
Plopsaland De Panne is located near the Belgian coast and offers a range of fun things to do, from seeing animals to going on rides. The Anubis ride reaches 90km in just two seconds.
67 – Chimelong Paradise
Chimelong Paradise, located in Guangzhou, is the largest amusement park in China and features 10 Inversion Roller Coaster, only one of two roller coasters in the world with 10 inversions.
68 – VGP Universal Kingdom
What started as a park offering small rides evolved into a full-on amusement park. VGP Universal Kingdom is located in Chennai and has water rides, thrilling attractions and snow games.
69 – Isla Mágica
Set in Seville, Isla Mágica is a popular theme park with rides and water attractions. There’s also cinematic and live shows to enjoy at the park.
70 – Sundown Adventureland
Visit Sundown Adventureland in Nottinghamshire for a family-fun day out. The children’s theme park is full of rides and activities for the little ones, including the popular Rocky Mountain Railroad.
71 – Hansa-Park
A seasonal amusement park in Sierksdorf off the Baltic Sea, Hansa-Park spans 113 acres and features 125 attractions. Roller coasters include The Oath of Karnan, which reaches speeds of 127km per hour.
72 – Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Discover the World of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. A must-visit for Harry Potter fans, there are different events and attractions to enjoy throughout the year.
73 – Legoland Malaysia
Visit Legoland Malaysia and embrace the wonderful world of Lego. Legoland Malaysia is the country’s first international theme world and features fun attractions like Lego Kingdom.
74 – Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is one of San Antonio’s most popular attractions and features several pulsating rides. Do you have the nerve to ride Iron Rattler, which has a staggering 171-foot drop.
75 – Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland is located in Japan and is a theme park located near Mount Fuji. It opened in 1968 and has several famous roller coasters, such as 259-foot tall Fujiyama.
76 – La Ronde
An amusement park in Montreal, Quebec, La Ronde was initially built for the 1967 World Fair. Now operated by Six Flags, it’s the second-largest theme park in Canada and has plenty of rides and attractions, including Chaos, a seven-story loop roller coaster.
77 – Gold Reef City
South Africa’s Gold Reef City is located in Johannesburg and is home to some of the country’s biggest and fastest attractions. Each ride is given a fear factor rating, with Anaconda coming in the highest at 9/10.
78 – Aquaventure Waterpark
Slide through shark-filled lagoons and make a huge splash at Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai. It’s home to more than 30 rides and attractions, including The Leap of Faith, which sees you plunge from nine storeys high. Aquaventure Waterpark is included in the 100 most fun things to do in Dubai!
79 – Wonderla Bangalore
Wonderla Bangalore in Bengaluru, India really does have it all. Enjoy thrilling rides on the roller coasters, reach the highs on a Ferris wheel, get soaked with water rides, and experience virtual reality.
80 – Legoland Billund Resort
Embrace your love of Lego at Legoland Billund Resort in Denmark. The original lego park, Legoland Billund Resort is also located next to the first-ever factory which produced the iconic toys.
81 – Leofoo Village Theme Park
The Leofoo Village is a theme park and safari located in Taiwan. There are three roller coasters to experience, including Screaming Condor, and inverted shuttle coaster.
82 – Enchanted Kingdom
Experience a magical time at the Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines. There are shows to enjoy, a 7D motion interactive theatre and heart-stopping roller coasters.
83 – Legoland Japan Resort
Indulge in the world of lego at the Legoland Japan Resort, the first-ever Legoland theme park in Japan. More than two million people pass through its doors to enjoy Lego Factory, Miniland, Knight’s Kingdom and much more.
84 – Fantawild Adventure Wuhu
In the Anhui Province of China is where you’ll find Fantawild Adventure Wuhu, the country’s largest theme park. It’s more than 3,000 acres and contains 15 zones of fun, excitement and thrills.
85 – Bakken
The Danish certainly know how to do theme parks and can lay claim to having the world’s first. Bakken opened in 1583, which makes it the oldest amusement park in the world.
86 – Imagicaa
Imagicaa is a theme park located in Khopoli, India and spans more than 130 acres. There are three parts to the park — a theme area, water park and snow park — and indoor and outdoor rides to enjoy.
87 – Seoul Land
Enjoy more than 40 rides at Seoul Land, which is located in Seoul, South Korea’s capital. Attractions include World Plaza, Adventure Land, Fantasy Land, Tomorrow Land, and Samchulli Hill, which translates to “thousand-mile hill”.
88 – Dreamworld
You’ll find a place of dreams at Dreamworld on the Australian Gold Coast. The theme park and zoo is Australia’s biggest amusement park with more than 40 rides and attractions to enjoy.
89 – Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens is themed around various European countries and is well known for its roller coasters, such as Griffon, Loch, Alpengeist, and Ness Monster. The park is located in Virginia, USA.
90 – Sea World
Discover a mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park at Sea World in Australia’s Gold Coast. There are thrilling rides to experiences, as well as animal exhibits and fun family attractions.
91 – Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America is Chicago’s quintessential theme park. It features 17 roller coasters, 9 themed areas, and a 20-acre water park called Hurricane Harbour. Are you ready for the thrills and chills on land and water?
92 – Liseberg
Liseberg is the most-visited amusement park in Sweden and first opened in 1923. There’s a range of thrill rides at the Gotberg-based park, including Aero Spin, AtmosFear and Helix. Families can enjoy lighter attractions, such as the Juke Box.
93 – Everland
Located in Yongin, South Korea, Everland is the country’s largest theme park. Visit the themed areas, such as Zootopia, Magic Land and European Adventure, which has a Mystery Mansion where you can shoot at ghosts.
94 – Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City is an 1800s-themed park that’s located off Missouri Route 76. There are seven exciting roller coasters, including Fire in the Hole, the primary park attraction.
95 – SeaWorld San Diego
An animal theme park, oceanarium, outside aquarium and marine mammal park, SeaWorld San Diego is the place to go for water lovers. Roller coasters include Electric Eel, which stands at 150 feet tall.
96 – Kings Dominion
There are more than 60 rides to experience at Kings Dominion, a theme park located in Doswell, Virginia, USA. Visitors can also enjoy shows and attractions, such as live music and dance performances.
97 – Happy Valley Beijing
Happy Valley Beijing was designed with distinctive landscapes in mind, with rides focusing on different themes. There are more than 40 rides altogether, 10 of which are extreme thrill rides. There’s also an IMAX theatre withs seven screens, and a shopping complex.
That’s our pick for the 100 best theme parks in the world. From thills to family days’ out, there’s something for everyone in our selections.
98 – EsselWorld
EsselWorld is India’s largest theme park and features several thrill rides, as well as fun things to do for all the family. Get wet on water-themed rides like Shot-N-Drop and feel the G-Force with Zyclone.
99 – Six Flags New England
The oldest amusement park in the Six Flags Chain, Six Flags New England is still one of the best theme parks in the world. One of the most exciting thrill rides includes Catwoman Whip, which is based on the Catwoman character.
100 – Tibidabo Amusement Park
Located in the Collserola Ridge in Barcelona, Tibidabo Amusement Park is more than 100 years old. It’s Spain’s oldest amusement park and features 1928 Avió airplane ride, a single-car carousel that gives the impression of flight above the city.
We hope you enjoyed our selection of the best theme parks in the world. Is your top choice on the list? Tell us about your favorite theme park in the comments below. 🙂